Pima coach Armando Quiroz had five of his players recognized regionally and nationally. Andy Morales Photo.

NJCAA Division I All-American

Yvette Alvarez: Pima (Sahuarita)

2013 NFCA NJCAA Division I All-West Region

FIRST TEAM
Yvette Alvarez: Pima (Sahuarita)
Aubre Carpenter: Pima (Sabino)
Cynthia Pelayo: Pima (Vision)
Gemma Contreras: Pima (Salpointe)

SECOND TEAM
Alejandra Ortiz: Pima (Tucson High)

Wayne Newman. Family Photo.

State Individual Champions
3: Wayne Newman: San Manuel
2: Andrew Garcia: Canyon del Oro
1: Ben Miller: Willcox

Relay Champions
4×800 Meter Relay Division II
Catalina Foothills (Reagan Glynn, Liam Ahlers, Vetle Bergmann, Emilio Vasquez)
4×800 Meter Relay Division III
Rio Rico (Lee Jones, Ben Noriega, Braulio Lopez, Carlos Villareal)

ALL-SOUTHERN ARIZONA

All-Southern Arizona Athlete of the Year
Wayne Newman, San Manuel

D-I/D-II Athletes of the Year
Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro
Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic

D-I/D-II Coach of the Year
Janet Harvey, Tucson High

D-III/D-IV Athlete of the Year
Wayne Newman, San Manuel

D-III/D-IV Coach of the Year
Maria Lopez, San Manuel

100 Meters
1: Bryant James, Tombstone (Runner-Up)
2: Alfred Goodwin, Buena
3: Aric Howard, Sahuarita (3rd Place)

200 Meters
1: Aric Howard, Sahuarita (Runner-Up)
1: Bryant James, Tombstone
2: Michael Thomas, Catalina
3: KJ McGhee, Rincon/University

400 Meters
1: Denzel Woods, Pueblo (Runner-Up)
2: Tyler Berson, Ironwood Ridge (3rd Place)
3: Damian Mitchell, Safford

800 Meters
1: Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic
2: Ryan Silva, Rincon/University
3: Denzel Woods, Pueblo (3rd Place)

1600 Meters
1: Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro (Champion)
1: Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic
2: Kyle Cajero, Pusch Ridge Christian (Runner-Up)
2: Ryan Silva, Rincon/University
3: Ben Noriega: Rio Rico (3rd Place)

3200 Meters
1: Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro (Champion)
1: Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic
2: Ryan Silva, Rincon/University (3rd Place)
2: Zach Alderete: St Augustine Catholic (Runner-Up)
3: Ben Noriega, Rio Rico

110 Hurdles
1: Wayne Newman, San Manuel (Champion)
2: Cole Sterns, Sahuaro (Runner-Up)
2: Jacob Romitti, Cienega
3: Satchel Burton, Flowing Wells (3rd Place)

300 Hurdles
1: Wayne Newman, San Manuel (Champion)
2: David Baxter, Salpointe Catholic (Runner-Up)
3: Anthony Burley, Sahuaro

4×100 Relay
1: Cienega: Jacob Romitti, Christian Poe, Blake Buzynski, Austin Alexander
2: Marana: Connor Ensign, Ben Honea, Reece La Faye, Devin Samorano
3: Buena: Alfred Goodwin, Dominique Drake, TJ Palmore, Jon Samuel

4×400 Relay
1: Safford: Jordan Davis, Tyler Polanco, Paris Lopez, Damian Mitchell
2: Nogales: Andres Clement, David Figueroa, Freddie McCarty, Andres Serrano
3: Ironwood Ridge: Tyler Berson, Steven Dominguez, Brandon McKay, Jake Vartanian

4×800 Relay
1: Catalina Foothills: Liam Ahlers, Reagan Glynn, Vetle Bergmann, Emilio Vasquez (Champion)
1: Rio Rico: Lee Jones, Ben Noriega, Braulio Lopez, Carlos Villareal (Champion)
1: Mountain View: Brandon Cruz, Jacob Boubion, Lance Pedersen, Josh Fleetwood
2: Buena: Josh Velasquez, Ammon Sieler, Mark Egan, Cimeron Madrid
3: Rincon/University: Ahmed Mohamed, Brandon Dorr, Mohamed Adan, Ryan Silva

Shot Put
1: Alexander Wellington, Tucson High
2: Joshua Denton, Buena
3: Garrett Kohnke, Sahuaro (3rd Place)

Discus
1: Alexander Wellington, Tucson High
2: Garrett Kohnke, Sahuaro (3rd Place)
3: Ben Miller, Willcox (Champion)

High Jump
1: Quinton Anzalone, Tucson High
1: Justice Somerset, Mountain View (Runner-Up)
2: Nick Orr, Thatcher (Runner-Up)
2: Christian Poe, Cienega
2: Obang Odol, Canyon Del Oro
3: Aaron Fox, Safford

Pole Vault
1: Ben Atwell, Sabino (Runner-Up)
1: Jacob Manuel, Benson (Runner-Up)
2: Misha Velgos, Tucson High
3: Mark Crawford, Ironwood Ridge

Long Jump
1: Wayne Newman, San Manuel (Champion)
2: Cole Sterns, Sahuaro (Runner-Up)
2: Levi Wallace, Tucson High
3: Ben Sims, Buena

Triple Jump
1: Ben Sims, Buena (3rd Place)
2: Christian Chaira, Sahuaro
3: Christian Poe, Cienega

ALL-DIVISION I

Athlete of the Year
Ryan Silva, Rincon/University

Coach of the Year
Janet Harvey, Tucson High

100 Meters
Alfred Goodwin, Buena
Levi Wallace, Tucson High
Devin Samorano, Marana

200 Meters
KJ McGhee, Rincon/University
Ben Honea, Marana
Levi Wallace, Tucson High

400 Meters
Brandon Cruz, Mountain View
Blake Buzynski, Cienega
Neil Davis, Rincon University

800 Meters
Ryan Silva, Rincon/University
Ahmed Mohamed, Rincon/University
Brandon Cruz, Mountain View

1600 Meters
Ryan Silva, Rincon/University
Jacob Boubion, Mountain View
Brandon Dorr, Rincon/University

3200 Meters
Ryan Silva, Rincon/University
Jacob Boubion, Mountain View
Brandon Dorr, Rincon/University

110 Hurdles
Jacob Romitti, Cienega
Neil Kimberlin, Cienega
Grafton Blue, Buena

300 Hurdles
Ben Honea, Marana
Grafton Blue, Buena
Jacob Romitti, Cienega

4×100 Relay
Cienega: Jacob Romitti, Christian Poe, Blake Buzynski, Austin Alexander
Marana: Connor Ensign, Ben Honea, Reece La Faye, Devin Samorano
Buena: Alfred Goodwin, Dominique Drake, TJ Palmore, Jon Samuel

4×400 Relay
Rincon/University: Neil Davis, Ahmed Mohamed, Cliff Ondiego, Ryan Silva
Marana: Eric Huerta, Connor Ensign, Reece La Faye, Jon Ross
Buena: Reise Way, Grafton Blue, Adarius Blake, TJ Palmore

4×800 Relay
Mountain View: Brandon Cruz, Jacob Boubion, Lance Pedersen, Josh Fleetwood
Buena: Josh Velasquez, Ammon Sieler, Mark Egan, Cimeron Madrid
Rincon/University: Ahmed Mohamed, Brandon Dorr, Mohamed Adan, Ryan Silva

Shot Put
Alexander Wellington, Tucson High
Joshua Denton, Buena
Andres Castro, Tucson High

Discus
Alexander Wellington, Tucson High
Peter Akerele-Ale, Rincon/University
Ben Honea, Marana

High Jump
Quinton Anzalone, Tucson High
Justice Somerset, Mountain View
Christian Poe, Cienega
Dakota Saska, Buena
Francisco Betancourt, Sunnyside

