SUBWAY SPOTLIGHT: JAL HIGH SCHOOL

pictured above (from left to right) : William Douglas, Daniel Jones, Kolby Taylor, Chelsea Fulfer, Rylee Crawford, Karina Nieto

Jal High School is New Mexico’s most southeast city.  The population is just over 2,000, but the spirit and enthusiasm they bring to their athletic events is large.

“A lot of people do get more involved now in the pep rallies,” said cheerleader Chelsea Fulfer. “Cheerleading gives me a reason to be involved in the school and stay active,” she added.

The community rallies around its student athletes, especially under the Friday night lights in the fall.

“We have a good community, especially in football, the community is behind us,” said Kolby Taylor.    Taylor is a junior and, much like many other students at the high school, is involved in multiple sports.  He participates in football, basketball, baseball and track and is also a member of the NMAA’s Student Leadership Advisory Committee.

Geographically, Jal’s location results in long road trips becoming a regular event.  “Even if we’re five hours down the road, we have a lot showing up to watch us play,” said Taylor.

“I enjoy the games and feel like the community is really involved in the football games,” said Fulfer.

Whether it’s shouting for the Panthers in the football stands, filling the gym for basketball, cheering on their successful softball program, or just providing a meal, the community of Jal is there for support.

“It’s fantastic to see they’re behind us and even the local businesses will feed us lunch and they’re very supportive and they are there for us as long as we go out and do our jobs,” said Taylor.

Click below to hear from some of the students