ABQ Sports magazine by ABQ Sports Magazine

New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine APRIL 2014

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New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine April 2014

ello ABQ Sports Fans! ABQ Sports magazine P.O.Box 15981 • Rio Rancho, NM 87174 1.855.567.SPORT (7678) abqsportsmag.com Publisher

This April issue is filled with stories you’ll read only in ABQ Sports.

Former standout Lobo goalkeeper Shannon Adragna trades in her gloves, taking on a new role as the head of the biggest cancer-fighting organization in New Mexico.

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Jordanne Garcia - a bruiser of a young lady - we go one on one with this state, regional and 2013 national Junior Olympic boxing champion as she prepares to defend her title.

Managing Editor Sumiko Corley Sumiko@abqsportsmag.com

As the 2014 state tennis championship approaches you’ll meet the biggest threat to last year’s 4A champion. They hail from the Four Corners - it’s Farmington High School, and they’re hungry for redemption after coming in 2nd last year. FHS is home to the reigning boys double champions, they’re looking for a repeat victory. We have coverage of the biggest events making headlines out of New Mexico - the Lobos and their Mountain West Conference win, four-time Figure Universe Champion Jessica Rinaldi and a look at former Lobo Tony Snell turned Chicago Bull. Our Anthony Griego travelled to Chicago, look inside for some exclusive images. Albuquerque native and track superstar Curtis Beach wins a national title in front of his hometown crowd, prep and Lobo baseball action and much more, in this April issue of ABQ Sports Magazine!

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On the Cover

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We thank you for investing your time into our magazine. Got any feedback? We appreciate any ideas, suggestions or anything we missed. Please feel to contact us anytime by phone, email, or mail.

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 S

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Special Thanks to Anthony Griego for the cover photo featuring former Lobo now Chicago Bulls basketball player- Tony Snell. See page 12 for exclusive coverage of Tony Snell in action. Captured by ABQ Sports magazine

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Distribution

New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine APRIL 2014

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Daniel Anthony Elliot Martinez Griego Madriss Contributing Writers

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CONTENTS

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.

2014 NCAA DIVISION 1 INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

TONY SNELL12 FROM LOBO TO CHICAGO BULL

ABQ Sports Scene BY: KYLE HENDERSON

PUBLISHER OF NMPREPS.COM /FOLLOW ON TWITTER@NMPREPS

Zach Gentry - Albuquerque

AthleticsandAcademics

At 6-foot-7, 240 pounds Zach Gentry is quickly becoming known as the next big-time football prospect out of the state of New Mexico. This 4-Star prospect, according to Rivals.com, has 10 college offers, the latest coming from Alabama. Gentry is also one of the top ranked high school basketball prospects in the state of New Mexico averaging a double/double this season.

Eldorado High School Class of 2015 Football

Photo - By Rivals.com

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY he University of New Mexico has earned bragging rights – during the 2013 fall sports season studentathletes earned 57 Academic All-Mountain West honors. The criteria – a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, a starter or a player who makes a significant contribution to their team and must have competed at least one academic term.

Kevin Werth - Piedra Vista

Farmington Piedra /Vista High School Head Softball Coach

Werth has racked up more than 315 wins as Piedra Vista head softball coach in the past 15 seasons. Equally impressive – he’s coached Piedra Vista to 8 consecutive class 4A state championship victories.

“Our student-athletes continue to shine a favorable light on the University of New Mexico, not only with their success athletically but also with their contributions in the classroom and in the community,” says Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs. “Our student-athletes are to be commended and admired for their time-management skills that allow them to achieve the considerable success that they do, both in the classroom and in their athletic endeavors. Our coaches deserve credit for continuing to stress academics, and our Office of Student Athletic Success and faculty and staff on campus also deserve recognition for their tremendous support.”

Photo - By Marty Saiz

Kory Windham - Santa Fe St. Michaels High School Class of 2014 Wrestler

This senior ended his high school wrestling career as a 5-time state champion, winning the blue trophy in 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and in 2010 as an 8th grader. Windham finished the 2014 season 38-0.

The total ranks the Lobos second in the conference behind Utah State, which has 60.

