Risley Runs Into History At Clovis High

Tristan Risley will go down in Clovis High School history as the greatest Cougars running back in 100-years of football at the school. His name is written all over the record book to prove it.

Risley was elevated to the varsity football team as a freshman, starred as a sophomore, fought through a COVID-shortened junior year, and earned his place among the Clovis High greats as a senior.

“The fact that I broke records that have been set 30 years ago, 40 years ago, it means a lot,” Risley said. “It means that there’s going to be people in the future that’ll be trying to beat my records 100 years later.”

The records that Risley broke during the 2021 season include the single-season rushing yards record, the career rushing yards mark, and the career total touchdowns record.

His head coach Rich Hammond said he saw Risley’s growing talent while he played flag football at Gettsyburg Elementary.

“Probably the first time I ever saw him was Gettysburg,” Hammond said. “They have a carnival here and he played at Gettysburg, and the way he ran, the ability to make people miss and get skinny, is second to none for him.”

Risley excelled from elementary to middle and now high school. Up next for him is college football. He will carry a large chip on his shoulder as many colleges have not shown any interest in the running back.

“”I’ve been doubted my whole life on where I play and what position I’m at,” Risley said. “But I’ve known I can keep up with a higher, more intense speed. It’s what I have always done.”