Pole Vault
Misha Velgos, Tucson High
Ben Honea, Marana
Sam Cullinan, Cienega

Long Jump
Levi Wallace, Tucson High
Ben Sims, Buena
Christian Poe, Cienega

Triple Jump
Ben Sims, Buena
Christian Poe, Cienega
Adarius Blake, Buena

ALL-DIVISION II

Athletes of the Year
Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro
Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic

Coach of the Year
Rick Glider, Canyon del Oro

100 Meters
Aric Howard, Sahuarita
Cole Sterns, Sahuaro
Jake Vartanian, Ironwood Ridge

200 Meters
Aric Howard, Sahuarita
Tyler Berson, Ironwood Ridge
Denzel Woods, Pueblo

400 Meters
Denzel Woods, Pueblo
Tyler Berson, Ironwood Ridge
David Figueroa, Nogales

800 Meters
Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic
Denzel Woods, Pueblo
Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro

1600 Meters
Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro
Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic
Emilio Vasquez, Catalina Foothills
Brandon McKay, Ironwood Ridge

3200 Meters
Andrew Garcia, Canyon Del Oro
Andy Trouard, Salpointe Catholic
Brandon McKay, Ironwood Ridge
Emilio Vasquez, Catalina Foothills

110 Hurdles
Cole Sterns, Sahuaro
Satchel Burton, Flowing Wells
Michael Penna , Flowing Wells

300 Hurdles
David Baxter, Salpointe Catholic
Anthony Burley, Sahuaro
Jake Vartanian , Ironwood Ridge

4×100 Relay
Sahuaro: Qwauandre Yancy, Samuel Anyaeji, Brian Jacobs, Jose Ruiz
Catalina Foothills: Demarques Wilson, Evan Hopley, Kameron Neal, Tommy Ciaccio
Flowing Wells: Satchel Burton, Cody DeCicco, Dionte Flores, Wesley Pritchett

4×400 Relay
Nogales: Andres Clement, David Figueroa, Freddie McCarty, Andres Serrano
Ironwood Ridge: Tyler Berson, Steven Dominguez, Brandon McKay, Jake Vartanian
Sahuaro: Anthony Burley, Trej Bell, Jose Ruiz, Cole Sterns

4×800 Relay
Catalina Foothills: Liam Ahlers, Reagan Glynn, Vetle Bergmann, Emilio Vasquez
Sahuarita: Xavier Martinez, Aaron Gaecke, Marcus Morales, Sam Mitchell
Salpointe: Nathan Thomas, Jeffrey Gautreau, Alberto Hernandez, Andy Trouard

Shot Put
Garrett Kohnke, Sahuaro
Jonathan Metz, Canyon Del Oro
Aubrey Littleton, Sahuaro

Discus
Garrett Kohnke, Sahuaro
Javier Castillo, Nogales
Aubrey Littleton, Sahuaro

High Jump
Obang Odol, Canyon Del Oro
Anthony Burley, Sahuaro
Alfonso Murrieta, Nogales
Trej Bell, Sahuaro
Tyler Berson, Ironwood Ridge
Isaiah Kong Delgado, Canyon Del Oro

Pole Vault
Mark Crawford, Ironwood Ridge
Justin Murphy, Salpointe Catholic
Luke Goodridge, Ironwood Ridge

Long Jump
Cole Sterns, Sahuaro
Christian Chaira, Sahuaro
Wesley Pritchett, Flowing Wells
Walker Padilla, Canyon Del Oro

Triple Jump
Christian Chaira, Sahuaro
Bryant Eaves, Sahuarita
Danny Harmon, Salpointe Catholic

ALL-DIVISION III

Athlete of the Year
Ben Noriega, Rio Rico

Coach of the Year
Luis Blanco, Rio Rico

100 Meters
Alex Turner, Sabino
Michael Thomas, Catalina
Cameron Smith, Empire
DeMarco Grayson, Catalina

200 Meters
Michael Thomas, Catalina
Damian Mitchell, Safford
Jarret Corkill, Sabino

400 Meters
Damian Mitchell, Safford
Michael Thomas, Catalina
Andrew Getman, Sabino

800 Meters
Braulio Lopez, Rio Rico
Carlos Villareal, Rio Rico
Amanuel Logo, Catalina

1600 Meters
Ben Noriega, Rio Rico
Lee Jones, Rio Rico
Oscar Amaya, Rio Rico

3200 Meters
Ben Noriega, Rio Rico
Lee Jones, Rio Rico
Robert Contreras, Rio Rico

110 Hurdles
Sean Battle, Sabino
Jordan Davis, Safford
Rafael Carrillo, Douglas
Victor Cazares, Rio Rico

300 Hurdles
Jordan Davis, Safford
Liam McFadden, Empire
Sean Battle, Sabino

4×100 Relay
Empire: Josh Chinn, James Fagan, James Gretta, Cameron Smith
Sabino: Alex Turner, Aaron McBrayer, Zachary Joseph, Jarret Corkill
Catalina: Michael Thomas, Benjamin Gbora, DeMarco Grayson, Lorenzo Crowder

4×400 Relay
Safford: Jordan Davis, Tyler Polanco, Paris Lopez, Damian Mitchell
Empire: Cameron Smith, James Gretta, Liam McFadden, Kevin Roche
Rio Rico: Carlos Villareal, Harold Palma, Aaron Fanning, Braulio Lopez

4×800 Relay
Rio Rico: Lee Jones, Ben Noriega, Braulio Lopez, Carlos Villarea (Best Time)
Safford: Jordan Davis, Wesley Davis, Tyson Martindell, Tyler Polanco
Catalina: Pablo Acuna, Pablo Lemas, Jesus Gomez, Amanuel Logo

Shot Put
Conner Allen, Safford
Andrew Guimond, Empire
Will Crandall, Catalina

Discus
Joseph Torrio, Safford
Benito Zapata, Rio Rico
Will Crandall, Catalina

High Jump
Aaron Fox, Safford
Sean Battle, Sabino
Rozario Martinez, Palo Verde
Rob Figueroa, Empire
Dan Gastellum, Rio Rico

Pole Vault
Ben Atwell, Sabino
Hyrum Earl, Safford
Nikolas Syson, Douglas

Long Jump
James Maki, Sabino
Alan Leyva, Douglas
Albert Green, Sabino

Triple Jump
Rob Figueroa, Empire
Aaron Fox, Safford
Oscar Cruz, Douglas

ALL-DIVISION IV

Athlete of the Year
Wayne Newman, San Manuel

Coach of the Year
Maria Lopez, San Manuel

100 Meters
Bryant James, Tombstone
Wayne Newman, San Manuel
Lukas Barker, Pusch Ridge Christian

200 Meters
Bryant James, Tombstone (Best Time)
Josh Galvan, St Augustine Catholic
Will Boberg, Tombstone

400 Meters
Bryant James, Tombstone
Will Boberg, Tombstone
Kyle Cajero, Pusch Ridge Christian

800 Meters
Kyle Cajero, Pusch Ridge Christian
Zach Alderete, St. Augustine Catholic
Josh Tvrdy, Pusch Ridge Christian

1600 Meters
Kyle Cajero, Pusch Ridge Christian
Zach Alderete, St. Augustine Catholic
Josh Tvrdy, Pusch Ridge Christian

3200 Meters
Zach Alderete, St. Augustine Catholic
Wally Hensley, Pusch Ridge Christian
Mati DeSpain, Thatcher

110 Hurdles
Wayne Newman, San Manuel (Best Time)
David Coleman, Benson
Garet Kartchner, Thatcher

300 Hurdles
Wayne Newman, San Manuel (Best Time)
Nate Goodman, Immaculate Heart
Garet Kartchner, Thatcher

4×100 Relay
Tombstone: Darius Fagin, Will Boberg, Dontae Otey, Bryant James
Pusch Ridge: Josh Carollo, Zach Alexander, Lukas Barker, Conner Reilly
Benson: Jordan Roller, Tyler Guilliams, Jacob Manuel, Andrew Guilliams