Photo - By Marty Saiz

Looking at the breakdown, Coach Kit Vela’s team had the most of any women’s soccer team in the conference with 17. This ties last year’s number.

Jim Murphy - Albuquerque

Hope Christian High School The Hope Christian Head basketball coach Huskies win back to back boys class 3A state titles defeating St. Michaels in the championship game 55-34. The win gives Jim Murphy his 12th state championship, tying him for the most titles won by a New Mexico head basketball coach with former Hobbs Eagles head coach Ralph Tasker.

Lobo football players earned 16 honors, the second highest for the program in the past dozen years. Bob Davie continues to work on grooming all aspects of his players and UNM points out that the number of academic all-conference honorees more than doubled since Davie joined the team. Joe Franklin’s cross country teams catalogued 15 outstanding student-athletes honors – eight for the women, seven for the men. What’s especially notable about these distance runners is that five of the past six years they’ve produced at least 15 Academic All-Mountain West honors.

Photo - By Marty Saiz

Danni Williams - Clovis Clovis High School Class of 2015 Basketball

Courtesy Regan Williams

Williams is ranked the No. 51 high school basketball prospect in the country by ESPN’s Women’s Basketball. She is just a junior and finished the season with more than 41 D-1 offers from around the country. Williams averaged 24.0 points per game and for the second year in a row was named the Gatorade Player of the Year.

Volleyball players round out the 57 with nine honors. That is a conference tie for 2013 in the sport and a tie for UNM’s second-highest mark. The team is led by Jeff Nelson. .

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University of New Mexico

CHAMPIONS

2014 Mountain West Conference BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: GARY STEPIC

obo fans were on their feet, cheering UNM as they clinched the MWC victory at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas March 14, beating San Diego State 64-58.

Big man Cameron Bairstow led the offense scoring 17 points and had nine rebounds. Solid on the free-throw line, Bairstow was key to this victory making 11 of 14 attempts from the line. Hugh Greenwood and Kendall Williams scored a combined 28 points. Alex Kirk did his job well with a game-high 11 rebounds, attacking the rim on defense and offense. The Lobos hit 40.9% of their shots from the field, giving them the edge over the Aztecs, who hit 35.7% of their shots. Despite 15 turnovers the Lobos played with a lot of depth, connecting on 81.5% of their free throws and out-rebounded San Diego 39-22. This win marks the third-straight MWC title for the Lobos.

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By Sumiko Corley | PHOTOS: SHANNON ADRAGNA / PHOTOS: ANTHONY GRIEGO, MOJI PHOTOGRAPHY

niversity of New Mexico’s highly decorated goalkeeper received national recognition for her success at keeping balls out of the goal. She now trades those gloves for a desk, with open arms to draw as many people to her cause, as possible.

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Adragna is New Mexico’s new Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Think pink ribbon. Cancer. Her intense focus and work ethic paid off for the Lobos: Mountain West Conference (MWC) All-Conference Second Team member in 2006 and 2008, 2-year Lobo team captain, 2-time MWC Defensive Player of the Week, a member of National Select Teams Program in 2007, the 1st player in UNM history to be named to soccerbuzz.com National Team of the Week and Mountain West Conference All-Academic team: 2006-2008. She also broke the single season goals against average. Twice.

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This Albuquerque native and Sandia High School grad is ready to turn that intensity to the fight against cancer. “I am responsible for all aspects of the affiliate,” says Adragna, “to ensure we are fulfilling our mission of a world without breast cancer. This means overseeing the affiliate’s administration, mission programs, Race for the Cure, fundraising, grant programs, and community outreach.”

