Track team doesn't have to look far for top talent

by Brandon Call

Daily Lobo

The UNM track and field team will be well-represented at the sport's biggest stage this season.

Javelin thrower Katie Coronado, sprinters Ariel Burr and Jarrin Solomon and distance runners Timmie Murphy and Jeremy Johnson will make their first trip to the NCAA Championships, June 6-9 in Sacramento, Calif.

All five are graduates of New Mexico high schools.

UNM head coach Matt Henry said he is thrilled to see homegrown talent excelling.

"It's great to know that New Mexico runners can compete with the best in the nation," he said. "I'm really proud of all of their hard work and dedication this season. They are all great athletes, and I am excited

for them."

Johnson and Solomon are Albuquerque natives, graduating from Manzano and La Cueva. Burr and Coronado hail from southeastern New Mexico, growing up in Carrizozo and Ruidoso. Murphy is from Farmington.

Henry said he is proud to have some of New Mexico's best runners on the team.

"It's always great to see local kids doing extraordinary things," he said. "When New Mexico runners compete, there's a sense of homegrown talent. It makes it that much more special."

Under Henry, 12 of the 15 Lobos who have qualified for the NCAA Championships have been from New Mexico.

Henry said that during his seven years at UNM, his goal has been to recruit quality New Mexico athletes.

"We've always tried to recruit the best from around the state, and now it's paying off," he said. "I've always believed in local talent, and now it's great to see their accomplishments come to fruition."

Henry, who announced his retirement Feb. 19, will conclude his UNM coaching career at the national meet.

Henry said the occasion will be bittersweet.

"I'm excited for the athletes and their accomplishments, but at the same time, it's hard not to reflect on the past," he said. "Looking back, we've had some great performances over the years, but I'm most proud of the fact that we've done it almost entirely with New Mexico kids."

In Henry's final season at UNM, the Lobos will send their largest group to the NCAA Championships since 1990. Henry's previous high of three qualifiers came in 2005.

Murphy, who qualified in the 5,000 meters, said Henry's retirement - as well as that of brother and associate head coach Mark Henry - provided athletes with extra motivation.

"Them retiring is a huge loss for New Mexico track and field," she said. "They told us early on in the season, and that gave us more incentive to do well. In a way, I think we all did it

for them."

Track and field at NCAA Championships

June 6-9

Sacramento, Calif.