4×400 Relay
Pusch Ridge: Lukas Barker, Noah Bergeron, Kyle Cajero, Conner Reilly
Benson: Andrew Guilliams, Dylan Bernal, David Coleman, Liam Spinney
Thatcher: Garet Kartchner, Nick Orr, Mason Mortensen, Jacob Stiles-Culver

4×800 Relay
Pusch Ridge: Josh Tvrdy, Kyle Cajero, Wally Hensley, Aaron Tvrdy
St. Augustine: Zach Alderete, Anton Ebernol, Alejandro Olmedo, RJ Schlagel
Bisbee: Tony Chavez, Rey Chavez, Martin Morales, Jacob Stewart

Shot Put
Austin Suarez, Bisbee
CJ Putnam, Tombstone
Ben Miller, Willcox

Discus
Ben Miller, Willcox (Best Mark)
CJ Putnam, Tombstone
Cameron Lewis, Tombstone

High Jump
Nick Orr, Thatcher
Wayne Newman, San Manuel
Jacob Manuel, Benson
Dalton Fancher, Benson
Jordan Roller, Benson

Pole Vault
Jacob Manuel, Benson
Dallas Dastrup, Benson
Andrew Lee, Benson
Josiah Lindsay, Benson

Long Jump
Wayne Newman, San Manuel
Michael Shew, Desert Christian
Stephen Hayden, Pusch Ridge Christian

Triple Jump
Stephen Hayden, Pusch Ridge Christian
Jesse Whetten, Thatcher
Josh Carollo, Pusch Ridge Christian

2013 Girls Track & Field All-Stars

Southern Arizona selections.

DIVISION I

Sunday, June 2: Surprise Stadium: 4 pm

North Roster
Darick Hall: Buena: 1B
Emilio Melendez: Tucson: 2B
Alex Robles: Tucson: P

DIVISION II

Sunday, June 2: Surprise Stadium: 7 pm

South Roster
Coach: Stephan Ambuehl (Canyon del Oro)
Frankie Silva: Sahuaro: 3B
Marcel Renteria: Nogales: 2B
Chris Kucko: Sahuarita: 3B
Nathan Snow: Palo Verde: 3B
Jake Matthews: Ironwood Ridge: SS
Devin Harrison: Ironwood Ridge: OF
Jared Dubois: Canyon del Oro: OF
Ty Pennington: Sabino: P
Thomas Bolen: Amphitheater: P
Ryan Bronson: Canyon del Oro: C
Gabriel Mata: Nogales: C
Oscar Castro: Amphitheater: C

DIVISION III

Saturday, June 1: Surprise Stadium: 4 pm

South Roster
Coach: Tom Beltner (Empire High School)
Cade Campbell: Bisbee: 3B
Frank Palma: Safford: SS
Ryan Stewart: Empire: SS
Joe Smith: Empire: OF
Andrew Ornelas: Safford: P
Colton Stokes: Empire: P

DIVISION IV

Saturday, June 1: Surprise Stadium: 7 pm

South Roster
Coach: Steve Elmore (San Manuel High School)
Luis Rojel: St. Augustine: 1B
Calvin Smith: Desert Christian: 1B
Demitrius Dietz: San Manuel: 1B
Trevor Jorg: Desert Christian: 2B
Shane Bradford: St. David: 2B
Myka Campbell: St. David: 3B
John Ruis: San Manuel: SS
Matt Granado: St. Augustine: OF
James Santa Sierre: Tanque Verde: OF
Cody Adams: Tanque Verde: OF
Donnie Perdue: Pusch Ridge Christian: P
Jonah Coldiron: Tanque Verde : C
TJ Brown: San Manuel: C

Daniel Bleyl. Army Athletics.

Former Ironwood Ridge champion swimmer Daniel Bleyl swam almost 400 yards to help save two stranded kayakers in the Hudson River Wednesday night.

Bleyl, a freshman cadet at West Point, along with fellow freshman cadet Sam Mo reportedly heard calls for help around 10 pm and both treaded water for about 20 minutes once they reached the stranded kayakers while a third freshman cadet, Pierre Archambeau went for help.

The West Point Military Police and Fire Department came to the rescue after being notified by Archambeau. All three cadets swim for Army.

Bleyl won a pair of state championships at The Ridge in the 100 Fly and 100 Back.

Kayla Henry. Andy Morales Photo.

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association is slowly releasing their list of All-Americans for the 2012-13 season. The All-Region teams for the NCAA D-I and D-II teams have been announced.

The All-American teams for both divisions will be released soon as will the recognitions for junior college and high schools. Only members of the NFCA can nominate and vote.

Although no official word has been placed on the NFCA website, Grand Canyon released a statement that former Canyon del Oro standout Kayla Henry has been named to the NCAA D-II Second Team.

NCAA DIVISION I

West Region First Team
Hallie Wilson, University of Arizona

West Region Second Team
Kayla Bonstrom, Stanford (Canyon del Oro)
Chelsea Goodacre, University of Arizona

NCAA DIVISION II

West Region First Team
Kayla Henry, Grand Canyon (Canyon del Oro)

Alyssa Thompson. Andy Morales Photo.

State Individual Champions
4: Alyssa Thompson: Salpointe Catholic (Two Best Times/Marks)
3: Michaela Crunkleton Wilson: Salpointe Catholic
2: Sarah Macdonald: Pusch Ridge
1: Briana Myers: Santa Rita
1: Jordan Abalos: Safford
1: Grecia Castillo: Douglas
1: Shea Cottrell: St. David
1: Elle Uldrich: Pusch Ridge
1: Stephanie Boulger: St. Gregory
1: Miranda Jackson: St. Augustine

Relay Champions
4×100 Meter Relay Division II
Sahuaro (Anyssa Dagnino, Nicole Fotinos, Jamie Holliday, Jasmine Simmons)
4×400 Meter Relay Division II
Sahuarita (Yasheika Beckaroo, Emily Bliven, Taylor McClelland, Melissa Williams)

Team Champions
Salpointe Girls
Pusch Ridge Girls

ALL-SOUTHERN ARIZONA

All-Southern Arizona Athlete of the Year
Alyssa Thompson: Salpointe Catholic

D-I/D-II Athlete of the Year
Michaela Crunkleton Wilson: Salpointe Catholic

D-I/D-II Coach of the Year
Malisa Cariño, Salpointe

D-III/D-IV Athlete of the Year
Sarah Macdonald: Pusch Ridge

D-III/D-IV Coach of the Year
Elmer Yazzie, Pusch Ridge

100 Meters
1: Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion)
2: Savaughn Christman, Buena
3: Kendra Knittel, Rincon/University

200 Meters
1: Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion)
2: Savaughn Christman, Buena
3: Diana Gajda, Salpointe Catholic

400 Meters
1: Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion)
2: Diana Gajda, Salpointe Catholic
3: Shalise Fernander, Flowing Wells

800 Meters
1: Melanie Zibrat, Ironwood Ridge (Runner-Up)
1: Sarah Macdonald, Pusch Ridge Christian (Runner-Up)
2: Katie Izzo, Catalina Foothills
3: Bridgette Doucet, Canyon Del Oro

1600 Meters
1: Sarah Macdonald, Pusch Ridge Christian (Champion)
1: Bridgette Doucet, Canyon Del Oro
2: Heather Dowdall, Sahuaro
3: Madeline Roberts, Ironwood Ridge

3200 Meters
1: Sarah Macdonald, Pusch Ridge Christian (Champion)
1: Bridgette Doucet, Canyon Del Oro
2: Lauren Phillips, Rincon/University
3: Hannah Whetzel, Catalina Foothills

100 Hurdles
1: Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion)
2: Sydney Madrid, Marana
3: Briana Myers, Santa Rita

300 Hurdles
1: Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion/State Best Time)
2: Kennedy Kurtz, Ironwood Ridge (3rd Place)
2: Sydney Madrid, Marana
3: Kortnee Day, Marana

