Photo courtesy of the Native American Christian Academy - NACA cross-country runner Eligle Begay (in front) gives his all while competing in the Navajo Hopi Apache Junior High League boys’ race.
Photo courtesy of the Native American Christian Academy - NACA cross-country runner Eligle Begay (in front) gives his all while competing in the Navajo Hopi Apache Junior High League boys’ race.

This is the first year that runners from Native American Christian Academy (NACA) participated in the Navajo Hopi Apache Junior High League (NHAJHL) on the Navajo Nation.

Competing at a high level is a Warrior tradition and the Warriors began to create a new legacy for NACA. While both the boys’ and girls’ teams took the challenge seriously, the Lady Warriors broke through with first place in the team competition. Andrea Villalba led the charge by placing third overall.

The boys had nothing to be ashamed of, though, as they continued Warrior pride by placing second as a team. Vann Dewey led the charge for the boys with a valiant effort, crossing the finish line with nothing left in the tank and taking first place overall.

The Warriors continue to exemplify overcoming incredible odds, even as simple as being the smallest student body in both leagues. They work hard to represent their families, community, and the school well.