BY MILES LAYTON
A sports round-up of Aces’ and Pirates’ athletics…
Due to the snow and winter weather, things have been slow, but there are still some sports to report, including an Aces’ athlete interview, Pirates’ Coach Aaron Burke’s success and a shout-out to Aces’ wrestlers competing at the state meet.
Meet Aces’ Amaya Cortezano who finished ninth in the 500-meter dash (1:23.47 min) earlier this month at the NCHSAA State Championship in Winston Salem.
Cortezano was recently named as the Edenton Tea Party chapter of the NSDAR’s Outstanding JROTC Cadet for the year 2025. Daughter of Rachel and Rommel Cortezano of Edenton, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Cortezano is currently serving as the Cadet Battalion Commander of John A. Holmes High School’s ACES JROTC Battalion in addition to serving as our Color Guard Commander and RAIDER Commander. Cortezano hopes to either attend the US Military Academy at West Point or a 4-year university to run track and join ROTC where she ultimately hopes to be commissioned as an officer in the US Army.
Moreover, when this editor discovered a cute kitten trying to stay warm under my car one morning, Cortezano adopted the purring creature unofficially named “Catzilla” because that’s the kind of person Amaya is.
Cortezano is a stellar example of a student-athlete – her name is listed on the Aces’ Honor Roll and she’s competed athletically at the state level.
Cortezano competed at the cross country regional and state championships last season.
Cortezano said she “left it all on the track” at the indoor state championship when competing in the 500-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles (prelims/16th/8 seconds) and the 300-meter dash (15th/43.86 seconds).
“Every time! This was my first time running three events at states so I had to give it all for every one,” she said.
Cortezano credits her father as her inspiration to run.
“For the longest time I had a hard time with this question. My dad inspires me to run,” she said. “Even when I was 6 years old I would beg him to let me run with him. So my dad is my inspiration.”
Cortezano said she feels God’s presence when she’s running fast – a clip from the movie Chariots of Fire comes to mind.
“I certainly do. Every time I run I say the Lord’s prayer in my head. It feels like he’s running right next to me.”
What was the best part about last season?
“I would say during the conference meet I was loaded with races,” Cortezano said. “I was getting 2nd in every one. Until the last event, the 4×4. We were in third place and close to 150m behind. I was able to catch the second place person and pass her and get our team that 2nd place medal.”
Despite the snow, outdoor track season has started.
“Yes, I plan to run, I specialize in the 400 and the 800 but I also run as anchor for all of our relays. so I just run whatever they tell me to,” Cortezano said.
Cortezano has set goals for her final track season as an Aces’ runner — “Getting that state top 5 and going to nationals!”
Cortezano said she has received a good education at JAHHS.
“Yes I love my teachers and all they do,” she said.
Meanwhile in Pirates’ country, Aaron Burke was recently named as the girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year for 2024-25 for the Four Rivers Conference.
“Always humble, always thankful…thanking the man above for guiding me in the right direction,” Burke posted to social media. “I am thankful for my wonderful assistant for all she does and thankful for these young ladies for allowing me to guide them throughout this program. Thank u to my family. Thank you for my support staff at Perquimans County Schools. Most importantly, I’m still working to get better and be a better me. Thank you to all who have supported me throughout my career!”
Congrats to the Lady Pirates!
The Lady Pirates (24-2 overall, 11-1 Four Rivers Conference) defeated Gates County to capture the conference championship 56-54 this past Tuesday.
“What a night! Way to end the regular season and tournament!” Burke posted to social media. “Congratulations to these young ladies who continue to make me proud as well as the community. Staying humble as we get ready for what it’s really about…Playoffs!! Thank you to the Pirate Fans who continue to support us home or on the road!! We really appreciate you!”
In other sports news, Aces’ Gavin Pierce and SJ are competing at the NC High School Athletic Association State Championship this weekend at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro. Good luck in your vision quest to be the best!
As soon as we have news about these Aces’ accolades on the mats, we’ll share that news with our readers.
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