Serving the greater New Mexico central region New Mexico’s Premiere Sports Magazine December 2010
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Happy Holidays ABQ Sports Fans! ABQ Sports is ecstatic to bring you our one year anniversary edition!
ABQ Sports magazine P.O.Box 15981 • Rio Rancho, NM 87174 505.620.3969 • abqsportsmag.com Publisher Montoya Publishing, LLC
Art Director/Production
In this issue you will experience the New Mexico Thunderbirds NBADL team up-close and in living color. You will become acquainted with UNM Lobo basketball men’s
DL Graphic Design design@abqsportsmag.com
Photographers
and women’s 2010-11 Teams. Rio Rancho Cheer proves why college baseball teams will receive six of New Mexico’s best high school players signed letters of intent. Relive the state
Carlos Montoya
Stevie Montoya
16
8
cheerleading is an officially recognized sport. Find out which Jonathan R. Clark
high school volleyball championships for each class and review the myriad MMA and boxing events that occurred throughout the state in this fall season, including coverage of ABQ’s own international female boxing superstar’s big showdown: Holly Holm.
Kerr Adams
Kayla Montoya
20
Contributing Writers
Carlos Montoya
28
Lobo’s Basketball ...................................................................................................8 Isaiah Dave Montoya Friedlander
Paula West
NM Thunderbirds Home Opener ..........................................................................16 Volleyball: 5A New Mexico State Championships ................................................20
Advertisers For any advertsing information, please contact 505.620.3969 or sales@abqsportsmag.com
2010 New Mexico Spirit Championship CHEER ....................................................28
Readers We thank you for indulging your time into our magazine. Got any feedback? We would enjoy any ideas, suggestions or anything we missed, please feel to
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4 December 2010
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Writers ABQ Sports is a monthly magazine dedicated to covering all aspects of the Albuquerque and surrounding communities scene. We accept stories and photos for consideration. Email: carlos@abqsportsmag.com All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ABQ Sports Magazine, all rights reserved. Reproduction of any articles, advertisement or material from this issue is forbidden without permission of the publisher.
Cover photo by Carlos Montoya. Holly Holm victorious again!
Sport Scene
ATTENTION ABQ SPORTS FANS!
6
15
24
26
30
NM’ Baseball Super Star Six Pack Signing ................................................................6 Holly Holm: Deuces Wild 2 ....................................................................................15 Youth Soccer ........................................................................................................24 First Diving Scrimmage of the Season ...................................................................26 Cleveland’s Stormy Season ...................................................................................30
abqsportsmag.com • 5
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
Michael Eaton; Shortstop at Sandia Prep signed with
NM’s Baseball Super Star Six Pack Signing
Willie Mays and Pete Rose.” Brent Jones of Albuquerque
the U. of San Francisco although he was recruited by UNM. The
Academy is a 6’1” 175 lb. pitcher and he went Ivy League by
2010- NM 3A Player of the Year led ABQ with a .618 batting
signing with Harvard University. “It’s definitely really exciting
average! His dad Scott was on hand. “I’m a very proud dad,”
and kind of like a dream come true,” he said. How is he able
he said. “He’s worked hard for this and we’re excited for him.
to pitch 91 mph? “You kinda have it or you don’t.” He hopes to
His son reciprocated, “This is exciting and exhilarating. I was
major in engineering. Good job guys!
always the smallest and not too fast but I was persistent and I worked twice as hard. I had to grind it out; just like my heroes
By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Kayla Montoya
S
ix of New Mexico’s best prep baseball talents were
it has always been a dream to go to a school that big.” Last
at the Albuquerque Baseball Academy Nov. 10, not
season he batted an amazing .580 with 12 homeruns and 45
for batting practice though. They each signed a letter
RBI’s. His baseball heroes are Mark McGuire and Albert Pujols.
4770 Montgomery Blvd. NE Suite A-104 Albuquerque, NM
505.881.2424
of intent for their respective college choice.
