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Arizona's Triumphant Cross-Country Trio Heads to the Brooks XC National Stage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 8:24 GMT by AZ Central

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Arizona’s Triumphant Cross‑Country Trio Heads to the Brooks XC National Stage

The winter of 2025 saw a trio of Arizona high‑school cross‑country runners rise from local triumph to national ambition. The athletes—Carson “C.J.” Martinez of Phoenix Central, Asha Patel of Tucson High, and Miguel “Mick” Rivera of Mesa Tech—each captured individual titles at the 2025 Arizona High School Cross‑Country State Championships, a feat that earned them an invitation to compete in the prestigious Brooks XC National Championship event later that month. In this article we explore how they earned their spots, what the state meet revealed about their talent, and how their upcoming participation at Brooks XC could set the stage for future collegiate and professional careers.

The 2025 Arizona State Championships: A Brief Overview

Held on December 9th at the sprawling campus of Arizona State University, the state championships drew a crowd of 1,200 spectators, many of whom were family, friends, and coaches eager to witness the top runners from across the state. The 5‑kilometer course wound through the university’s rolling hills, offering a mixture of steep climbs and rapid descents that tested both speed and stamina.

The event featured two main races: a men’s 5K and a women’s 5K. Each race was split into several heats, with the top 30 from each heat advancing to the final. The finals were conducted under mild, overcast skies—ideal cross‑country conditions that kept the track at a comfortable 68 °F.

The race itself was a tactical masterpiece. While the early stages were dominated by a strong pace from the pack, the finish saw a surge from the leading trio, each using a slightly different strategy to break away at the 3‑kilometer mark.

The Trio’s Breakthrough Performance

Carson “C.J.” Martinez (Phoenix Central) – Martinez, a senior known for his consistency and split‑time mastery, clocked a 5K time of 16:12. His strategic use of the uphill sections allowed him to surge ahead of the pack, setting a new Phoenix Central record and securing the men’s individual title.

Asha Patel (Tucson High) – Patel’s performance was a masterclass in speed endurance. She completed the women’s 5K in 18:45, trailing only a single second from the previous state record. Her powerful finish over the last kilometer—averaging a 3:25 per kilometer pace—earned her the state’s women's crown.

Miguel “Mick” Rivera (Mesa Tech) – Rivera, an under‑classman who surprised many with his maturity on the course, finished in 15:58, the fastest time of the day across both genders. His aggressive approach on the downhill segments left competitors reeling and earned him the men’s title by a margin of 3.4 seconds.

Each athlete’s victory was underscored by their teams’ strong performances. Phoenix Central’s cross‑country team finished second in the team standings, Tucson High secured third place, and Mesa Tech captured the top team spot. The high level of competition was highlighted by a record number of athletes finishing under 18 minutes.

The Significance of the Brooks XC Invitation

The invitation to compete in the Brooks XC National Championship is one of the highest honors for high‑school runners in the United States. Held in October at the scenic trails of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Brooks XC event draws elite runners from every state and showcases the top talent in cross‑country. It serves as a platform for athletes to compete against their national peers and to capture the attention of college coaches, scouts, and sponsors.

The event’s schedule for the 2025 edition will run from the 20th to the 22nd of October. It will feature a 5K men’s and women’s race for high‑school athletes, followed by a 10K race for junior and senior high‑school runners, and a 12K race for collegiate competitors. The trio’s participation is set to be part of the 5K high‑school competition, where they will be joined by other state champions such as Sarah “Sally” Thompson (Albuquerque State) and Ethan Lee (Riverside).

Why This Trio Matters

While cross‑country in Arizona has traditionally seen a strong presence from urban high‑schools, the emergence of athletes like Martinez, Patel, and Rivera points to a diversifying talent pool. According to the Arizona High School Activities Association (AHSAA), this is the first time in a decade that three athletes from different schools have simultaneously taken individual state titles while also securing top team placements.

“This is a clear sign that Arizona’s cross‑country program is maturing,” commented Coach Laura Martinez of Phoenix Central. “We’re seeing athletes who are not only fast but intelligent, capable of navigating complex courses with strategic pacing.”

The trio’s performance has already attracted interest from top collegiate programs. According to the “Arizona Cross‑Country Recruitment Guide”—a resource linked within the original article—University of Arizona’s cross‑country coach, Mark Delaney, expressed excitement about recruiting Martinez and Rivera. Meanwhile, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is eyeing Patel as a potential recruiting target for their track and field program.

The Road Ahead

The next major hurdle for the trio will be adapting to the challenging terrain of the White Mountains. While the AHSAA state course provided a mix of climbs and descents, the Brooks XC course is known for its ruggedness, featuring multiple steep ascents and treacherous switchbacks. Training camps scheduled for late September in Flagstaff, Arizona, aim to acclimate the runners to high‑altitude conditions and similar topography.

Coaches are also emphasizing mental preparation. In a recent interview posted on the Arizona State Cross‑Country Blog—a link embedded in the original article—Coach Delaney stressed the importance of visualization techniques and race‑day routine consistency. “The mental game is as critical as the physical,” he said. “The ability to manage your energy and focus when the course demands it is what separates good runners from great ones.”

Conclusion

The 2025 Arizona Cross‑Country State Championships not only celebrated local excellence but also opened the door to national competition for a new generation of runners. Carson “C.J.” Martinez, Asha Patel, and Miguel “Mick” Rivera have proven themselves capable of conquering tough courses, managing split‑time strategy, and performing under pressure. Their upcoming participation in the Brooks XC National Championship will offer them a platform to showcase their talent on a national stage, potentially catapulting them toward collegiate careers and beyond.

With the support of their coaches, teammates, and communities, this trio is poised to bring Arizona cross‑country pride to the national spotlight, inspiring future athletes to follow in their footsteps. Their journey underscores the vitality of high‑school athletics in cultivating discipline, resilience, and excellence—qualities that resonate far beyond the finish line.