4×100 Relay
1: Sahuaro: Anyssa Dagnino, Nicole Fotinos, Jamie Holliday, Jasmine Simmons (Champion)
2: Sahuarita: Yasheika Beckaroo, Emily Bliven, Hailey Bliven, Taylor McClelland (Runner-Up)
3: Salpointe Catholic: Diana Gajda, Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Paula Redman, Alyssa Thompson

4×400 Relay
1: Sahuarita: Yasheika Beckaroo, Emily Bliven, Taylor McClelland, Melissa Williams (Champion)
2: Ironwood Ridge: Kennedy Kurtz, Piper Mali, Hailey Sawchuk, Melanie Zibrat (Runner-Up)
3: Salpointe Catholic: Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Diana Gajda, Paula Redman, Vanessa Savel (3rd Place)

4×800 Relay
1: Canyon Del Oro: Sarrah Boughan, Bridgette Doucet, Barbara Bruno, Danielle Vallejos (Runner-Up)
2: Pusch Ridge: Sarah Macdonald, Kaylee Bowers, Grace Johnson, Cayley Hensley
3: Catalina Foothills: Katie Izzo, Sarah Lansey, Ally Vanasco, Anza Wiedenkeller

Shot Put
1: Candice Butler, Buena
2: Shalise Borden, Marana
3: Miranda Jackson, St. Augustine Catholic (Champion)
3: Caitlin Campbell, Flowing Wells

Discus
1: Meredith Alarcio-Caldon, Canyon Del Oro
2: Jordan Sieferman, Canyon Del Oro
3: Shalise Borden, Marana

High Jump
1: Emily Gerard, Catalina Foothills (Runner-Up/State Best Mark)
2: Jordan Abalos, Safford (Champion)
2: Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic
3: Shea Cottrell, St. David (Champion)
3: Mally McGarity, Marana

Pole Vault
1: Stephanie Boulger, St. Gregory (Champion)
2: Rhiannon Reece, Benson (Runner-Up)
3: Alysha Thomas, Benson (3rd Place)
3: Lea Galyean, Bisbee
3: Hailey Merriman, Flowing Wells

Long Jump
1: Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion)
2: Emily Gerard, Catalina Foothills
3: Savaughn Christman, Buena

Triple Jump
1: Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic (Champion/State Best Mark)
2: Grecia Castillo, Douglas (Champion)
2: Nicole Fotinos, Sahuaro (Runner-Up)
3: Elle Uldrich, Pusch Ridge Christian (Champion)

ALL-DIVISION I

Athlete of the Year
Sydney Madrid, Marana

Coach of the Year
Camron Dozier, Marana

100 Meters
Savaughn Christman, Buena
Kendra Knittel, Rincon/University
Destiny Richardson, Cienega

200 Meters
Savaughn Christman, Buena
Kendra Knittel, Rincon/University
Sydney Madrid, Marana

400 Meters
Sydney Madrid, Marana
Kendra Knittel, Rincon University
Jazzmine Yarbrough, Tucson Magnet

800 Meters
Sydney Madrid, Marana
Margie Moyer, Rincon University
Andrea Haller, Buena

1600 Meters
Lauren Phillips, Rincon/University
Larissa Lee, Buena
Andrea Haller, Buena

3200 Meters
Lauren Phillips, Rincon/University
Larissa Lee, Buena
Andrea Haller, Buena

100 Hurdles
Sydney Madrid, Marana
Mally McGarity, Marana
Kortnee Day, Marana

300 Hurdles
Sydney Madrid, Marana
Kortnee Day, Marana
Naomi Lee, Sunnyside

4×100 Relay
Marana: Sydney Madrid, Kilee Hagerstrand, Victoria McKinley, Kortnee Day
Buena: Michell Maryland, Felecity Radmore, Alexus Childs, Savaughn Christman
Tucson: Khori Wells, Izaria Maxey, Jazzmine Yarbrough, Chandra Hawthorne

4×400 Relay
Marana: Kourtney Day, Kilee Hagerstrand, Moana Hala’ufia, Sydney Madrid
Rincon/University: Anik Regan, Natalie Ezeugwu, Kendra Knittel, Margie Moyer
Buena: Felecity Radmore, Lora Lorentson, Jeannell Hilton, Brenna McKinnon

4×800 Relay
Buena: Rainey Kogan, Jennifer Zelazny, Andrea Haller, Larissa Lee
Rincon/University: Hattie Houser, Sereena Giner, Rachel Dveirin, Margie Moyer
Cienega: Vanessa Young, Elizabeth Deaton, Samantha Dupras, Jenny Conover

Shot Put
Candice Butler, Buena
Shalise Borden, Marana
Tatum Hale, Mountain View

Discus
Shalise Borden, Marana
Candice Butler, Buena
Anika Baker, Sunnyside

High Jump
Mally McGarity, Marana
Karina Kelly, Mountain View
Mandy Becker, Rincon/University
Natalie Ezeugwu, Rincon/University

Pole Vault
Amanda Widen, Cienega
Kelly Max, Buena
Brittany Saffo, Buena

Long Jump
Savaughn Christman, Buena
Kilee Hagerstrand, Marana
Kenniss Pannell, Cienega

Triple Jump
Hannah Bartz, Mountain View
Kenniss Pannell, Cienega
Mally McGarity, Marana

ALL-DIVISION II

Athletes of the Year
Alyssa Thompson: Salpointe Catholic
Michaela Crunkleton Wilson: Salpointe Catholic

Coach of the Year
Malisa Cariño, Salpointe

100 Meters
Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Salpointe Catholic
Yasheika Beckaroo, Sahuarita
Jasmine Simmons, Sahuaro

200 Meters
Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Salpointe Catholic
Diana Gajda, Salpointe Catholic
Taylor McClelland, Sahuarita

400 Meters
Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Salpointe Catholic
Diana Gajda, Salpointe Catholic
Shalise Fernander, Flowing Wells

800 Meters
Melanie Zibrat, Ironwood Ridge
Katie Izzo, Catalina Foothills
Bridgette Doucet, Canyon Del Oro

1600 Meters
Bridgette Doucet, Canyon Del Oro
Heather Dowdall, Sahuaro
Madeline Roberts, Ironwood Ridge

3200 Meters
Bridgette Doucet, Canyon Del Oro
Hannah Whetzel, Catalina Foothills
Ally Vanasco, Catalina Foothills

100 Hurdles
Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic
Kennedy Kurtz, Ironwood Ridge
Nicole Fotinos, Sahuaro

300 Hurdles
Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic
Kennedy Kurtz, Ironwood Ridge
Nicole Fotinos, Sahuaro

4×100 Relay
Sahuaro: Anyssa Dagnino, Nicole Fotinos, Jamie Holliday, Jasmine Simmons
Sahuarita: Yasheika Beckaroo, Emily Bliven, Hailey Bliven, Taylor McClelland
Salpointe Catholic: Diana Gajda, Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Paula Redman, Alyssa Thompson

4×400 Relay
Sahuarita: Yasheika Beckaroo, Emily Bliven, Taylor McClelland, Melissa Williams
Ironwood Ridge: Kennedy Kurtz, Piper Mali, Hailey Sawchuk, Melanie Zibrat
Salpointe Catholic: Michaela Crunkleton Wilson, Diana Gajda, Paula Redman, Vanessa Savel

4×800 Relay
Canyon Del Oro: Sarrah Boughan, Bridgette Doucet, Barbara Bruno, Danielle Vallejos
Catalina Foothills: Katie Izzo, Sarah Lansey, Ally Vanasco, Anza Wiedenkeller
Ironwood Ridge: Madeline Roberts, Sarah Bock, Anna Burrous, Melanie Zibrat

Shot Put
Caitlin Campbell, Flowing Wells
Elle Rubner, Catalina Foothills
Alejandra Gomez, Nogales

Discus
Meredith Alarcio-Caldon, Canyon Del Oro
Jordan Sieferman, Canyon Del Oro
Sierra Rodriquez, Flowing Wells

High Jump
Emily Gerard, Catalina Foothills
Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic
Macy Kurtz, Ironwood Ridge
Elisabeth Hurd, Salpointe Catholic
Fernanda Mendoza, Nogales

