Adriano Joe erases his struggles on his mind as soon as he starts running. 

What's left to carry is the memory of his late grandmother, Violet, and the determination to prove that at 5-feet-5 Joe has the biggest heart on a race course. As a freshman, Joe led Pinon's cross country team to a second place finish at state in 2013 in Division IV, the best showing for a boys team ever from Pinon.

What Joe helped pull off last year was unexpected. But for him, what the then freshman accomplished served as proof that Joe's on the right track despite his family's struggles to make ends meet.

He could have stopped competing to help his family, like when he'd sometimes ride bulls in events, giving his rewards to his parents. But his parents and coaches would rather see Joe continue to make strides in racing, and they are doing everything possible so that it stays that way.

Joe will often sell his personal stuff to help purchase the running shoes his dad Attson buys. As the top-ranked distance runner in D-IV this season, Joe is chasing a state title this year. 

He was the seventh place finisher and first freshman to cross the finish line in the D-IV state race last year.  

"I forget about everything when I'm running," said the 16-year-old Joe about what he's already experienced off the track. "But it has strengthened me."

(Pinon's Adriano Joe)

He's also racing for Violet, who was killed by a drunk driver during Joe's track season last year.

Violet would often tell her grandson that, as a competitor, Joe had a big heart. He continues to prove that despite being told that he's not tall enough to compete with runners with longer strides.

But some competitors can't measure up to Joe's grit and see what makes him tick.

"I haven't seen Adriano get tired," Pinon coach Leroy Begay said. "It seems like he still has energy at the end and sprints the final 100 meters." 

Joe's grandmother would have been proud of the way he continues to push himself.

"I will always remember her and pray for her," Joe said. "I will never forget her."