Several special recognitions were made during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game between the Ulysses Tigers and Meade Buffaloes February 2, highlighting recent accomplishments across Ulysses High School athletics and academics.
The evening opened with recognition of the 2025 UHS track season, which saw four school records broken. Records were set in the girls 100-meter dash, boys 100-meter dash, girls 4x100-meter relay, and boys 4x100-meter relay.
In the girls 100 meters, the previous school record of 12.5 seconds, jointly held by Kenya Kistler and Taryn McGaughey, was broken by then-sophomore Aja Ysac. The boys 100-meter record, which had stood since 1972 when Eddie Collum ran 10.8 seconds, was surpassed by Gaige McGaughey, who posted a time of 10.65 seconds. McGaughey was also recognized as the 4A State Champion in the 200 meters, with the standing school record in that event potentially within reach this season.
The girls 4x100-meter relay record was first broken in 2023 with a time of 50.62 seconds, then lowered again in 2024 to 49.47 seconds by Natalya Sifuentes, Denise Aguilar-Cano, Erisbelie Alvarado, and Aja Ysac. Sifuentes was noted as a member of both record-breaking relay teams. The boys 4x100-meter relay record, originally set in 1986 at 43 seconds, was broken in 2024 when Julian Meraz, Parker Browning, Aden Alvarado, and Gaige McGaughey ran 42.64 seconds. That relay team went on to become 4A State Champions.
Also recognized was Aden Alvarado, who earned the 4A State Championship in the long jump during his senior season.
Academic achievements were also celebrated. Ulysses High School students participated in the American Mathematics Competition on November 13, 2025, an event that promotes problem solving, critical thinking, and mathematical application. A total of 24 students competed, with Jaxson Salinas earning top honors in the junior/senior division, and Jonathan Tarango leading the freshman/sophomore division.
Salinas was additionally recognized for his accomplishments on the wrestling mat, having earned his 100th career win and setting a new all-time UHS wrestling record with 142 wins. With the season still underway, Salinas has opportunities to extend that record before graduating.
The final recognition of the night honored the UHS Scholars Bowl team, which finished undefeated at the 2026 GWAC Scholars Bowl meet. Team members include Karla Bautista, Mauricio Acosta, Blain Coffey, Karley Gamboa, Madison Montano, and Jesus Hernandez. The team was also recognized as they prepare to compete at regional competition in Pratt.
The recognitions highlighted the depth of talent and dedication found throughout Ulysses High School, celebrating achievements both in competition and the classroom
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here