More than 330 attend athletic banquet

More than 330 people attended the annual Diamondback Booster Club Athletic Banquet last Monday, but two who were not present were on the minds of many.

A small memorial table near the Tucumcari Convention Center stage was set for Tucumcari High School freshman athlete Jayden Gloms, who died in a vehicle accident at Five Mile Park in January.

Amid flowers and candles stood a framed message that stated: "Reserved for Tucumcari High School athlete Jayden Anthony Gloms."

A poem with it read:

"I'm in Heaven for our Athletic Banquet so what shall I do,

I'll come down to Earth and spend it with you,

So save me a seat, just one extra chair,

You may not see me, but I will be there."

Below it was a copy of Jayden's signature.

Early in the ceremony, five of Jayden's best friends presented a "Forever Athlete" plaque to the boy's mother and sisters amid a standing ovation.

Also absent from the banquet was longtime THS boys basketball coach John Span. He is battling cancer.

Assistant coach Gary Hittson presented the team and spoke about its past season on Span's behalf.

Hittson said Span has the players' individual awards at his house and would distribute them at a later date.

"Just keep him in your prayers, please," Hittson told the audience.

Hittson and the players then formed a huddle-break as if they were on the basketball court.

Banquet organizers held an 80/20 raffle drawing for Span that generated more than $1,500. The winner donated her $300 back to the fund.

At the end of the evening, Xzander Garcia and Alexus Lafferty were named the Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Tyrus Jones and Sierra Valverde earned Senior Male and Female Academic Athletes of the Year, with each receiving a $250 scholarship.

The booster club honored 18 seniors who participated in one or several of 10 sports offered by THS - cross country, volleyball, football, cheerleading, wrestling, boys basketball, girls basketball, softball, baseball, golf and track - during the school year.

Track coach Wayne Ferguson became choked up describing junior Haisley Huffman's successful defense earlier this month of her long-jump state championship, plus her winning a state title in the triple jump in school-record fashion.

Among the loudest ovations was an introduction of Paul Urquizu, who participated in a Special Olympics exhibition 100-meter dash during the state track meet, finishing fourth.

Wrestling coach Tim Clark received applause when he talked about his boys team's surprise district championship in the wake of the sport's realignment. The saga included Valley's coach having the district trophy "held hostage" for a few days.

Tucumcari inexplicably received only two medals for its district title, so Clark gave each of his athletes challenge coins instead. He also gave plaques to his two seniors, Xzander Garcia and Dezmon Pacheco.

Girls basketball coach Patrick Benavidez gave varsity letters, plus these honors to players on his district-champion team:

- Alexus Lafferty, Most Valuable Player, highest free-throw percentage, most assists, most steals and most points scored;

- Cambree Benavidez, highest shooting percentage;

- July Lafferty, top rebounder;

- Caylee Benavidez, most blocked shots.

In softball, coach CJ Oglesby presented these awards for his playoffs-qualifying team:

- Sierra Valverde, Offensive Player of the Year;

- Alexus Lafferty, Most Valuable Player;

- Haisley Huffman, Defensive Player of the Year;

- Amaya Infante, Outstanding Catcher;

- Juli Rivera, Outstanding Pitcher;

- Tayden Hyslop, Coach's MVP for hustle.

In volleyball, coach Dana Benavidez gave these awards for her playoffs-qualifying squad:

- Caylee Benavides, setter of the year and most kills;

- Alexus Lafferty, passer of the year and most aces;

- July Lafferty, blocker of the year;

- Haisley Huffman, best hitting percentage;

- Kirksey Smith and Kylie'Ann Rincones, tied for best serving percentage;

- Nevaeh Montoya, most improved.

In baseball, coach George Montano gave these awards:

- Nick Goen, best defensive player;

- Josh Griego, best pitcher;

- Juano Martinez, most improved;

- Billy Otero, best offensive player.

Otero and Xzander Garcia also were presented with home-plate plaques for their roles as seniors.

In football, coach Donnie Garcia recognized his team's all-district players:

In golf, coach Justin Garcia announced his Male and Female Golfer of the Year were Kaden Brown and Jade Duplantis, respectively.

Cheerleading coach Jolene Garcia announced her Cheerleader of the Year was D'Naylie Rivera.