Iseha Conklin has always played the infield but
Jacob Skorka is 5’8” 145 and will play for Sandia in 2011 but he signed with University of Arts and Sciences at
Oklahoma State University picked him up to play center after
Oklahoma. He will play second base in college. His favorite
his senior season at Silver (City) High. He was recruited by
aspect of baseball? “I like the mental part. It is fun because
UNM, Tx. Tech, NMSU, Northern Az., and the U. of N. Tex
you have to think about what is going on to win the game.”
for football. The 2010 All-State football player and All-Metro
Dustin Pedroia and Babe Ruth are his baseball heroes.
baseball player said, “Ever since I was little it has been one of
“Hopefully I will play as a freshman but redshirt is an option
my goals to play for a division 1 school. I finally accomplished
because I will be 17,” he said. He also loves creative writing
it!” Conklin wants to be an orthopedic surgeon one day; after
and journalism.
his athletic career is over, which may be a long time from now.
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Stephen Carbajal, La Cueva senior pitcher in 2011, Blake Swihart is entering his senior baseball season
started as a sophomore, and opted to stay in his hometown and
at Cleveland but has already committed to the University of
play for UNM! “They heard good things about me and I have
Texas. He was recruited by Ok. St., UNM, Nebraska, Rice and
a good chance of playing. I may play outfield, pitch and play
Duke. The 2010 USA baseball 18U National Team and AFLAC
first base. It’s awesome to be in my hometown because it’s a
All-American Team member said, “I grew up in Amarillo so
comfortable environment and my family gets to watch me.”
6 December 2010
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2010 - 2011 mens regular season schedule
LOBOS MEN
2010 - 2011 womens regular season schedule
PASS THE TEST! By Isaiah Montoya
T
Photos by Kerr Adams
he UNM men’s basketball team beat Arizona State University
end and recorded a steal as a result. Kendall Williams (#10) is a
grabbed two boards and dished out for an assist in 25 minutes of
76-62 on Nov. 16 at the newly refurbished pit, thereby
freshman. The 6’3” 170 pound guard shot exceptionally well in the
action. He struggles to get his shot off but he had time and room to
passing their first big test of the season. Fans received
game and he played within the team system, which surely pleased
play. He shot 2/10 from the field and 3/4 from the line. He made 1
their first real taste of the UNM men’s players’ capabilities, and
Lobos head coach Steve Alford. Williams made 4 of 6 shots from
of 5 three pointers.
after another lackluster football season they welcomed the win
the field, including an awesome 4 of 5 from three point range. He
with many cheers, ABQ style! Ten of the 14 players listed as roster
only made 3 of 6 free throws but he did add 4 rebounds and four
members for the start of the season actually played in the victory.
assists in the win.
Leading the way for the Lobos was senior playmaker
Junior A.J. Hardeman (#00) chipped in 12 big points in the
Curtis Dennis (#3) is a 6’5” 195 pound guard from Bronx,
N.Y. The sophomore at UNM scored 7 points on 3 of 7 shooting from the field, including one of four from three point range. He added three assists and two rebounds in the win, in 18 minutes of
Dairese Gary (#5). Gary put his 6’1” 205 pound frame to work in
Lobos win. He shot 50% from the field (6/12) and missed his only
play. Tony Snell is a big 6’7” 195 pound guard (#21) who scored
the game as he scored 18 points on 6 of 8 shooting from the field.
free throw attempt. The 6’8” 225 pound forward played 27 minutes
five points in the win vs. the Sun Devils. He is a freshman out of
His only two misses were from three point range, where he went
and led the way with 5 rebounds. He also had an assist.
