Escalante senior Ashley Gilmore can already claim a blue medal last season as a state track and field champion in the Class 2A 100-meter hurdles, as well as runner-up finishes in the 300 and the high jump.
But her ability to repeat or even improve on those performances from last season hinges on her continued recovery from a knee injury suffered during basketball season.
“It’s going good,” she said. “It’s a lot of battling and fighting back to where I was. It’s been hard and it’s taken a toll on my mental health. But I just keep working on it and trying to get better.”
The hyperextension of her knee happened about three months ago and since then, it’s been a constant push to prepare for the track season.
“It’s definitely been tough,” she said. “I think I should be able to get to 100% by (state). I just need to keep working and keep focusing and really push myself beyond the injury.”
Lobos assistant coach Eric Belser said he can see the hard work is paying off as Gilmore has dropped her time in the 300 hurdles by more than five seconds
“She’s coming right back into her prime,” he said.
The team also relies on her as its leader, especially after fellow stalwart Hannah Lopez left for Mesa Vista before the school year.
“I just try and teach them to always work hard,” Gilmore said. “If there’s one thing I learned from last year, is try not to spare yourself, just pour your all onto the track every meet, every practice. This is no time to relax. I’m constantly pushing them to be better and to push themselves.”
She has some help in fellow speedster, sophomore Peyton Gallegos, who was part of the medal-winning 4×100 and 4×200 relays last season. But the Lobos are looking for new runners to fill out those squads.
Sophomore Alissa Aguilar and senior Mesa Glover are both showing promise in that area as they transition from other events to add relays to their repertoire, Belser said.
The boys are also rebuilding, with sophomore Julio Lujan looked upon as the veteran of the group despite his age, as he is the only member of the medal-winning 4×200 and 4×400 relays from a year ago.
“He’s bringing a lot of knowledge to these young guys that in invaluable,” Belser said. “Having a young veteran is a blessing. It’s nice to have somebody who’s young and has that experience of a veteran.”
Otherwise, the team is long on promise and short on experience, he said.
“We have a bunch of newcomers, first-time guys,” Belser said. “We’re looking young and green, but they have the drive and the mentality that I think you really need for track.”
But the big hope is for Lujan to have a monster day at state.
“We’re looking to change up his form a little bit and get him in a prime spot a little closer to the top of the podium,” the coach said.
And Lujan said he’s ready to accept the responsibility of being the team leader.
“I try to do my best to push my boys to be the best because I know they’ve got a lot more in them,” he said. “Everyday I try to do my best. I’m young, I’m still learning but I try to be coachable and pick up as much as I can.”
Having new relay runners around him is a challenge, but it’s one the squad is working through.
“It’s a whole new group so I’ve got to bring what I have from last year and I try to teach them what I can,” Lujan said. “It’s still new for me and I’m still learning as I go, but it’s a great feeling because it’s mostly team chemistry. I try to tell them, just go out there and run. Give me everything you’ve got and I’ll give you everything I’ve got. Once I get that baton in my hand, I feel like it’s my show.”