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Since graduating from UNM in 2009 she has worked with Rio Vista Rapids, earned a Masters and it was in completing her internship for that degree that she began her work with Race for the Cure. “It was at the 2010 Race,” says Adragna, “that I saw my first Pink Parade (a celebration of breast cancer survivors) and knew I wanted to dedicate my life and career to giving back. It was a profound moment to see how Komen took something as horrible as breast cancer and facilitated an environment that made these women smile.” Her experience as an athlete has shaped everything she is. Everything she does. Strategy, coping with mistakes, working with others, dealing with success and failure. “Every 6 hours,” she says, “a New Mexican is diagnosed with breast cancer. In New Mexico, 1,360 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed every year and 240 people will die each year. That is far too many. Having been involved with Komen for 4 years, I’ve seen what breast cancer can do to a woman and to her family. It’s a terrible disease that affects you on all fronts, both physically and emotionally. “ Adragna encourages everyone to exercise. “Physical fitness is the benchmark of all good health,” she says, “both physical and mental. Adding exercise into your routine and maintaining a healthy weight are key preventative measures for breast cancer.” 10 April 2014

More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in this year’s 5k, 10k or 1-mile walk/run. “I do what I do because I get to wake up every morning and help these people,” says Adragna. “Help them receive the treatment they need, the support they need, and the care they need. My part may only be a small piece in their cancer journey but it is a piece nonetheless. It is an honor and a privilege to have this capacity to give back.” In honor of the 240 New Mexicans expected to die this year of breast cancer, early registration during the first 24 days is $24.

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abqsportsmag.com • 11

TONY SNELL From Lobo to Chicago Bull

BQ Sports was offered special access to former Lobo superstar Tony Snell on the court as he played with the Chicago Bulls. Our Anthony Griego didn’t waste any time hopping a flight to the Windy City where he captured these images. This 6-foot-7, 200lb guard was drafted in the NBA’s 1st round last year as the 20th pick. He has a beautiful shot, able to play outstanding defense while stretching the court with his three-point shot. Snell has not seen a tremendous amount of court action since joining the Bulls, not surprising since Tom Thibodeau does not play his freshmen a lot. HIs early stats fluctuate - but his overall performance is on the upswing. The Bleacher Report states “ Snell’s average game score is about 60 percent better now than it was at the start of the season, indicating a fairly rapid learning curve.” What that indicates is room to improve.

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: ANTHONY GRIEGO In early action with the Bulls, Snell has been seen to hesitate before shooting, often passing the ball. He’s fluid when taking decisive action, hitting the net better. According to the NBA.com’s tracking data, “when he pulls up off the dribble, his effective field-goal percentage is 40.7 percent. When he just catches and shoots, it’s 50.4 percent.” During his three years as a Lobo Snell had 77 starts in 104 games, averaging 9.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 24.8 mpg and shooting .421 from the field, .380 from behind the arc and .821 from the line. He led the Lobos, at that time coached by Steve Alford, to back-toback NCAA Tournament bids. He was the 2013 Mountain West MVP, Second Team All-League as a junior and helped the Lobos to both a regular season and post season Mountain West championship. He left the Lobos ranked 10th all-time, finishing with a career 952 points, improving his three-point shooting percentage every season.

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he 2013 season was a successful one for the University of New Mexico Lobos. It did, however, end in disappointment when the Lobos entered into one of the toughest playoff regions when they first began their journey on the road to Omaha. The entirety of last year was dominated by the Lobo offense with small glimpses of the potential of their pitching staff.

The UNLV Running Rebels own the best record in the Mountain West at 9-3. With a 3-game series against a 1-8 Air Force squad, the Lobos have a chance to close the gap if not come out with a share of the lead. San Diego State will be a contender this year and a tough matchup for the Lobos left-handed heavy pitching rotation. Coach Birmingham talked about this being a flaw in their recruiting. Many of the right-handers are young freshman who haven’t developed the maturity it takes to be a successful Division I pitcher. Some notable games for the Lobos this season have been their 7-1 win at then #19 Arizona State, then subsequent loss at Arizona State and finally their 14-4 trumping of in-state rival NMSU. Beating a rival that decisively will help the Lobos carry offensive confidence into a big conference series. Once again we expect big things from UNM despite its hardships in the post season. A better pitching staff, a revamped field and a renewed sense of determination all accompany its journey to Omaha. Let’s hope they learned something from Lobo hoops.

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The best part about the great pitching coming from the Lobos is the fact that their offense is only slightly off pace of last year’s which was ranked near the top in every category nationally. Chase Harris leads the team in plate appearances and has the highest batting average, .370, of any Lobo with 20+ at bats. He is also the only Lobo to go yard, 3 on the year, and leads the team with 30 RBIs. There are 13 Lobos with a batting average over .250, an impressive stat for a team that lost some heavy hitters to graduation.