Riverside, California’s King High School. He made 2 of 5 shots and
1 for 3 on the night. He also made 5 of 6 free throws and dished out 5 assists. Additionally he showed prowess on the defensive
Jamal Fenton (#13) scored eight points in the big win
against ASU. The guard is only 5’9” and 170 pounds but he
1 of 4 from three point range to get his points in 19 minutes of action. He added four rebounds and one assist. Continued on next page
8 December 2010
abqsportsmag.com • 9
ENTRE
LOBOS MENS & WOMENS 2010-2011 ROSTER
MENS Coaches
Steve Alford - Head Coach Craig Neal - Associate Head Coach Wyking Jones - Assistant Coach Ryan Miller - Assistant Coach Duane Broussard - Director of Operations Chris Monette - Video Coordinator
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WOMENS Coaches
Continued from previous page
Don Flanagan - Head Coach Yvonne Sanchez - Associate Head Coach Dave Shoemate - Assistant Coach Shane Flanagan - Assistant Coach Jordan Adams - Director of Basketball Operations Aaron Day - Strength and Conditioning
Roster 2 Brianna Taylor 4 Tina Doughty 11 Lauren Taylor 12 Nikki Nelson 14 Jourdan Erskine 20 Sara Halasz 21 Jasmine Patterson 22 Morgan Toben 23 Porche Torrance 24 Caroline Durbin 31 Erin Boettcher 32 Amanda Best 35 Chinyere Nnaji 42 Jordan Unverzagt 43 Emily Stark 52 Jessica Kielpinski
10 December 2010
Computer & Service Center
Cameron Bairstow (#41) is a big 6’9” 230 pound power
forward who was effective immediately with four points in only six
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minutes of play. He is a freshman from the Australian Institute of Sport in Brisbane, Australia. Bairstow made one of two shots from the field and he also made both of his free throws. The big man also recorded a rebound. Chad Adams (#5) is a 6’6” 190 pound small forward who
scored four points in 14 minutes vs. ASU. He made 1 of 2 shots from the field, including a miss from three and he made both of his free throw attempts. He also had 4 rebounds and 1 assist. He is a sophomore who came from Highland High School here in ABQ! Six
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foot-eleven inch, 230 pound Alex Kirk (#53) started at Center and played 16 minutes on the night. He grabbed 5 rebounds and only took two shots and made one, and it was a three pointer! He is a freshman out of Los Alamos!
Emmanuel Negedu (#1) is a player with some size at 6’7”
220. In 13 minutes he scored 0 points on 0/2 shooting but did grab 2 rebounds and dish off one assist Guard Chris Perez did not play in the game and neither did Philip McDonald, Drew Gordon or Demetrius Walker.
abqsportsmag.com • 11
INTRODUCING:
Heather Clark fastens a Triangle Choke on Kyane Hampton
Above: Bobby Huron lands a flying knee to the chin of Paco Castillo
Evolution 1
Harvey Park tries to choke out Javier Minjarez
Story and Photos By Dave Friedlander
S
aturday October 30th the Curry County Event Center was the site of Evolution Combat Sports Championship’s first event, Evolution 1. Fans were treated to four exciting female matches; a BJJ Black belt who scored a thirty second knockout
Above: Jacob Zamora ground and pounds Peter Bouton
and a grudge match that was going the way of one Paco Castillo until Bobby Huron ended it suddenly with a head kick. MC Ian Troy of “In The Cage” fame commanded attention inside the chain link while a four man team consisting of
MMA fighters Coty “Ox” Wheeler and Abel “The Silent Assassin” Cullum along with radio personalities Sal Mora and the Crisco
w Mexico’s only organizers of ne su brazilian Jiu-Jit uit and rc tournaMent ci appling professional gr league.
Kid handled color commentary for the live pay-per-view broadcast. A total of seventeen amateur and professional fights kept fans riveted while enjoying all the lights, sounds and glitz of a first rate production.
Yadira Anzaldua and Shimone Brooks clash in the air
12 December 2010
www.coMbatsportsclub.coM abqsportsmag.com • 13
deuces
wild F
Joshua Gomez lands a hook on Colbert Lozoya
Alderete
vs
HeymanII By Jorge Hernandez
S
Photos By Dave Friedlander
aturday November 6th at The Hard Rock Hotel and
Manuel Otero works the body of Jose Ramirez
Casino Romero Productions put on a boxing card full of competitive fights that set up a dominant and entertaining
performance in the main event. It was a highly anticipated local rematch between two natives of the city. For the second time in
Story & Photos By Dave Friedlander
riday December 3rd Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm
round where referee Rocky Burke stopped the fight sparing her any
met Ann Marie Saccurato for a rematch with the IBA and
further damage. Holm bested her previous performance against Sac-
WBAN Jr. Welterweight belts on the line. Holm beat Saccu-
curato with an 8th round TKO pushing her record to 29-1-3, 8 KOs.
rato by unanimous decision in their previous fight and this
Several exciting fights preceded the main event. In the co-main
time a superbly conditioned Saccurato came for revenge. “I’m in the
Victoria “La Reina De La Guerra” Cisneros showed her usual grit in a
best shape of my life” Saccurato told the press at Wednesdays press
close split decision loss to Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback. Vincent
conference prior to the fight. “I didn’t come to lose again” she added.
