Day 1 of the big-school state track and field meet delivered fireworks, reminding everyone that records don't always wait for the finals. Sandia High School senior Chigekwu Nwagbo made history in the morning heats, blazing through the 100-meter dash in 10.47 seconds at the University of New Mexico Track and Field Complex. That time shattered the previous New Mexico state record of 10.50 seconds, co-held by Highland's Bobby Newcombe (1997) and Manzano's Jordan Byrd (2018).
Nwagbo's run came with little fanfare, but the Matadors' star knew conditions were perfect—hot and still—after he'd already clocked 10.49 at the Richard Harper meet last month. "It feels good, just need to do it again (Saturday) so I get that gold medal," he said, already eyeing the final.
He wasn't the only sprinter rewriting the record books. Albuquerque Academy junior Grace Erinle broke her own 4A girls' 100-meter state record with a blistering 11.93 seconds in prelims, topping the 11.96 she set last year. But she wasn't done. Erinle also won the 4A long jump with a leap of 18 feet, 10 inches, breaking Jaiya Daniels' 2024 mark of 18-9¼. "Last year it was my goal, but too much wind kept me from getting it," she said. "I definitely came with the intention of getting it this time."
The action wasn't limited to the track. La Cueva's Tanner Montaño, competing in his final field event for the Bears, captured the 5A long jump with a winning mark of 22 feet, 11 inches. The co-state record holder (24-3¼) admitted this spring hasn't been as smooth. "I'm very happy to be state champion again. What I did last year was really special, and it was going to be hard to replicate. The body hasn't felt as great this year." Montaño, headed to the University of Texas next year, has his sights set on a bigger prize: "The one main goal this weekend is we want a team state championship."
In the distance events, Eldorado sophomore Gianna Rahmer captured her third consecutive 3,200-meter title despite a season with limited competition. Her win capped a busy Day 1 for 5A and 4A athletes, setting the stage for more drama on Saturday.