Pole Vault
Hailey Merriman, Flowing Wells
Leeann Wilcox, Sahuaro
Amy Burkel, Sahuaro
Elisabeth Hurd, Salpointe Catholic

Long Jump
Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic
Emily Gerard, Catalina Foothills
Jamie Holliday, Sahuaro

Triple Jump
Alyssa Thompson, Salpointe Catholic
Nicole Fotinos, Sahuaro
Emily Gerard, Catalina Foothills

ALL-DIVISION III

Athlete of the Year
Briana Myers, Santa Rita

Coach of the Year
Donna Savill, Douglas

100 Meters
Briana Myers, Santa Rita
Brianna Goodwin, Sabino
Ida Bonda, Catalina

200 Meters
Jordan Abalos, Safford
Devyn Hunley, Sabino
Ida Bonda, Catalina

400 Meters
Lauren Letarte, Empire
Karen Leon, Catalina
Megan Richardson, Sabino

800 Meters
Jackie Giron, Rio Rico
Lauren Letarte, Empire
Karen Leon, Catalina

1600 Meters
Petra Tineo, Catalina
Marielena Valencia, Rio Rico
Jackie Giron, Rio Rico

3200 Meters
Petra Tineo, Catalina
Marielena Valencia, Rio Rico
Trina Fox, Safford

100 Hurdles
Briana Myers, Santa Rita
Kayla Fields, Douglas
Dominique Burgman, Safford

300 Hurdles
Kayla Fields, Douglas
Jordan Abalos, Safford
Briana Myers, Santa Rita

4×100 Relay
Sabino: Brianna Goodwin, Devyn Hunley, Megan Richardson, Kim Schaffer
Catalina: Sephora Opango, Jennifer Villegas, Nykole Adun, Patricia Cole
Douglas: Grecia Castillo, Kayla Fields, Zenaida Parra, Melissa Rodriquez

4×400 Relay
Safford: Jordan Abalos, Miranda Bingham, Brooklyn Farar, Mikala Burge
Empire: Aleeziah Sine-Garza, Justine Chavez, Lauren Letarte, Madison Arnone
Douglas: Barbara Jordan, Kayla Fields, Melissa Rodriquez, Elyzabeth Duarte

4×800 Relay
Safford: Isabel Aguilar, Mikala Burge, Trina Fox, Joie Lopez
Douglas: Laura Blair, Karla Loreto, Elyzabeth Duarte, Laura Hurtado
Catalina: Yaritza Ibarra, Petra Tineo, Veronica Valenzuela, Karen Leon

Shot Put
Chanel Wilson, Catalina
Tatiana Williams, Empire
Syndi Stallworth, Palo Verde

Discus
Tatiana Williams, Empire
Chanel Wilson, Catalina
Johnna Johnson, Safford

High Jump
Jordan Abalos, Safford
Miranda Bingham, Safford
Makenzie Cork, Safford

Pole Vault
Stephanie Adams, Safford
Alondra Gonzalez, Douglas
Elyse Weber, Sabino
Stephanie Tineo, Catalina

Long Jump
Brianna Goodwin, Sabino
Grecia Castillo, Douglas
Aleeziah Sine-Garza, Empire

Triple Jump
Grecia Castillo, Douglas
Miranda Bingham, Safford
Dominique Burgman, Safford

ALL-DIVISION IV

Athlete of the Year
Sarah Macdonald: Pusch Ridge

Coach of the Year
Elmer Yazzie, Pusch Ridge

100 Meters
Ashley Garcia, Benson
Sydney Dudley, Pusch Ridge Christian
Lexi Kalastro, Bisbee

200 Meters
Sydney Dudley, Pusch Ridge Christian
Lexi Kalastro, Bisbee
Ashley Garcia, Benson

400 Meters
Katelin Ames, Benson
Chelsey Stover, St. David
Sydney Harding, St. Augustine Catholic

800 Meters
Sarah Macdonald, Pusch Ridge Christian
Kaylee Bowers, Pusch Ridge Christian
Keely Breedlove, St Gregory

1600 Meters
Sarah Macdonald, Pusch Ridge Christian
Grace Johnson, Pusch Ridge Christian
Cayley Hensley, Pusch Ridge Christian

3200 Meters
Sarah Macdonald, Pusch Ridge Christian
Cayley Hensley, Pusch Ridge Christian
Jessica Hamilton, Benson

100 Hurdles
Lexi Kalastro, Bisbee
Jandi Rojas, Thatcher
Shaelyn Trejo, St. David

300 Hurdles
Lexi Kalastro, Bisbee
Shaelyn Trejo, St. David
Jandi Rojas, Thatcher

4×100 Relay
Benson: Katelin Ames, Ashley Garcia, Leah Lizarrga, Rhiannon Reece
Pusch Ridge: Jordan Cropper, Sydney Dudley, Mali Smith, Elle Uldrich
Bisbee: Lea Galyean, Alex Sanders, Lexi Kalastro, Julianna Giacomino

4×400 Relay
Pusch Ridge: Grace Johnson, Sydney Dudley, Sarah Macdonald, Jordan Cropper
St. David: Shaelyn Trejo, Shea Cottrell, Hannah Dahl, Chelsey Stover
Benson: Katelin Ames, Jessica Borders, Leah Lizarrga, Ashley Garcia

4×800
Pusch Ridge: Sarah Macdonald, Kaylee Bowers, Grace Johnson, Cayley Hensley
St. David: Shaelyn Trejo, Chelsey Stover, Hannah Dahl, Shea Cottrell
St. Augustine: Grace Gardener, Sydney Harding, Emily Sand, Katrina Alderete

Shot Put
Miranda Jackson, St. Augustine Catholic
Tanya Conser, Benson
Sydney Roman, Benson
Maximilliana Lara, San Manuel

Discus
Miranda Jackson, St. Augustine Catholic
Tanya Conser, Benson
Chandler Johnson, Benson

High Jump
Shea Cottrell, St. David
Chelsey Stover, St. David
Tiana Conner, Pusch Ridge Christian

Pole Vault
Stephanie Boulger, St. Gregory
Rhiannon Reece, Benson
Alysha Thomas, Benson
Lea Galyean, Bisbee

Long Jump
Lea Galyean, Bisbee
Brittney Beals, Thatcher
Alex Sanders, Bisbee

Triple Jump
Elle Uldrich, Pusch Ridge Christian
Tiana Conner, Pusch Ridge Christian
Olivia Snyder, Green Fields

Andy Morales Photo.

News of the heroic efforts to save children from a killer tornado by the teachers at Plaza Towers Elementary in Oklahoma did not surprise me but the details of those efforts makes me even prouder to be one of their colleagues.

One unnamed teacher was found seriously hurt after she was rescued with a car on her back with three safe children underneath her.

Third grade teacher Jennifer Doan suffered a fractured spine after she was found with children underneath her.

Fourth grade teacher Rhonda Crosswhite and her students were rescued in a bathroom after she pulled them in to save them.

First grade teacher Suzanne Hale was found with a metal pole in her leg after she protected her students.

Still, with all those efforts, seven children were killed at the school. One teacher was quoted as saying, “Your child is my child. All day long and all year long, from August to May.”

“And I will do anything to take care of them.”

It seems whenever a teacher does something wrong the local news bombards us with hourly teasers of “more to come” on the nightly news. Over and over again, like clockwork.

I know that, when one of the staff members at my school was accused of inappropriate behavior with a former student, the local news flashed Rio Vista’s address on the screen over and over again and asked the viewers to stay tuned for updates – some four hours before the actual newscast.

Yet, when something as good and pure as our Odyssey of the Mind team making it to the World Finals in Michigan or our Student Council building a Reading Garden or our students making a pledge to attend college, silence is all that is heard.

It appears a teacher has to make the ultimate sacrifice to be heard – to be recognized. There are no “teasers” in real life. Teachers make sacrifices, big and small, everyday.