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The Lobo hurlers have gotten out to a significantly better start and look to use this head start to carry the further into the post season. The Lobos, as of March 27th, sit at a 17-8-1 record and a 6-3 record in the Mountain West. Team ERA is at 3.85 compared to their opponents ERA of 5.72. The Lobos strike out two players for every one they walk as opposed to last year’s 1.5 ratio.

ABQ

NEW MEXICO BASEBALL GETS UNDERWAY

BY: CHRISTOPHER MARTINEZ

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;is the season - the season for fresh cut Bermuda, a mouthful of Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and the boys of summer. While the country focuses on the madness of March, the boys are lacing up the cleats for another season on the sandlot.

High School One thing can always be certain about the prep ranks of New Mexico baseball - talent is everywhere. The number of players now getting looks from collegiate programs across the state and the region has significantly increased thanks to the talents of prospects like Blake Swihart, Boston Red Sox, and Alex Bregman, Louisiana State University. In the class of 2015 alone, there are 6 Division I prospects, five of which look to aid Ray Birmingham and his quest to win a national championship with New Mexico athletes.

1. La Cueva High School The Bears have their eyes set on another blue trophy this year with a daunting lineup. Andrew Pratt, Wyatt Briggs and Austin Bell could be in Cherry and Silver within the next couple of years and will take the field and approach the plate for the next two years looking to do some damage. 2. Carlsbad The Cavemen maintain their reputation as the powerhouse from the south. They are a consistent force to be reckoned with and WILL be there in May. 3. Eldorado Despite being beat in the Metro Tournament Championship by a Volcano Vista squad that will do nothing but rise up the 5A ranks, the Eagles now have an 8-1 record and remain one of the favorites to win the last game in 2014. 4. Hobbs 5. Rio Rancho 6. Sandia 7. Mayfield

8. Las Cruces 9. Atrisco Heritage 10. Volcano Vista

4A 1. Goddard 2. St. Pius X The Sartan athletes can always be expected to be top performers, and the coaching staff, led by head coach Marc Hilton, is recognized by the baseball community as top notch. 3. Albuquerque Academy The Chargers have already beaten the 5A defending champion Rio Rancho Rams on the arm of Reed Cunningham who held the Rams to only 2 runs. 4. Farmington 8. Los Lunas 5. Piedra Vista 9. Valencia 6. Deming 10. Belen 7. Los Alamos

1. Hope Christian The Huskies were just competitive their 1st years in 3A but have since established themselves as a team expected to be in the semifinals, if not the finals. 2. Silver 4. Raton 3. Sandia Prep 5. Lovington

2A 1. Cobre Once a 3A powerhouse, the Indians now dominate their new class and are the favorite this year despite being a 3 hour drive from any team in the top five. Look for them to test themselves against some upper class schools. 4. East Mountain 2. NMMI 5. Eunice 3. Texico

SHOWDOWN BY: SUMIKO CORLEY

he biggest threat to 2013’s 4A state tennis champion comes from the Four Corners.

Farmington High School boys placed 2nd to Albuquerque Academy. That disappointment on the court has fueled their fire to see this year’s title game to a Farmington victory. “The result of last year’s final,” says junior Will Hall, “makes this year’s team hungry for the rematch. In our eyes we had a shot last year and we came up short this year we aim to complete our goal!” Boys coach Larry Larson ranks Hall (6-2) among his top three players. Matt With (9-2) ranks #1. Both are juniors. Nearly state champs as sophomores, these young men are powerhouse players building to their peak. Barring injury, ABQ Sports anticipates state championship play from these two prior to graduation. Nathaniel Pavlik (9-2), Eli Briody Pavlik (9-1) and Ned Merrion (9-0) round out the top five. “Matt is a very strong tennis player with all the tools to be a very good player the rest of his life,” says Larson. “Nathaniel is probably the best athlete on the team. He was a great soccer player and a good basketball player before joining us. Will hits a big topspin forehand and Eli is an allround good player. Ned is younger but has really improved his game over the last year. He was late getting out due to basketball as well.” The 2013 state doubles champion hails from this team: Nathaniel Pavlik and Curtis Hunt. Nathaniel is planning for a repeat victory, paired with a new partner with the graduation exit of Hunt.

