ISD looks ahead to winter competition
The fall sports season at Ignacio High School has officially wrapped up, and what a season it was. With cross country and volleyball both advancing to their respective state competitions, and numerous student-athletes earning league and state honors, the Bobcats have much to celebrate.
Ignacio had the privilege of hosting two major postseason events this year, beginning with the regional cross country meet at Jack-a-lope Acres. The Bobcat boys cross country team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second in the region and securing their place at the state meet. Their success extended beyond competition day, as the team earned the title of SJBL Team Champions, and head coach Kent Gillin was named SJBL Boys Coach of the Year. Individually, Trace Crane, Thunder Windy Boy, and James Martin were selected to the All-Conference First Team, with Crane and Windy Boy also earning All-State Honorable Mention honors.
Ignacio also hosted the regional volleyball tournament, where the Lady Bobcats dominated the competition and claimed the regional championship. Their victory punched their ticket to the CHSAA State Volleyball Tournament, marking another exciting milestone for the program. The accolades continued as Kelly Sirios earned SJBL Player of the Year, and head coach Jennifer Seibel was named SJBL Coach of the Year. Sirios, along with Tarah Baker and Alleah Neil, were selected to the First Team All-Conference. Sirios went on to receive All-State Second Team honors, while Neil earned All-State Honorable Mention.
On the gridiron, the Bobcat football team also saw significant postseason recognition. Lincoln deKay, Gabe Archuleta, Aven Bourriague, and Zane Pontine earned First Team All-Conference honors. Dillon Witt and William Mendoza-Lechuga received Second Team All-Conference, and Jayden Scott earned an Honorable Mention. State football honors are still pending as playoffs continue, though Ignacio’s league is now out of contention.
Success extended across middle school as well, where the Ignacio Middle School 2025 fall sports season proved highly productive. A total of 83 students participated across cross country, football, and volleyball. The cross-country team featured three runners who competed in six meets, and with two athletes moving up to high school, coaches hope to bring in more sixth graders next season. Football saw major growth with 35 players, the highest turnout in years, competing in their second season of eight-man football. Although the team did not secure a win, coaches were proud of the athletes’ development and teamwork. Volleyball thrived with 45 girls spread across four teams, with the A team – mostly seventh graders – proving competitive against older opponents. Boys basketball is nearing the end of its season with 45 athletes filling four teams and three wins so far. With two games left, the team awaits League Championship placement on Saturday, Dec. 13. Middle school girls’ basketball will begin practice, Monday, Dec. 15 with games starting Jan. 8, and middle school wrestling will open their season with practices beginning Jan. 20.
With fall sports concluded at the high school, the focus now shifts to winter athletics. Both boys’ and girls’ wrestling will open their season at Bayfield High School on Saturday, Dec. 6. Basketball will follow with the first home game on Tuesday, Dec. 9 as Ignacio hosts Mancos.
As excitement builds, the Bobcat community looks forward to another season of growth, pride, and competitive spirit.