Prep roundup: Trailblazers’ 3 titles highlight busy week

Spencer Patterson

Monday, May 24, 1999 | 10 a.m.

Although much of the attention going into last weekend's prep action focused on Cimarron-Memorial's hunt for its fourth state title this year, Saturday ultimately proved to be the greatest day in Durango High School's athletic history.

The Trailblazers captured not one or two but three championships, as the boys track and volleyball teams joined the school's baseball squad in the winner's circle.

Durango also produced two individual state swimming titles and three individual event gold medalists in boys track.

The weekend was also a successful one for Silverado, which made it all the way to the championship game at the 4A Softball Tournament and wound up second in girls swimming.

Here's a look at some of the week's highlights:

* SOFTBALL: Galena extended the North's championship streak to six years with a 4-3, nine-inning win over Silverado, but the Skyhawks returned home from Carson proud of their showing.

"We've talked to the kids about playing with heart and leaving everything out on the field, and I really do believe we did that," said Silverado coach Chuck Pope, whose club finished the year with a 32-12 record. "Galena obviously won the state tournament. I don't think we lost it."

After besting Carson on Thursday, Pope's club posted a pair of wins over defending state champion Reed to get into the final game.

* TRACK: Durango got first-place finishes from Ransom Minyard (300 meter hurdles), Willie Battle (long jump) and its 3,200-meter relay squad to post a 28-point win over second-place Las Vegas.

Although Reed captured its fourth straight 4A girls title, Mojave's Nicole Ireland stole the show. The junior took home first-place medals in four events: the 100- and 200-meter dashes, the 100-meter hurdles and the 800-meter relay.

* SWIMMING: Reno and Carson won the 4A boys and girls titles, respectively, in an event traditionally dominated by the North.

All was not lost for the South, though, as Durango's Scott Weaver raced to a pair of first-place finishes in 200 and 500 freestyle. Silverado's Kurt Cady was another double-winner, capturing the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke.

On the girls side, Silverado's Jacque Hoover (50 freestyle) and Green Valley's Aubri Cropper (diving) were the only local champions. Hoover's time of 24.18 in the 50 free was a new state record.

* BOYS VOLLEYBALL: After losing its first match, Durango fought its way all the back through the loser's bracket to win the 4A Southern Zone championship.

The Trailblazers capped their run through the loser's bracket in dramatic fashion, winning three matches on Saturday against Bonanza and Las Vegas (twice). Because the North does not participate in boys volleyball, the sport does not hold a state tournament.

* SMALL SCHOOLS: Saturday was also a good day for Boulder City High School, as the Eagles added this year's 3A softball title to their boys basketball crown. Boulder City went through the tournament without losing, finishing the job with a lopsided 11-2 win over Virgin Valley.

The Eagles narrowly missed another championship in baseball, falling to Bishop Manogue 16-6 in the finale.