FOR STATE

PHOTOS: DANIEL MARTINEZ of DnL PHOTOGRAPHY “The coaching at FHS,” says Hall, “is a key component to our success, the boys coach (Larry Larson) and the girls coach (Pat McGrath) are always out trying to develop everyone’s game from the last spot on the ladder to our number 1 player, in my opinion that’s a main reason our teams are strong year in and year out!” Larson says FHS girls are also contenders for the state title, his top five being Danielle Nguyen, Sydney Schumacher, Allie Linville , Liza Briody-Pavlik and Riley Coleman, in no particular order.

"I feel our team is a very strong team all around, any one of our top 6 could challenge to play 1. We are very strong in our lower players (4, 5, and 6), and in my eyes that is where come state time we are going to win a lot of matches!" - Will Hall, Farmington HS junior

“Coach Larson has a long history of success at FHS,” says athletic director Don Lorett. “He provides a great opportunity for our athletes to develop and compete for state titles. FHS is fortunate to have him leading the program as he is a positive roll model for our athletes as well. It is a challenge competing against a private school that can draw from the entire Metro area, however, it is what makes it worth doing. Play the best to be the best. We have a solid group of players this year who are also very good students as well.” State championship games will be played May 7-10. With every stroke put into practice now, FHS tennis players envision acing the competition. “My hope,” says Larson, “is that each of my teams and players play up to their potential and that we represent Farmington High and the City of Farmington well.” ABQ Sports will bring you coverage of Albuquerque Academy tennis in the May issue.

FHS’s top three boys double teams: With/N. Pavlik (6-0), Hall/E. Briody-Pavlik (10-1) and Merrion/Conner Rasmussen (NA). 18 April 2014

abqsportsmag.com • 19

COURTESY: GARCIA FAMILY

31st

RIVALS

on the GRIDIRON

pring sports justifiably garner the headlines this time of year. But the boys of fall are diligently training, and ten of the state’s best have just returned from an invite-only event The Rivals Camp Series presented by Under Armour.

“It’s an honor and privilege,” says NMPreps.com publisher Kyle Henderson, “for New Mexico high school football prospects to attend this exclusive event. New Mexico is not a state known as a hotbed for college football recruiters, so any opportunity that these prospects get to compete and showcase their skills on a national level against other top prospects from across the country it helps their chances of playing college football at the next level. “ The regional camps are geared toward elite junior and seniors, although exceptional freshmen and sophomores are considered. Candidates are among the best of the best - D1 material, with a proven track record of success. The all-expenses paid trip to the one-day camp in California focused on position-specific drills, training from some of the best coaches in the nation. Media interviews, photos ops - the national exposure of one-on-ones is probably the most valuable thing these players take away from the camp. The eyes of everyone who’s anyone in collegiate football is paying attention. “I am a better football player mechanically, fundamentally and mentally,” says Cibola quarterback, Sam Garcia. “I am more prepared than I was before. I am able to perform things better than before and have leadership qualities with a little bit of swagger on top of it all. The opportunity that has been given to me is a once in a lifetime chance. Honestly it means the world to me and I will definitely not take it for granted.” Garcia, Kavika, Kameron, Houghtaling - just a few of our state’s best known by just one name. Rivals on the field, new friends for life. “The best part of the camp,” says Garcia, “is to actually get to hang out with guys that are the best at what they do and see that you are on par with them. And definitely cheering on your new friends that go to schools you aren’t too fond of, but that New Mexico pride kicks in and you find yourself cheering for somebody who goes Volcano Vista, our rival school. There was no poor performance at all from a New Mexico high school player which I am very proud to say.” 20 April 2014