“lil Man” Mirabal battled toe-to-toe with a tough Joel Vargas, remain-
In the early rounds Saccurato was on a mission pressing forward and
ing undefeated at 7-0. In another of the evenings female fights Jodie
using her power to punch her way inside, negating Holm’s reach ad-
Esquibel put on a dominant performance against Savanna Hill of
vantage, though the exchanges were mostly even between the two.
Little Rock. Two other preliminary fights rounded out the action and
In the middle rounds Holm became the aggressor forcing Saccurato
delighted the capacity crowd at the Route 66 Casino Hotel. Congratu-
to back peddle. In the 7th round Holm wore Saccurato down finishing
lations to Fresquez Productions on another terrific evening of boxing.
the round with punishing body shots. Saccurato wilted in the 8th
a year Mike Alderete and Max Heyman faced each other in a 10 round Cruiserweight contest that featured heart and will taking on technical skill.
Randy Arrellin makes fast work of Lorenzo Estrada
Max Heyman lands an uppercut on Mike Alderete
Heyman had a huge reach advantage and demonstrated poise as he beautifully executed a barrage of jabs to set up combinations during the first three rounds. Alderete’s corner yelled “jab with him” but he rarely did. Alderete was caught by a kidney shot that put him down at the end of the third. In the fourth round Alderete became aggressive landing several hooks from both hands. Alderete continued to work the inside, limiting his opponents arm length advantage, but in the end a very well conditioned Max Heyman proved to be too much as the Romero corner did not allow Alderete to come out for the 9th round giving Heyman the TKO victory. 14 December 2010
Max Heyman and Mike Alderete in the Main Event
abqsportsmag.com • 15
T
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
he New Mexico Thunderbirds 2010-11 NBA Development League (NBADL) team started the season off with two straight wins. After beating Idaho Stampede in Idaho by the score of 114-93, the Thunderbirds beat the Utah Flash 109-100 at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho on Nov. 26. The NBADL team is an affiliate of the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic. The team’s head coach is former NBA pro, and NBA champion, Darvin Ham. Former NBA player Sean Rooks is the assistant coach. The Thunderbirds’ season opening roster: Stephen McDowell –G 6’0” 180 from Tennessee, Chattanooga, Dar Tucker –G – 6’4” 205 from DePaul, Alan Anderson – G/F – 6’6” 220 – Michigan State, Jason Horton – G – 6’2” 190 – Missouri, Shane Edwards – F – 6’7” 220 – Ark. Little Rock, James Cripe –C 7’0” 250 – Dayton, Dominique Coleman – G – 6’3” 195 – Colorado, Josh Bostic –F - 6’5” 230 – Findlay, Alex Zampier - G – 6’3” 205 – Yale, Anthony Richardson – F – 6’8” 225 – Florida State. In the Nov. 26 game, Utah started out on a 10-0 run which was odd since NM won its first game of the season vs Idaho by a score of 114 to 93. The fans waited patiently as NM began to compete. At half time the score was Utah 57, NM 49. In the second half, the Thunderbirds really applied the defensive pressure. Alan Anderson added 15 points in the second half as Utah allowed their lead to slip away. He added 2 steals in the second half to provide some of the defensive play needed to stifle the smooth Continued from previous page Utah offense.
“I built this team to be a 10-man team, I want everybody to come out and play” - Head Coach Darvin Ham.
