ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Hernandez, NM native Melaki Gutierrez shined as a multi-sport athlete at Los Alamos High School. With the Hilltoppers, he won multiple state titles as a sprinter on the track team and was also named first-team all-state as a football player. He is now trying to do the s ame at the University of New Mexico. "Hopefully, he can keep growing, keep getting better, and be a strong showing of what in-state guys can do here," said UNM football head coach Jason Eck. Gutierrez redshirted his first season with the Lobo football team but saw action in one game as a kick returner. This spring, he is seeing increased reps as a cornerback. 3 coaches added to Lobo basketball staff In high school, Gutierrez primarily played in cover-1 man defense. Transitioning to the college game meant a big learning curve for him, and now he's in his third defensive system in three years. "I had to learn a lot when I got here," Gutierrez said. "None of the spots are guaranteed, so everyone has to go out there and give it 100%. I've just taken steps and steps and steps and I've gotten a lot better." While Gutierrez continues to be on the UNM track team, he cannot compete until the spring football season is over. In the meantime, he still practices with both teams. His schedule consists of football in the morning, class in the afternoon, and track in the evening. Gutierrez plans to run in both the 100 and 200 meter dash with the Lobos. He was a three-time high school state champion in the 100 (2024, 2023, 2022) and a two-time champion in the 200 (2024, 2022). ...read more read less