The Pampa High School Cross-Country team traveled to Dalhart over the weekend for the Dalhart Invitational hosted by the Golden Wolves. The team had a terrific outing, bringing home gold as they were led by Sophomore Jesus Montano, who finished second with a time of 17:27.
“Winning Dalhart as a team is something truly special,” Head Coach Yahir Camacho said. “It’s a reflection of the culture shift we’ve been working hard to establish, where every runner matters and where success is built on trust, accountability, and shared goals.
“It might be the first team title since the Coach Elms era, and this group is proud of that. They’ve earned that moment, and they know it's just the beginning. With District fast approaching, that win gives us incredible momentum. It help us to put Pampa Cross Country on the map.”
Camacho added in his first year he has worked to overhaul the program, including changes in workouts.
“This season brought with it a complete overhaul in routine,” Camacho said. “From new training times and fresh workouts to a different coaching dynamic But what has impressed me the most is how our athletes have fully embraced the change.
“They’ve shown resilience, bought into the vision, and adapted with a level of maturity that’s hard to teach. They’ve responded to the intensity of our workouts, pushing themselves through tempo runs, fartleks, speed runs, hills, and committed to showing up with discipline and consistency every single day.”
But those changes didn’t come without growing pains.
“The first few weeks of the cross-country season have been both challenging and rewarding in the best possible ways,” Camacho said.
“As the new head coach, it’s been an exciting time of transition and growth—not just for me, but for the entire program. I’m extremely fortunate to be working alongside Coach Moreno, whose energy, experience, and support have been invaluable as we guide this team through a new chapter.
Camacho added that the win at Dalhart helps the squad to see that, in a sport where individual achievement is also rewarded, every runner can make a difference for the team.
“That growth was on full display recently at the Dalhart Invitational, where our varsity boys brought home a first place team trophy, a huge milestone for our program,” Camacho said. “Historically, Pampa Cross Country has been known more for individual achievements, but now we’re seeing what happens when a team believes in each other and runs for each other.”
Montano was the first Harvester to cross the finish line. While he is a quieter member of the team, Camacho said his actions speak loudly.
“His work ethic sets the tone. Every rep, every stride, every hill, he’s all in,” Camacho said. “He’s the kind of athlete who leads by example and inspires everyone around him to go just a little harder. Jesus is a relentless competitor, and knowing we have two more years with him in a Pampa uniform is incredibly exciting for our coaching staff and the future of this program.”
Behind Montano was the rest of the squad: Jesus Montano, Ervin Torres, Tate LeBlanc, Edwin Madrid, Ryan Resendiz, Said Saldierna, and Freddy Briones. Camacho was proud to see how his team ran tough and is excited for what the future holds for his team.
“What makes this even more exciting is that we are still a young team,” Camacho said. While we will certainly miss seniors like Ervin and Tate next year, we’ve already seen promising talent rising through the ranks.”
The depth and youth of the team is also evident through their junior varsity team, led by Yahir Madrid, who won the junior varsity race.
“[He] is showing every sign of being a future leader on the varsity squad,” Camacho said. “Another excellent athlete is sophomore Nathanyel Briones who delivers every time we need him on the varsity squad. Not to mention, six out of seven of the junior high boys placed at the Dalhart meet and got medals.
“It’s reassuring to know that the standard will not only be upheld but possibly raised in the years ahead.”
While Camacho is still in his first year of coaching at Pampa High School, he is looking forward to growing in his craft while cultivating his team.
“To sum it all up, I’m proud, I’m excited, and I’m confident that we’re building something truly special here at Pampa,” Camacho said. “The culture is changing. The expectations are rising. And most importantly, these athletes are responding, and so is the community of Pampa. We’re just getting started.”
Times to highlight
Jesus Montano 17:27; Gilberto Saldierna 17:33; Ryan Resendiz 18:07; Tate LeBlanc 18:09; Freddy Briones 18:11; Ervin Torres 18:14; Edwin Madrid 18:56 (JV Yahir Madrid 19:07; Nathanyel Briones 20:07).