As the Thunderbirds made their way back into the game, it was obvious that it was partially due to the unusually outstanding competitive spirit of Anthony Richardson. In the second half, the truly athletic Richardson made 4 of 8 shots from the field and 5 of 9 free throws for 13 points. He also hustled for 7 rebounds, and he led the team for the game with14. He also recorded 3 second half steals as he was seemingly the heart and soul of the comeback. Ham said of Richardson, “Richardson is a veteran who is ready to play. We were thrilled to be able to get him in the draft. We thought he’d be gone by the time we got him with a second round pick. He’s one of my most reliable players.” Continued on next page
Thunderbirds Soar into New Season By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
16 December 2010
abqsportsmag.com • 17
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Continued from previous page
In the end, the Thunderbirds won 109-100. Shane Edwards finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in 29 minutes. Josh Bostic scored 14 points on the night. Dar Tucker totaled 13 points. Dominique Coleman scored 12. Jason Horton led the team in assists with 6 and he added 8 points. After the game, head coach Darvin Ham said with class, “Utah has a really tough, veteran laden, blue collar team and they played well. I know we came out on top, but my hat is off to them.” The Thunderbird bench scored 48 points. “I built this team to be a 10-man team,” said Ham. “I want everybody to come out and play.” Regarding his team’s scoring Ham relayed, “Your offense is not going to get you where you need to go. You have to defend and rebound and run the floor hard, share the ball and make free throws. That is my five headed monster right there.” On his team missing 20 total free throws in the game, Ham said, “I am happy we got to the line 51 times but in no way shape or form am I happy about missing 20 of them. Most nights, you lose when you miss 20 free throws.” The next night NM did lose to Utah 109-104. Early season success is inviting for fans as Ham noted, “Our fans were wonderful!” 18 December 2010
New Mexico Thunderbirds All Home games schedule
All home games played at Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho, NM December Fri 03 vs Erie
March 7:30pm
Sat 04 vs Erie
7:30pm
Wed 15 vs Reno Fri 17 vs Reno
Wed 02 vs Bakersfield Fri 11 vs Dakota
7:30pm
Fri 31 vs Austin
7:30pm
Sat 12 vs Dakota
7:30pm
Fri 18 vs Tulsa
7:30pm
Sat 19 vs Tulsa
7:30pm
7:30pm 7:30pm
Tue 22 vs Bakersfield January
7:30pm
Wed 23 vs Bakersfield
Tue 04 vs Springfield Wed 05 vs Springfield
7:30pm
April Fri 01 vs Iowa
7:30pm
Sat 15 vs Tulsa
Sat 02 vs Iowa
7:30pm
Wed 02 vs Texas
7:30pm 7:30pm
No. 11- Alan Anderson G/F No. 22- Josh Bostic F No. 21- Dominique Coleman G No. 17- James Cripe C No. 15- Shane Edwards F No. 12- Jason Horton G No. 7- Stephen McDowell G No. 33- Anthony Richardson F No. 10- Dar Tucker G No. 24- Alex Zampier G
Head Coach Darvin Ham (Texas Tech) Assistant Coaches Sean Rooks (Arizona)
February Tue 01 vs Texas
7:30pm
7:30pm
Mon 10 vs Texas Fri 14 vs Tulsa
7:30pm
Thunderbirds Roster
Notch Neves (New Mexico)
8:00pm 7:30pm
Fri 04 vs Rio Grande Valley Sat 05 vs Rio Grande Valley
7:30pm 7:30pm
Athletic Trainer Matthew Hatcher
abqsportsmag.com • 19
Cleveland vs. Gadsden
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
state 5A title
By Isaiah Montoya
T
Photos by Stevie and Carlos Montoya
he Santa Ana Star Center played host site for
straight points to lead 19-13. They continued strong in the face of
the Class 5A New Mexico State Championships
resistance and led the rest of the way 6-2 and finished the third set
on Nov. 13, and the final turned out to be a
25-15.
doozy. Gadsden High School (located near Anthony, New Mexico) came out on top against
their competitive opponent, Rio Rancho’s own
Half-way through the fourth set Gadsden went off and finished with a 25-19 set win to claim the 2010 state volleyball title!
Cleveland High School. Though Cleveland had
somewhat of a hometown advantage, Gadsden brought their A-game, and earned the title at a site 300 miles away from home. Cleveland’s valiant effort saw them finish their successful season with 22 wins and only three losses, while the 5A state champs, Gadsden, finished with an astonishing 23-1 season record.
