Ignacio’s Cayse Burcham named San Juan Basin League’s top runner of 2023 campaign

Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 9:30 AM Updated Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 1:23 PM

Bobcats’ Karri McCarter named league’s top boys cross country coach; James Martin named to First-Team All-SJBL alongside Burcham

Ignacio freshman Cayson Burcham (436) descends the final hill approaching the last turn toward the finish line during the IHS-hosted 2023 Ignatius Invitational on Aug. 25. (Joel Priest/Special to the Herald)

If they were indeed rookies this fall, Cayson Burcham and James Martin certainly didn’t look the part.

Cornerstones for Ignacio cross country’s future, the first-year Bobcats – a freshman and sophomore, respectively – were named First-Team All-San Juan Basin League for 2023, with Burcham winning league Runner of the Year honors.

Bobcats coach Karri McCarter was named the league’s top boys cross country coach for helping guide youth-blessed Ignacio to the CHSAA Class 2A State Championships.

The 2A-Region IV Championships, held outside Dolores the Friday before the grand finale in Colorado Springs, served as the SJBL Championships. The All-League harriers were determined during regionals.

At the state championships, Burcham placed 52nd in the 2A boys race, while Martin finished 95th.

Bayfield senior Tristan Sager, left, and BHS Cross-Country head coach Josh Walton stand outside Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, following the 2023 CHSAA State Cross Country Championships' Class 3A boys' race. Sager was named First Team All-Intermountain League. (Courtesy of Joel Priest)