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY

AN INTERNATIONAL WORLD CELEBRATION

APRIL 24-26, 2014

ALBUQUERQUE, NM NORTH AMERICA’S BIGGEST POWWOW

KAVIKA JOHNSON COURTESY: RIVALS.COM

SAM GARCIA COURTESY: GARCIA FAMILY MITCHELL CANTWELL COURTESY: RIVALS.COM

NEW MEXICO INVITEES: Blair Manly - defensive back - Cibola HS, Albuquerque Brian Trujillo - offensive lineman - Volcano Vista HS, Albuquerque Isaiah McIntyre - several positions - Las Cruces HS, Las Cruces Justin Houghtaling - quarterback -Artesia HS, Artesia Kameron Miller - quarterback - Las Cruces HS, Las Cruces Kavika Johnson - quarterback - Mayfield HS, Las Cruces Mitchell Cantwell - linebacker - La Cueva HS, Albuquerque Parker Johnson - unavailable - Ruidoso HS, Ruidoso Ray Garza - wide receiver, safety - Cibola HS, Albuquerque Sam Garcia - quarterback, linebacker - Cibola HS, Albuquerque

“The camp really showed me that the competitiveness at such a different area of the country was not different at all from how it is here. It was definitely surprising and uplifting to see that no-name kids from New Mexico were making highly lauded players from California look bad.” - Sam Garcia, Cibola quarterback

www. GatheringofNations .com

RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING BOOSTER CLUB

AIMING FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Emily Allen // Cassidy Cox

C O NGRATULATE S 2014’s 5A STATE CHAMPIONS

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY

RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY WRESTLERS

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HEAD COACH: MIKE SANTOS SCORE: 199 POINTS

Manzano High School sophomore Cassidy Cox and 16-year old Emily Allen each scored 573 out of a possible 600 points in the female compound division. They bested the top 64 athletes in the nation. ABQ Sports introduced you to Cassidy Cox in the March issue as she sought to best her 2nd place finish from last year. Cox is a world class archer in her age division, 3rd at 2013’s World Archery Festival, five-time state champion, regional champ and Compound Junior Women’s National Team alternate (2014). Allen is a home-schooled, high school graduate eyeing culinary school, shooting now for seven years. In addition to tying for 1st at JOAD Nationals, she won USA Indoor Nationals. During this past year she earned her Bronze, Silver and Gold awards at Indoor Nationals.

Even though they are rivals, they are shooting buddies

106 Orion Gutierrez 8th Grade 2nd Place 113 Javier Salazar 11th Grade 5th Place 120 Kyler Gonzales 8th Grade 4th Place 126 Santiago Salazar 10th Grade 5th Place 132 Ryan Rochford 9th Grade 138 Orlando Gutierrez 11th Grade 1st Place 145 Kirk Holloway 11th Grade 5th Place 152 Estevan Pakozdi 10th Grade 160 Miguel Barreras 11th Grade 1st Place 170 Jordan Lara 12th Grade 2nd Place 182 Ray Sean Marchi 12th Grade 3rd Place 195 Cole Dominguez 12th Grade 5th Place 220 Adrian Linzy 11th Grade 3rd Place 285 Anthony Palmerri 12th Grade Aaron Ortega Gilbert Espinosa Donn Fishburn

What’s unusual about this win is that they are both from the same state. They train at the same facility. And they TIED for first.

Cox placed 3rd at USA Indoors.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER:

ASSISTANT COACHES:

wo young ladies from New Mexico dazzled at the 2014 USA JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) Indoor Nationals competition.

Both young ladies earned their Gold Olympian award through USA Archery. Both athletes train at the Archery Shoppe in Albuquerque. Allen is coached by Carl Jamison, Cox is coached by Gina Chavez and Bob Romero.

EMILY ALLEN & CASSIDY COX

PHOTO: COURTESY, JULIE JAMISON

Miguel Barreras*

Nathaniel Augustson Edwin Barela

The booster club extends special recognition to 5A Individual Champions Orlando Gutierrez (138) and Miguel Barreras (160).