Gadsden relied on their strong defense to take the title. Their MVP was Nathalie Castellanos who forced 27 kills in the game. In other state sports news, St. Pius lost to Artesia in four sets in the 4A state championships at the Santa Ana Star. In the class 3A final, Pojoaque beat Portales for the second straight time in the finals three sets to none. In Class 2A finals action Texico beat
One of the big stars for the Cleveland Storm was Marissa Calvillo, who recorded two straight kills to finish off set one 2523 for her team. It would be the only set they turned out to win
Tularosa three sets to zero. In class A action, Tatum took the title by beating Ft. Sumner three sets to one. Finally, Elida beat Grady three sets to one in Class B action.
because the Gadsden Panthers won the next set 25-21. Six-foottwo-inch Cassie House, of Cleveland, led the Storm by recording five blocks and 19 kills. With the game tied at one set each, and the third set tied
Turn the page to see more Volleyball action! ►
at 13-13, Gadsden finally pushed the turbo button and scored six 20 December 2010
abqsportsmag.com • 21
Santa says:
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T
Youth Soccer’s
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
Youth Soccer
Indelible Team Imprint
Turkey Shoot Too! and a
The 7th Annual Clash Soccer Club Turkey Shoot took place on November 6th & 7th at Mariposa Park. The tournament featured many U5 to U12 recreational youth soccer teams.
he Gaylord Sheppard Soccer Tournament showcased youth soccer players from Durango to Albuquerque from Nov.8-9 and then again from Nov. 15-16 in Bernalillo, New Mexico.
The outdoor/grass setting allowed a huge mass of youth to participate in a natural setting and compete for honors in various levels and age groups. The weather was rather cold and dreary for an open space with few trees, but this did urge the players to put forth a spirited effort. The tournament featured young athletes aged 7 to 18 and they participated in various contests formulated according to available players in each pool. There were four on four tournaments, six on six tournaments, eight on eight tournaments and full-fledged 11 versus 11 player tournaments. The tournament saw both boys and girls compete simultaneously on 23 different fields. Jordan Montoya played in the tournament and her team, The Rio Rancho Rhythm, played the likes of The Aztec Attitude and the New Mexico Sting. She said, “There were a lot of people there and it was somewhat surprising because I didn’t know there were that many leagues,” said Montoya after a competitive team loss. “It was a well organized tournament and my teammates and I learned passing techniques, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” the 12-year-old sweeper/mid-fielder added. “It was a fast paced good time and we all played hard and didn’t give up. I always believe in my teammates.” It looks like the Gaylord Sheppard Tournament’s vision for youth soccer has definitely made an indelible imprint on this particular youth athlete. Montoya hopes to play high school soccer one day. 24 December 2010
T
he weekend of athletic activity was so the young and
Vipers, whereas a Bracket 2 U9B7 game saw ASC Blue Jets up
old alike could go out and enjoy one last weekend
against the NMC Phoenix. Also the SVSC Shooters played the
of soccer fun, before the new season begins in the
NMR Santos.
spring. The turkey shoot Bracket 1 on Saturday included a
In Bracket 3 action fans saw the RRSC Renegades vs the Snow Leopards and the
matchup featuring the NMC Pirates vs the Rush Sharks White,
CSC Crossfire vs the BSC
and The NMC Phantoms vs the COSC Cowboys. Bracket 2
Pumas. Finally in UO9G
included the COSC Cubs vs the Rush Rattlers and a match
action, the NMC Panthers
between the RRSC Raiders against the CASC Cubs. In other
played against a tough rival
games the NMC Photons ’03 and the CASC Crocs battled it out
NMC Photons ’01 and the
and the NMR Diamonds faced the COSC Bumblebees. Bracket
NMR Stars played the team
1 Sunday action saw the NMR Santos White face the NMC
minded RRSC Rubies.