Teachers are attacked every four years from one political party and are taken for granted by the other. We are used to this – we live in Arizona.

We are compared to schools that relish in the fact that they “weed out” kids so their ratings and scores look better on the national stage and the media goes along with it like willing partners even though they know the whole story.

We cannot “weed out” kids because kids are not weeds. Even if we could get rid of the kids who can’t “keep up” we wouldn’t. It would be wrong and it would be immoral.

We take all kids – from the severely mentally and physically disabled to the gifted. Rich or poor.

Some say we kicked God out of our school a while back but that, oddly, suggests God is weaker than man. I know teachers pray everyday.

We pray for a state that might someday recognize the value of education. We pray for parents who back us up with education and discipline. We pray we might be able to feed and clothe our own children while we sacrifice in order to feed yours.

And, we pray we will never have to place our body between a man with a gun or a car thrown by a wild tornado and your child. But we know we will if we are called upon.

We will because “Your child is my child. All day long and all year long.”

Please find your local Red Cross organization and ask them how you can help the children and teachers of Oklahoma.

Araselly Vargas signed her letter with her Shockwave teammates watching. Courtesy Photo.

Tucson High senior softball standout Araselly Vargas has signed to play for Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas.

Tabor competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA). Vargas will be the fourth player currently playing for Tabor: Brooke Tomten and Chelsea Nutt of Lake Havasu and Alysha Carter of Gilbert Desert Ridge are the others.

Tabor finished in fourth place in the conference (11-7) and qualified for the conference tournament in early May.

Current softball coach Shannon Woolridge will be the Raven’s new athletic director. The school will compete in Division III for football this coming fall. Empire is located in the Vail School District.

2013-14 athletic schedules will be made public on aia365.com beginning July 3.

Malcolm averaged 19.4 points per game and was ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring. The 6-foot-1 Malcolm rewrote the TSJC record books by setting the single season three-point record as a freshman, nailing 103 threes, then did even better as a sophomore by hitting 45 percent of his three-point attempts and finishing with 120 on the year. He would finish the season with most three-pointers per game in the nation and the second-most three-pointers made.

CSU-Pueblo head coach Ralph Turner said Malcolm was the ThunderWolves’ top target at the wing position for the past two years and will fit in with a Pack team that led the RMAC in three-pointers made in 2012-13 and was also among the national leaders.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Devonte Malcolm to the Pack family,” Turner said via news release. “We believe that Devonte’s best basketball is ahead of him. We expect him to contribute immediately and to be so much more than just a three-point shooter during his time here with us.”

From news release.

Gabe Fennema. Andy Morales Photo.

Desert Christian standout Gabe Fennema will sign a letter of intent to play soccer for Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. Fennema, a senior goalkeeper and three-year starter for Desert Christian, will ink his commitment at the Desert Christian High School gymnasium on Thursday, May 23 at 2 pm. as part of a Sports Open House celebration.

Fennema completes his career at Desert Christian as one of the top goalkeepers in school history as well as Arizona. The TucsonCitizen.com rated Fennema as “one of the state’s best goalies regardless of division.” Bryon Crain, coach of state champion Blue Ridge, said about Desert Christian (and Fennema), “I honestly think they have the best goalie in the state.”

Fennema was named AIA D-IV Player of the Year as a junior in 2011. His records of 54-8-1 and 30 shutouts shattered the school’s previous goalkeeping records. His career 0.83 GAA places him in the top three in DCHS history. He led his team to three appearances in the Arizona State Tournament Final Four, including two in the final championship match (2010, 2012).

Trinity Christian College is a member of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), NCCAA (National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association), and the CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference). With this signing Men’s Soccer Coach José Dominguez continues to bring in talent from Tucson. Fennema will join former Desert Christian High teammate Caleb Steele as well as former Catalina player Dillon Cox in the fall.

Desert Christian’s Sports Open House will also include a celebration of the Arizona State Baseball Championship, Director’s Cup, AIA Coach of the Year Award, AIA Honored Students and much more. The Open House will run from 2- 3 pm on Thursday, May 23 in the campus gymnasium. Desert Christian High School is located at 7525 E. Speedway Blvd.

NOTE: Fennema is one of Arizona’s finest goalies regardless of division.

From news release.

Front row: Nate Smith, Ivan Hostetler, Gabe Elias, Austin Butler, Brandon Martinez
Second: Danny Fernandez, Luke Morrison, Terrell Huggins, Rene Brockman, Ryon Craig, Dakota Martin
Coach Bill Hostetler, Coach Barry Morrison, Manager Mike Elias
Courtesy Photo.

Mehl Park: Sunday, May 19

The Naturals went undefeated (4-0) in the Kino 13U Pony qualifying tournament to earn a bid to the Arizona State Region tournament to be held June 27-July 1 in Scottsdale.

They beat the Sierra Vista Blackouts in the first round 10-6; 520 Elite 8-0 in the second round; the Copperheads 9-6 in the final of the winner’s bracket and the Blackouts 17-7 in the championship.

To get back to the final game, the team from Sierra Vista had to battle through the elimination bracket. The Blackouts were actually beating the Naturals 7-1 in the final game but they gave up 16 runs the rest of the way and finished in second place with a 4-2 record.

Mike Elias, who was one of the Rincon Little League coaches from last year that went to the Western Region semifinals, manages the Naturals and he brought along six players from that roster (due to age) to play for the Naturals.

Bill Hostetler and Barry Morrison are the coaches. The roster includes Luke Morrison, Danny Fernandez, Terrell Huggins, Dakota Martin, Gabe Elias, Ryon Craig, Brandon Martinez, Ivan Hostetler, AJ Butler, Rene Brockman and Nate Smith. The 11 boy are all former all stars from Rincon, Freedom, Palo Verde, Santa Rita, Los Niños and Santa Rita Little Leagues.

PROGRAMS
Desert Christian – “Directors’ Cup Award” ( highest award given) 1A-3A
Pusch Ridge – “2A Conference Overall Excellence Award”
Catalina Foothills – 4A Conference Overall Excellence Award”

COACHES/ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
Iram Alday – Desert Christian “Coach of the Year Award’
Toni Corona – Duncan HS AD “Leadership in Girls/Womens Athletics”

SCHOLAR ATHLETES
Sarah MacDonald – Pusch Ridge “1A-3A Scholar Athlete Award”
Courtney Spalt – Sabino “4A/5A Scholar Athlete Award”

SCHOLAR ACTIVITY
Michael Meersman – Desert Christian “1A-3A Scholar Activity Award”
Breanne Self – Desert Christian “1A-3A Scholar Activity Finalist”
Lindsey Hood – Sabino “4A/5A Scholar Activity Finalist”
Mally McGarity – Marana 4A/5A Scholar Athlete Finalist”

Division I

First Team
2B-Emilio Melendez-Tucson-Senior
Utility-Darick Hall-Buena-Senior
Pitcher-Alex Robles-Tucson-Senior

Second Team
Catcher-Matt Duce-Buena-Junior

Division II

Player of the Year–Alex Verdugo- Sahuaro-Junior
Most Improvement Field of the Year- Sahuaro

First Team
SS-Jake Matthews-Ironwood Ridge-Senior
OF-Devon Harrison-Ironwood Ridge-Senior
DH-Michael Hoard-Salpointe Catholic-Senior

Division III

First Team
3B-Cade Campbell-Bisbee-Senior
Utility-Donny Sands-Empire-Sophomore

Second Team
OF-Chris Granado-Willcox-Sophomore
Pitcher-Daniel Diaz-Willcox-Sophomore

Division IV

Player of the Year–Zac Malis -Desert Christian
Coach of the Year–Grant Hopkins-Desert Christian
Most Improvement Field of the Year-Desert Christian

First Team
2B-Shane Bradford-St. David-Senior
3B-Myka Campbell-St. David-Senior
SS-John Ruiz-San Manuel-Senior
OF-Dalton Hopkins-Desert Christian-Junior

Second Team
Catcher-Phillip Tanner-Pusch Ridge Christian-Junior
1B-Demitrius Dietz-San Manuel-Senior
2B-Cameron White-Desert Christian-Senior
3B-Trevor Jorg-Desert Christian-Senior
OF-Jonah Coldiron-Tanque Verde-Senior
DH-Mathew Granado-St. Augustine Catholic-Senior
Utility-James Santasierle-Tanque Verde-Senior
Pitcher-Andrew Edwards-Desert Christian-Sophomore

Sarah Gaalswijk. Courtesy Photo.

