Contributed Photo/Courtesy SDSU: Mia Abalos destroyed the school record in javelin by more than 10 feet on her way to a state championship last week.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – In track and field – much like swimming – individual victories come as the athlete continues to improve; and then sometimes records just get smashed.
That’s what happened last week as Safford senior Mia Abalos shattered the school record in the javelin by an astounding 10 feet.
Abalos threw 129’ 1” to take home first place in the Division IV State Meet and secure her spot this weekend in the Arizona Interscholastic Association Tournament of Champions featuring the top throwers in all divisions in the state.
Abalos’ previous personal record prior to the state meet was 117” and the previous Safford school record was 119”.
Dual Threat
Sometimes in the world of premier athletes these days, participants focus solely on one sport to get the best they can. However, disciplines from one sport often cross over to other sports, and in our local public high schools, athletes generally compete in as many sports as they can.
Randy Moss played alongside future NBA player Jason Williams in high school while of course starring on the football field as well.
Here in the Gila Valley, perhaps one day people will reminisce about seeing Mia Abalos shine on the volleyball court as well as the field.
Mia, a member of the National Honor Society and Senior Class President, holds a 4.0 GPA and previously signed to continue her athletic talents at New Mexico State University on its volleyball team.
New Mexico State is a Division I school located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Aggies went 21-10 last year and fell to Western Kentucky in the Conference USA Tournament.