Power Rangers. Also, the Guerreros of ASC went up against the RRSC Rebels. Sunday Bracket 2 action saw the NMC Optimus Prime
The tournament
was demed a success by organizers as they hope
against the NMR Santos Blue team, while Bracket A action
to continue to be able to
happened when SVSC Siren played NMC Pumas ’02 and also
highlight youth soccer
when the Red Rockers of RRSC played the RRSC Rockstars.
again soon!
Bracket one U9B1 match saw the RRSC Rottweilers against the RRSC Razors and the NMC Pumas ’01 vs the ASC
abqsportsmag.com • 25
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
First Diving
Scrimmage of Season By Isaiah Montoya
Various Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) were represented at the first scrimmage of the season at Valley High School swimming pool on Nov. 19. Sandia High School senior diver Teo Brandt, 17, was on hand. “I’ve been diving since freshman year so I’m just keeping it going,” he said regarding his attendance at the noncompetitive scrimmage. “It is an individual sport so you get to express yourself.” He’d been practicing every day of the week for a month and a half in preparation for the season. He hopes to finish in the top eight in the state by the end of the season. Last year he did not compete due to strep throat. Manzano High School’s Courtney Brooks was also diving in the co-ed scrimmage. She is a 17 year old junior who started diving while in 7th grade. “I’m on a club team at UNM,” she said to answer how she has been honing her diving skills during the pre-season. “I hope to perfect my diving approach and complete higher degree of difficulty (DD) dives, like the back one and a half one and a half.” She plans on attending Denver University and she hopes to obtain a diving scholarship.
26 December 2010
Todd Kersting: ABQ’s Director of Golf Passion
The
NATURAL SCIENCE Of Pain Relief
By Isaiah Montoya
Todd Kersting is PGA Director of Golf at Puerto Del Sol Golf Course in Albuquerque and he was recently featured in a 4-page outlay in Golf Digest, doing what he does best, instructing people of all ages to play the game. Kersting was born in Santa Fe and his family moved to ABQ when he was one year old. He fell in love with golf at age nine when he caught a glimpse of golfers playing at Los Altos Golf Course. He soon attained a thrift shop putter and started his lifelong golf trek. In high school he made the Del Norte High School team and also started to help out the staff at Arroyo del Oso GC, for free. He soon began helping teach students at his school when he was a senior. He was soon an employee at the golf course.
Josh Herbert is the APS coach, and he said, “The scrimmage was still scored like a regular meet, which just gives the kids a chance to get the feel of a regular meet. They were able to throw whatever they want to do and enjoy themselves. It was for experience.” He added, “I think the scrimmage was great. Last year’s first meet had only two divers and this year we had 12! Diving is definitely growing.”
“I’m lucky,” exclaims Kersting. “Through the years, I’ve had a knack for golf and I enjoy teaching.”
Additionally, 10 other divers showed their growing diving skills in what looks to be an exciting aquatic season around ABQ! Stay tuned ABQ Sports readers!
Kersting concludes, “There are so many facets to the game and people overcompensate,” he said. “Learn at your pace. Do not try to learn too much too soon. Make it fun. Golf is not just physical, it is mental. The fundamentals cannot be overlooked.” For more information call 505-362-4148.
He started teaching youth golfers in his 20’s and he has never stopped. “I want to light their internal golf flame.” He helps beginners understand that in golf, gripping the club properly is of utmost and immediate importance. A bad grip can get you frustrated. . “People beat themselves up and they are supposed to be relaxing,” he says. “You can swing the club easier with the proper grip.” He also recommends smaller clubs for the youth, not adult sized clubs. Additionally Kersting says a stretch routine for flexibility and the build up of the forearm are important golf exercises, along with a positive attitude.
www.traumeel.us Traumeel® is a scientifically-proven, natural pain reliever that works with the body to facilitate healing at the source, while reducing recovery time. Long recommended by healthcare providers, Traumeel® is utilized by professional and amateur athletes worldwide for treating joint pain, sore muscles and bruises. Available in ointment, gel and tablets.
Available in stores and online at www.gnc.com To locate a Traumeel® retailer near you, please visit www.traumeel.us
abqsportsmag.com • 27
Going Cheer
Crazy!
