Cross Country Sixth at AIA Division I State Meet

The Brophy cross country team placed sixth at the AIA Division I State Championship at Cave Creek Golf Course, with 148 points, led by two Top 20 finishers. Brophy has recorded 19 consecutive seasons with a top-10 finish at the state championships. It was the best finish since 2021.

Junior Spencer Nick was the first Bronco across the line, 14th overall, in 16:21. He opened the first mile in 27th, making up 12 spots with a 5:09 second mile, and finished strong. Junior Benner Niemoth had a similar race, gaining 10 spots in the second mile and closing by passing eight runners down the stretch. Niemoth improved his finish from 2025 (34th) in just his second race of the season.

Senior Colin St. Hilare also posted a career-best state finish, 28th in 16:50, after placing 33rd in 2025. Senior Diego Alejos placed 36th overall in 17:06, after finishing 57th as a junior. Luis Esparza-Suady was the fifth finisher, 71st in 17:52. 

Senior Patrick McLaughlin was 81st (18:08), and Julian Kies was 118th (18:54).

AIA Division I State Championships - 6th, 148 points

Team Standings: 1. Highland, 57; 2. Mountain View, 107; 3. Desert Vista, 113; 4. Basha, 141; 5. Red Mountain, 147; 6. Brophy, 148. 

Brophy Finishers (top 6): 14. Spencer Nick, 16:21.1; 19. Benner Niemoth, 16:30.5; 28. Colin St. Hilaire, 16:50.2; 36. Diego Alejos, 17:06.8; 71. Luis Esparza-Suady, 17:52.7; 81. Patrick McLaughlin, 18:08.3; 118. Julian Kies, 18:54.3.