Former Mountain View pitcher Sarah Gaalswijk has committed to play for Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut according to her father.

Gaalswijk played for Paradise Valley as a freshman but was not able to play this year due to an injury before the start of the season. She will have three years of softball eligibility at CCSU.

CCSU (36-15, 16-4) won the Northeast Conference title for the first time in school history this spring and went on to the Louisiana Regional where they ultimately lost to LSU.

Ryan Retz. High Point Photo,

Former Canyon del Oro and Pima baseball standout Ryan Retz was named the Big South Baseball Player of the Week for games played May 13-19. Retz is a senior fielder and pitcher at High Point (North Carolina).

Retz helped to lead HPU to a sweep of VMI in the final weekend of the regular season according to a release from the conference, hitting .636 in the three-game series with a double, a home run, five RBI and four runs scored.

Retz put HPU in front in the first game with a two-run home run, finishing 2-3 in that game with two RBI and two runs scored. He went 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored in the second game and 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the third game. The senior drove in a run and scored a run during HPU’s four-run ninth inning rally on Saturday. He finished the week with eight hits, five RBI, two doubles and a home run. The honor marks his first Big South Player of the Week selection this season.

A former Tucson Citizen All-Star, Retz is leading his team in at bats (219), hits (75), doubles (18), home runs (5), RBIs (38), walks (26) and hit by pitches (10). Retz, 4-4, has also thrown the second most innings (65.2).

Retz was named to the Big South All-Tournament team in his junior season and was the Southern Arizona Player of the Year as a senior at CDO while leading the Dorados to a state championship.

From news release.

MEN: 400 Meters
4. Damian Mitchell: 49.67 Safford

MEN: 800 Meters
4. Kyle Cajero: 1:57.72 Pusch Ridge

WOMEN: 800 Meters
7. Sarah Macdonald: 2:20.44 Pusch Ridge

MEN: 1600 Meters
12. Ben Noriega: 4:36.49 Rio Rico

MEN: 110 Hurdles
1. Wayne Newman: 14.49 San Manuel

MEN 300 Hurdles
1. Wayne Newman: 38.40 San Manuel

WOMEN: 300 Hurdles
7. Sydney Madrid: 50.75 Marana

WOMEN: High Jump
3. Jordan Abalos: 5-04 Safford
9. Tiana Conner: 5-00 Pusch Ridge

MEN: Long Jump
2. Wayne Newman: 22-08.50 San Manuel
7. Stephen Hayden: 20-11 Pusch Ridge
8. Brandon Hatfield: 20-09.50 Pusch Ridge

MEN: Triple Jump
4. Stephen Hayden: 42-05.25 Pusch Ridge
6. Brandon Hatfield: 41-04 Pusch Ridge

WOMEN: Triple Jump
3. Tiana Conner: 33-01 Pusch Ridge

Head Coach: Tom Belter (Empire)
Assistant Coach: Danny Rodriquez (Buckeye)

1B – Matt Benefiel (SCA)
1B – Peter Ortega (Morenci)
1B – Ryan Johnson (Combs)
2B – Zach Scott (SCA)
2B – Angel Golden (Bourgade)
2B – Gunner Scrogham (Combs)
3B – Sam Williams (Estrella Foothills)
3B – Cade Campbell (Bisbee)
SS – Derrick Estfan (Bourgade)
SS – Frank Palma (Safford)
SS – Ryan Stewart (Empire)
C – Nathaniel Ellingsen (SCA)
C – Jorge Garcia (Combs)
OF – AJ Abril (Morenci)
OF – Carter Gladstone (Valley Christian)
OF – Brock Temple (Valley Christian)
OF – Dillon Castillo (Buckeye)
OF – Joe Smith (Empire)
P – Zach Miller (Estrella Foothills)
P – Clay Ruedas (Morenci)
P – Daniel Streng (Valley Christian)
P – Tanner Schneider (Bourgade)
P – Andrew Ornelas (Safford)
P – Austin Bachman (Buckeye)
P – Colton Stokes (Empire)

Pima Courtesy Photo.

The Pima Community College softball team (50-19) played in a classic on Saturday against Salt Lake Community College but fell 8-5 in 12 innings as the rally came up short in the end. The Aztecs claimed the third place trophy for the NJCAA National Tournament.

The Aztecs rallied from behind on three occasions but couldn’t overtake the lead. Down 1-0 in the sixth inning, Yvette Alvarez (Sahuarita) hit a sacrifice-fly to score Gemma Contreras (Salpointe Catholic). Tied at 1-1 in the tenth inning, Salt Lake scored a pair of runs but the Aztecs responded in the bottom of the inning.

Victoria Mariscal (Douglas) hit a leadoff double and Danielle Stensby (Buena) reach base on an error. Contreras laid down the sacrifice bunt to move the runners over and Cynthia Pelayo (Vision) hit a sacrifice fly RBI to score Mariscal. The Salt Lake catcher misplayed the ball and pinch runner Corrie Ward (Pusch Ridge) slid in to tie the game at 3-3.

Salt Lake scored one run in the top of the eleventh but again the Aztecs wouldn’t go quietly. Alejandra Ortiz (Tucson High) hit a leadoff single and three batters later Aubre Carpenter (Sabino) hit a sacrifice fly to score her to tie it at 4-4.

Salt Lake got the first two leadoff batters on base and loaded the bases with one out in the twelfth. Leadoff hitter Malia Campos hit an inside-the-park home run to make it 8-4.

With one out in the bottom of the inning, Contreras hit a double and Pelayo followed with an RBI single to score her to make it 8-5 but a groundout and a flyout would end Pima’s rally and season.

Contreras finished 4 for 5 with two doubles and two runs scored. Pelayo went 1 for 3 with two RBIs.

Alvarez and Ortiz were named to the All-Tournament team. Alvarez threw 35 of the 38 innings with a 4-2 record, one shutout and 26 strikeouts. On offense she went 7 for 17 and tied the NJCAA National Tournament record in home runs (4) and RBIs (9). She also scored five runs.

Ortiz went 9 for 22 with two homers, seven RBIs and five runs. Mariscal put together a great tournament on offense as well going 7 for 19 with one home run, seven RBIs, six runs scored and three doubles.

“The girls gave blood, heart and soul,” Pima coach Armando Quiroz said via news release. “Yvette Alvarez put us on her shoulders and carried us to the World Series. This group of sophomores and freshmen have once again put Pima College on the National Softball map. I am proud to have shared a dugout with them.”

From news release.

