Chris Abdelmalek, Pueblo ChieftainMon, July 27, 2026 at 8:02 AM UTC·3 min readThe Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U team stands with the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament after winning in walk-off fashion over the Oklahoma Travelers 10-2 at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca pitcher Caeden Herrera tosses a pitch against the Oklahoma Travelers in the championship game of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament at Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Trey Schumacher swings on a pitch during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U Jojo Mendoza tosses the ball to first for the out against USA Prime 27 on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19th, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Nick Hernandez gets a hit during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U pitcher Zane Hathaway hurls a pitch against USA Prime 27 on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19th, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Caeden Herrera connects on a pitch during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca Logan King loads up for a swing against the Parker Lighting on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament from Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's JJ Barger fires off a pitch during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U pitcher Rocco Montoya gears up to toss a pitch against the Parker Lighting on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament from Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Caeden Herrera winds up for a pitch during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca Trey Schumaker hauls in a pop fly against Cheyenne Post 6 in the semifinals of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2028. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Johnathan Hernandez hustles to first base during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Logan King connects for a hit during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca pitcher Blake Swift tosses a pitch against Cheyenne Post 6 in the semifinals of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2028. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's Sol Montoya makes a throw to first base during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca's MJ Molina connects on a pitch against the Oklahoma Travelers in the championship game of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament at Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U JoJo Mendoza receives the All-Tourney player award for his outstanding performance in the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)1 / 18
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
The Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U team stands with the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament after winning in walk-off fashion over the Oklahoma Travelers 10-2 at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca pitcher Caeden Herrera tosses a pitch against the Oklahoma Travelers in the championship game of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament at Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Trey Schumacher swings on a pitch during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U Jojo Mendoza tosses the ball to first for the out against USA Prime 27 on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19th, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Nick Hernandez gets a hit during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U pitcher Zane Hathaway hurls a pitch against USA Prime 27 on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19th, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Caeden Herrera connects on a pitch during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca Logan King loads up for a swing against the Parker Lighting on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament from Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's JJ Barger fires off a pitch during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U pitcher Rocco Montoya gears up to toss a pitch against the Parker Lighting on day two of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament from Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 19, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Caeden Herrera winds up for a pitch during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca Trey Schumaker hauls in a pop fly against Cheyenne Post 6 in the semifinals of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2028. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Johnathan Hernandez hustles to first base during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Logan King connects for a hit during a game against Burkburnett on day one of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca pitcher Blake Swift tosses a pitch against Cheyenne Post 6 in the semifinals of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament on Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2028. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's Sol Montoya makes a throw to first base during a game against the Greeley GoJos on day three of the Andenucio Memorial Tournament at the Runyon Sports Complex on Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Zachary Allen/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca's MJ Molina connects on a pitch against the Oklahoma Travelers in the championship game of the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament at Hobbs Field at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
ICYMI: Best photos from the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament
Pueblo Azteca Blue 18U JoJo Mendoza receives the All-Tourney player award for his outstanding performance in the 46th annual Tony Andenucio Memorial Tournament at Runyon Sports Complex on June 21, 2026. (Chris Abdelmalek/The Pueblo Chieftain)
After almost five years, my time at the Pueblo Chieftain is up.
This is a bittersweet moment for my family and me as Pueblo has not only become a second home to me; but it has also become part of my core.
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Arriving in October 2021 as a wide eyed thirty something year old fresh out of college, I was not sure what to expect. I had never lived outside of California ever, let alone even visit the state of Colorado.
However, when given the opportunity to come here to Pueblo and serve the community as a sports reporter, I had to jump at the chance.
After a five-year run with the Chieftain, Chris Abdelmalek is stepping down as sports reporter.
Not only did the Chieftain give me my start towards my dreams and goals, but it also gave me a chance to learn and grow as a journalist, writer, photographer, and, most importantly, a person.
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I will never forget my time here at the Pueblo Chieftain. From my first experience with the Cannon Game and the Bell Game, to seeing teams win state championships as well as individuals.
There are too many people to name and thank throughout my time here at the Chieftain, but I want each and every one of you to know how important you are to me and how thankful I am for all that you have done to help me in my career. From coaches to ADs to principals and more, thank you for always having my back and supporting me in every way possible.
For all the families, parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc. that I have met along the way, thank you for cheering and rooting on these athletes.
To the Student-Athletes I have had the privilege of covering over the past five years, thank you. Thank you for always being excellent and providing me an opportunity to tell your story. Thank you for opening up to me and being vulnerable, and thank you for always supporting us.
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To my staff at the Chieftain. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done. For having my back during the tough times, to praising the success we’ve had and all that is in between. Without you, this job would be extremely difficult.
To all the sports fans out there that follow the Chieftain, thank you all for the support. I know it always hasn’t been the easiest dealing with this new way of providing coverage for the city, but just know I always gave you all my very best.
Lastly, I would like to thank my daughter for putting up with all my crazy work hours and insane schedules. Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me.
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While I am sad to leave the Chieftain, we all must move on to bigger and brighter pastures. With that being said, I will forever remember my time with the Chieftain. Pueblo is always home.
