After an offseason defined by early morning practices, conditioning, and chemistry, Goddard cross country head coach Dewyane Roberts thinks his team can compete in every meet in 2026.
“I want to see us get better consistently,” Roberts said. “What I’ve been preaching to the team all summer is don’t compare yourself to anybody. Putting the work in will lead to positive results.”
Season expectations
This year’s mission is simple and that is to improve each day, Roberts said. With a strong returning core, the Rockets believe they can climb to the top of Class 4A.
Roberts enters his first year as head coach, after serving as the Goddard volleyball head coach from 2018-24. He brings in a roster that blends veteran leadership and emerging talent. He said Alex Casarez and Jason Flamme are top returners on the boys’ side, and that they always want to get better. Juliana Gonzalez is the top runner for the girls, who Roberts expects big things from.
Schedule outlook
The schedule is filled with eight regular season meets, which Roberts said will be beneficial.
“We’re going to have to travel a lot and compete in the mornings early in the season, which will help us be ready for the district and state meets,” Roberts said.
Roberts said he wants his athletes to be prepared for the District 4-4A Meet, and that they have an advantage since they are hosting it. It will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Enchanted Lands Disc Golf Course. Following this will be the State 4A XC Meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Albuquerque Academy High School.
The Rockets can be seen in action for the first time this season at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Ned Houk Park in Clovis.
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall. Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.
