Alamogordo Track & Field Coaches and Athletes Celebrate Julian Benitez’s Commitment to Division I University of Evansville

Alamogordo High School’s track and field program erupted in celebration as senior sprinter Julian Benitez officially signed his National Letter of Intent to compete at the NCAA Division I level for the University of Evansville Purple Aces. The announcement marks a major milestone for the Tigers’ sprint program and underscores the program’s commitment to developing talent that can compete at the highest collegiate levels.

“This is what our program is all about—success,” said coaches and teammates, echoing the pride in Benitez’s journey from a dedicated high school athlete to a Division I signee. His signing highlights years of hard work, team support, and personal growth in one of New Mexico’s competitive 5A sprint scenes.

Benitez’s Impressive High School Record

Benitez, a Class of 2026 standout at Alamogordo High School, has been a dominant force in the sprints. His personal bests include:

• 100m: 10.73 seconds

• 200m: 21.80 seconds

• 400m: 52.13 seconds

• Additional events: Long Jump (19-11), Triple Jump (38-1.5), and strong relay contributions (e.g., 4x100m relay splits helping teams to 42.36)

These marks rank him among the top sprinters in New Mexico for the 2026 season. He earned recognition in state-level competitions, including strong performances at the NMAA 5A State Championships (e.g., advancing in the 100m with a 10.99 prelim) and district meets.

Throughout the 2026 outdoor season, Benitez consistently delivered for the Tigers:

• Ralph Bowyer Invitational (March 2026): Won the 200m in a blazing 21.80 seconds, helping the boys’ team secure top honors.

• District 3-5A Championships: Placed 2nd in the 100m (10.87) and contributed key legs in relays.

• Multiple invitational wins and state qualifiers in the 100m, 200m, and relays alongside teammates like Nathan Cereceres, Tristan Bowman, and others.

Benitez also participated in prestigious events like the Great Southwest Classic and showed versatility in indoor competitions with PRs of 7.11 in the 60m and 22.54 in the 200m.

Beyond the track, Benitez has been a multi-sport athlete (including basketball) and a leader in the classroom and community. He is a member of the National Honor Society, takes honors classes, and has been involved in youth ministry. In his recruiting profile, he emphasized his love for the grind: “I truly love the journey just as much or more than the results… I enjoy the grind that it takes to get to those wins.”

A Bright Future at the University of Evansville

The University of Evansville, competing in the Missouri Valley Conference, offers Benitez the chance to continue his sprinting career at the Division I level while pursuing academics. The Purple Aces’ track program provides a strong developmental environment for athletes transitioning from high school.

Teammates celebrated the signing as a shared victory for the program, which has produced multiple state qualifiers and standouts in recent years.

Benitez’s success reflects broader strengths in Alamogordo’s athletic community, including high school sports excellence tied to local pride and coaching dedication.

Congratulations to Julian Benitez, his family, coaches, and teammates on this outstanding achievement! The Tigers’ program continues to prove that hard work and commitment lead to opportunities beyond high school. Best of luck in Evansville—we’ll be watching your continued success.

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