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
Top finishers • The winning squad for the CHEER All-Star Level 1 MINI was Ultimate Destination Starburst from Albuquerque. • CHEER All-Star Level 1 Tiny winners were the Taos Xtreme All-Stars. • CHEER All-Star Level 2 JUNIOR winners were Ultimate Destination Shooting Stars from Albuquerque. • CHEER All-Star Level 2 SENIOR winners were the 5th Dimension Passion from Albuquerque. • CHEER All-Star Level 2 YOUTH winners were the Royal Cheer Academy Silver Squad cheerleaders. • CHEER All-Star Level 4 SRCO winner was 5th Dimension Fame, also from ABQ. • CHEER All-Star Level 4 SRCO was the 5th Dimension pride squad, and rounding out this section was the Ultimate Destination Galaxy who finished first in the CHEER All-Star Level 4.2 SENIOR competition. • The Advanced JV/Freshman winners were right at home, as Rio Rancho High School won it! • Advanced LHS winner was Hope Christian School, and the •Advanced LJH/MS winning team was Harrison Middle School of Albuquerque. • The Advanced MHS winner was Onate High School of Las Cruces. • Elementary Best Cheerleader went to Alianna Sicade of
By Isaiah Montoya
Photos by Stevie & Carlos Montoya
Albuquerque’s Dance Dimensions. • Game Time – Time Out Cheer and Dance winner was Dance and Cheer Force of Clovis.
2010 Dance Individual top 3 were:
1- 2- 3-
Tiana Winer of Danze Force, Farmington Stephanie Parker of Danze Force, Farmington and… Jaida Smith, also of Danze Force, Farmington
JH/MS Hip Hop winners was Jefferson Middle School and Hoover Middle School took JH/MS Pom. Rio Rancho High School won in NDA Medium Varsity Jazz. There were so many more winners but essentially, the night was a huge success and cheer and dance are officially recognized as sports by ABQ
The 2010 New Mexico Spirit Championship – CHEER – was held November 13, 2010 at Rio Rancho High School and the spirit was definitely alive! All the teams were winners in their own way but here are the results of the first place finishers. 28 December 2010
Sports!
abqsportsmag.com • 29
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
Cleveland’s Stormy Season By Isaiah Montoya
R
io Rancho’s Class 5-A Cleveland Storm boy’s
varsity football team rounded out yet another
for a four yard touchdown thereby tying the game, that is, after
other scoreless, much to Cleveland’s chagrin. At the end
winning season on Nov. 19 vs Las Cruces’ Mayfield
James Beasley kicked in the extra point.
of the storm, Mayfield pulled it out 21-13. Let’s hear it
Trojans in Rio Rancho.
once again ABQ Sports readers for the 2010 Cleveland
Though they lost
In the second quarter, Cleveland’s Gautsche ran it in
While tied at 7-7, Mayfield’s Brandon Betancourt also ran in a four yarder for the
In the fourth quarter, both teams held each
Storm on competing another great season!
the game, by making it to the
touchdown to make it 13-7.
state quarterfinals, Cleveland
Brock Baca kicked in the
Belen (4A) demolished Los Lunas 54-0 and Las Cruces
finished with a 9-2 record on
extra point to make it 14-7.
beat Eldorado 28-27.
the year.
Mayfield was 8-4
scored again by a Ricky Milks 11 yard run for a
and looked forward to facing
touchdown. Baca made
La Cueva (No. 2) in the state
the kick and Cleveland was
semi-finals at the Field of
down 21-7.
Dreams in Las Cruces.
season, Cleveland persisted
Mayfield came out
Cleveland blocked a Cole
As has been the case all
and played their game to score again late in the third.
Gautsche pass, which was in turn intercepted by Mayfield’s
Thomas Knox had a nice 14 yard run for a touchdown, and the
Bobby Chavez. Right after that, Axten Franzoy completed a 36
kick failed, which left the score 21-13.
yard pass for a touchdown to Aavron Garcia. 30 December 2010
In other action La Cueva beat Clovis 21-14,
After the half, Mayfield
on the year after the game
7-0 in the first quarter after
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1011 Buena Vista Dr SE • Albuquerque, NM
(505) 890-1269
www.dukecitybmx.org abqsportsmag.com • 31
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