AVERAGE (Minimum 56 at bats)

D-I/D-II
1: Alex Robles, Tucson High: 54-107 (.505)
2: Darick Hall, Buena: 44-88 (.500)
3: Alex Verdugo, Sahuaro: 45-93 (.484)
4: Francisco Mariscal: Sahuarita 53-110 (.482)
5: Devin Harrison, Ironwood Ridge: 52-108 (.481)
5: Jake Matthews, Ironwood Ridge: 52-108 (.481)
7: Luis Gonzalez, Catalina Foothills: 41-86 (.477)
8: Frankie Ortiz, Ironwood Ridge: 48-102 (.471)
9: Nathan Snow, Palo Verde: 39-84 (.464)
10: Graham Spraker, Mountain View: 43-93 (.462)

D-III/D-IV
1: Ben Mauseth, Rio Rico: 47-69 (.681)
2: Brenden Thaggard, Empire: 58-94 (.617)
3: Mike Skiles, Tombstone: 43-73 (.589)
4: Cade Campbell, Bisbee: 44-75 (.587)
5: Donny Sands, Empire: 61-105 (.581)
6: Michael Reyes, Santa Cruz: 33-58 (.569)
7: Daniel Diaz, Willcox: 38-68 (.559)
8: Camron White, Desert Christian: 46-84 (.548)
9: Josh Hawks, Empire: 29-53(.547)
10: Myka Campbell, St. David: 32-59 (.542)

RBIs (All Divisions, 35 minimum)
1: Donny Sands: Empire: 63
2: Zach Malis, Desert Christian: 62
3: Ryan Stewart, Empire: 55
4: Devin Harrison, Ironwood Ridge: 53
5: Frankie Ortiz, Ironwood Ridge: 44
5: Matthew Duce, Buena: 44
5: Mike Skiles, Tombstone: 44
8: Jake Matthews, Ironwood Ridge: 42
9: Alex Verdugo, Sahuaro: 40
10: Trey Stine, Ironwood Ridge: 39
11: Andrew Edwards, Desert Christian: 38
11: Austin Suarez, Bisbee: 38
13: Graham Spraker, Mountain View: 36
13: Marcus Catalano, Salpointe: 36
15: Nick Ames, Canyon del Oro: 35
15: Darick Hall, Buena: 35

Home Runs (5)
Matt Bushman, Sabino: 8
Jake Matthews, Ironwood Ridge: 8
Brandon Burke, Canyon del Oro: 8
Alex Verdugo, Sahuaro: 7
Michael Hoard, Salpointe: 6
Sati Santa Cruz, Sahuarita: 6
Mathew Duce, Buena: 6
Erick Migueles, Canyon del Oro: 6
Nick Ames, Canyon del Oro: 6
Marcus Catalano, Salpointe: 5
Devin Harrison, Ironwood Ridge: 5
Frankie Ortiz, Ironwood Ridge: 5
Donny Sands, Empire: 5

Strikeouts (70)
1: Alex Verdugo, Sahuaro: 130
2: Daniel Diaz, Willcox: 119
3: Chris Kucko, Sahuarita: 107
4: Derek Hall, Buena: 79
5: Sati Santa Cruz, Sahuarita: 77
6: Vinnie Tarantola, Sahuaro: 73
7: Alex Robles, Salpointe: 71
8: Jake Repavich, Cienega: 70

Wins (8)
Colton Stokes: Empire: 10
Alex Verdugo, Sahuaro: 10
Alex Robles, Tucson High: 9
Daniel Diaz, Willcox: 9
Oscar Sanchez-Estrada, Bisbee: 8
Chris Kucko, Sahuarita: 8

Softball: Southern Arizona Stat Leaders

AVERAGE (Minimum 56 at bats)

D-I/D-II
1: Kelsey Jenkins, Sabino: 66-105 (.629)
2: Emerald Grijalva, Nogales: 55-93 (.591)
3: Heaven Acquart, Sahuarita: 52-95 (.547)
4: Anne Scarangella, Salpointe: 43-80 (.538)
5: Kayleigh LeBlanc, Buena: 42-81 (.519)
6: Mickaela Keiser, Cienega 45-88 (.511)
7: AJ Hervey, Cienega: 52-102 (.510)
8: Adriana Rosthenhausler, Sunnyside: 45-97 (.505)
9: Czarina Lorta, Nogales: 47-95 (.495)
10: Selah Broady, Buena: 42-85 (.494)

D-III/D-IV
1. Maddie Dowdle, Pusch Ridge: 44-61 (.721)
2: Kellye Springstead, Tanque Verde: 57-87 (.655)
3: Tazia Hernandez, Empire: 64-102 (.627)
4: Alana Gonzales, St. Gregory: 41-69 (.594)
5: Felicia Medina, San Manuel: 70-122 (.574)
6: Kelsey Smith, Empire: 55-100 (.550)
7: Sarah Chavez, Desert Christian, 50-93 (.538)
8: Emily Cooper, Desert Christian: 52-100 (.520)
9: Elysa Rodriguez, Empire: 29-56 (.518)
10: Ashley McBride, Thatcher: 48-95 (.505)

RBIs (All Divisions, 35 minimum)
1: Kelsey Smith, Empire: 75
2: Felicia Medina, San Manuel: 57
3: Sara Hahn, Valley Union: 49
4: Makenzie Sullivan, Canyon del Oro: 45
4: Angelica Zuniga, San Manuel: 45
4: Erin Rocker: ironwood Ridge: 45
7: Kellye Springstead, Tanque Verde: 43
7: Emerald Grijalva, Nogales: 43
7: Alexis Clinton, Ironwood Ridge: 43
10: Niki Gonzalez, Canyon del Oro: 42
10: Sierra Cuesta, Marana: 42
12: Sarah Chavez, Desert Christian, 40
13: Samantha Nettling, Canyon del Oro: 38
13: Makena Brawley, Cienega: 38
15: Christian Slattery, Empire: 36
15: Nikki West, Thatcher: 36
17: Sigourney Sanchez, Sahuarita: 35
18: Jordan Wengert, Marana: 35

Home Runs (5)
Kelsey Smith, Empire: 15
Sierra Cuestas, Marana: 13
Hannah McCoy, Marana:11
Makenzie Sullivan, Canyon del Oro: 9
Alexis Ayala, Sunnyside: 8
Niki Gonzalez, Canyon del Oro: 7
Kellye Springstead, Tanque Verde: 7
Felicia Medina, San Manuel: 7
Erin Rocker, Ironwood Ridge: 7
Gracie Taber, Empire: 6
Robyn Porter, Ironwood Ridge: 6
Brooklyn Beardshear, Sahuaro: 6
Selah Broady, Buena: 6
Alex Rapp, Ironwood Ridge: 6
Heather Knight, Canyon del Oro: 5
Lexi Adelberg, Ironwood Ridge: 6
Alexis Clinton, Ironwood Ridge: 6
Alyssa Cuellar, San Manuel: 5

Strikeouts (80)
1: Brittany Woolridge, Empire: 140
2: Sarah Chavez, Desert Christian: 134
3: Jaycee French, Duncan: 131
4: Lexi Reyes, Sunnyside: 123
5: Kendra Behr, Benson: 122
6: Kellye Springstead, Tanque Verde: 121
7: Lyana Waddell, San Manuel: 117
8: Brianna Urquidez, Nogales: 116
9: Jovanka Garcia, Valley Union : 112
10: Casey Cadenhead, Marana: 105
11: Jordan Wengert, Marana: 102
12: Brooklyn Beardshear, Sahuaro: 97
13: Gina Snyder, Sahuaro: 94
14: Kayla Green, Cienega: 89
14: Kelsey Smith, Empire: 89
16: Shelby Diffenderfer, Sabino: 88
17: Danica Cooke, Thatcher: 86
18: Alexis Alfonso, Canyon del Oro: 85

Wins (10)
Lyana Waddell, San Manuel: 21
Emily Robinson, Ironwood Ridge: 18
Jovanka Garcia, Valley Union: 18
Brittany Woolridge, Empire: 16
Lexi Reyes, Sunnyside: 15
Casey Cadenhead, Marana: 15
Danica Cooke, Thatcher: 14
Alexis Alfonso: Canyon del Oro: 14
Kendra Behr, Benson: 13
Sarah Chavez, Desert Christian: 13
Kellye Springstead, Tanque Verde: 13
Sarah Andrews, Cienega: 13
Randi Longville: Canyon del Oro: 12
Shelby Diffenderfer, Sabino: 12
Jordan Wengert: Marana: 12
Rianna Campagne, Tanque Verde: 11
Brianna Urquidez, Nogales: 11
Kayla Green, Cienega: 11
Kelsey Smith, Empire: 11
Brooklyn Beardshear, Sahuaro: 10

The final totals will also use the MLB calculation of number of games multiplied by 3.1 to get the final batting title champion. Using the basic 18 regular season games, a player must have at least 56 at bats at the end of the season to qualify.

All stats based on AIA/MaxPreps information and numbers sent in from coaches.