The Pahrump Valley High School Cross Country team kicked off their 2025 season under the lights at the Thompson Twilight, held Saturday, August 16, at Mission Hills Park. The event, known for its nighttime atmosphere and competitive field, proved to be a strong start for the Trojans as several athletes earned medals and posted impressive times.
In the boys’ open two-mile race, the Trojans showed depth across the board. Sam Grabbe led the way for the team, placing 18th overall with a time of 13:56. He was closely followed by Kris Trejo, who finished 20th overall in 14:17. Also representing the Trojans were Akim Khan with a time of 16:07, Ace Blumer at 17:42, and Evan Risk at 17:51.
The girls’ open two-mile race saw standout performances as well, with Addi Nelsen pacing the Trojans and finishing 10th overall in 16:03, earning a medal for her efforts. She was joined by teammates Ella Odegard, who crossed the line in 19:04, Kimberly Trejo in 19:20, and Lynette Doty in 25:13.
In the boys’ three-mile relay, the trio of Kelden Frederikson, Mozes Quinonez, and Isaiah Veloz carried the Trojan banner in a competitive field.
The varsity races brought even more highlights. In the boys’ three-mile varsity division, the Trojans placed multiple athletes in the top 25, with seven runners medaling. Josh Gent led the charge, finishing fifth overall in 17:54, followed closely by Joaquin Flores in eighth with a time of 18:05. Timmy Stutzman secured 13th in 18:21, while Logan Tilley placed 19th in 18:51. Daniel Thompson and Josh Flores ran nearly stride-for-stride, finishing 21st and 22nd with times of 18:57 and 18:58, respectively. Aydon Veloz was close behind in 19:34, followed by Ben De Santiago in 19:38. Noah Flores rounded out the varsity lineup with a time of 23:01. Gent, Flores, Stutzman, Tilley, Thompson, Josh Flores, and Veloz all earned medals, giving the boys’ team a strong early-season statement.
On the girls’ side, the varsity three-mile race brought more success. Kaylan Robinson led the Trojans, finishing ninth overall with a time of 22:30. She was followed by Savannah Thompson, who claimed 13th in 23:09. Rounding out the varsity effort, Alexis Clouser clocked in at 24:36 for 22nd place, Rosie Miller finished in 25:07, and Keelee Gieni closed out the group at 27:43. Robinson and Thompson’s top-15 finishes highlighted a promising start for the girls’ squad, with Robinson, Thompson, Clouser and Miller medaling.
Head Coach Erik Odegard praised the team’s performance, noting both the experienced runners and new faces exceeded expectations. “The races on Saturday went great. There were a few pleasant surprises on our team with Josh Gent finishing first for us with a time under 18:00, and top 8 boys all ran under 19:40,” he said. “Joaquin Flores paced the Trojans most of the race up with the top 5. As expected, Aydon Veloz and Ben De Santiago were competitive all the way to the finish line.”
Odegard also highlighted the girls’ efforts despite some early challenges. “The girls were led by newcomer Kaylan Robinson finishing her first XC race in the top 10. Savannah Thompson worked hard the entire race. The girls are fighting some early season injuries but the season looks bright for all of the girls.”
Looking ahead, Odegard emphasized the importance of the experience gained by the team’s newest runners. “We have so many new and young runners that got their first taste of a high school race and they exceeded expectations,” he said.
With a mix of seasoned talent and promising newcomers, the Trojans’ season opener at the Thompson Twilight set an encouraging tone for the year ahead.