Orlando Gutierrez*

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“I just want to thank all the parents, Rio Rancho student body, fans and everyone who supported us throughout the season. The wrestlers came together as a team to accomplish this goal as State Champions. They each played an important role in this win. Hard work and persistence pays off.” - Mike Santos, RRHS head wrestling coach *Photos: COURTESY CARL JAMISON, TALON Studio Sports Photography 22 April 2014

abqsportsmag.com • 23

5a basketball state champions BY: KYLE HENDERSON, NMPREPS.COM

Valley Win Class 5A Boys Title

PHOTOS: MOJI PHOTOGRAPHY

Volcano Vista Wins Class 5A Girls Title

2014 Valley Viking Roster

2014 Volcano Vista Roster

Head Coach: Joe Coleman

Head Coach Lisa Villareal

Seniors: Joseph Anaya, Aaron Molina, Robert Armijo, Bo Coleman, Chris Martinez, Jahil Ford, Daniel Pling, Jeremy Martinez, Troy Giddings, Adonis Saltes

Seniors: Hannah Fenske, Bianca Perez, Ashley Heeren Juniors: Kendall Garcia, Luciana Reza Sophomores: Raquel Horta, Deezha Battle, Raven Herrer

Juniors: Christian Padilla Sophomores: Teton Saltes

o fan base loves their basketball team more than Valley High School. The school pride dates back decades and the community has been longing for a state basketball title for some time – 18 years, to be exact, as that was the last time Valley brought home the blue trophy in basketball. That was same year most of the current seniors on this roster were likely born. The 2013/2014 roster was loaded entering the year. In fact, many coaches in the metro area had penciled this team in as the pre-season favorite. It was a boom or bust season – and these boys did not disappoint. For the first time since 1996 the Valley Vikings brought home a state basketball championship to the North Valley. Head basketball coach Joe Coleman coached a senior-loaded group to a 56-42 victory over the Atrisco Heritage Jaguars. In front of 13,000 fans at The Pit, the Vikings outscored the Jaguars 31-18 in the final two quarters of the March 15th game. Senior Adonis Saltes scored a game high 26 points hitting 2 out of 5 three pointers and going 11 for 12 at the free throw line. Joseph Anaya, the NMPreps.com tournament MVP, scored 16 points and 7 boards in the title game. Anaya was on fire during the Viking’s state title run scoring a total of 67 points (22.3 average) in the final three games of the season. The Viking’s run started in November of 2013 when they began the year as the NMPreps.com Preseason No. 1, winning their first 6 games in a row then winning the APS Metro Area Tournament on January 11th, defeating Sandia High School 62-52. Finishing with an impressive 27-2 record the Viking’s two season losses came against Cleveland and district rival Atrisco Heritage, a team they beat 3 out of 4 times in the year.

Freshmen: Mesilla Mancha, Stacy Johnson, Kavionnia Brown

olcano Vista High School opened in 2007 and has quickly emerged as a yearly threat to win the Class 5A Girls Basketball State Championship. Over the last 3 years the Lady Hawks have reached the Final 4 three times and brought home two state basketball championships under head coach Lisa Villareal. While regarded as a top 5 team entering the preseason, Volcano Vista was not the favorite to win the state championship. The clear favorite was the defending state champ from last year - the Clovis Lady Wildcats, who entered the 2014 playoffs with a remarkable record of 27-0 and a combined record of 57-2 over the last two seasons. The two teams would meet for the second time of the season in the final four. Clovis had defeated Volcano Vista once back in late January by 15 points. Volcano Vista pulled off the upset of the tournament, handing Clovis their first loss of the year winning 52-45 in a thrilling outcome at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Seniors Hannah Fenske and Bianca Perez combined for 31 points to advance the Hawks to the title game where they would take on Mayfield’s Lady Trojans. The Trojans, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, had just defeated Cibola 52-46. Cibola had defeated Volcano Vista four times in the season - so once again Volcano Vista entered as the big underdog. The Lady Hawks were able to jump to a 32-27 lead at the half and would hang on to beat Mayfield 54-53, giving the Lady Hawks their second state title in the last three seasons. Senior Guard Hannah Fenske was fantastic in the finals scoring 23 points and hitting 4 out of 9 three-point attempts.

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Roswell Wins Class 4A Boys Title

he Roswell Coyotes won their first Class 4A basketball title defeating Los Lunas 56-43 in the finals. The Coyotes would finish with a season record of 29-1 under head coach Britt Cooper as Roswell remained No. 1 in the NMPreps. com basketball rankings from the start of the season to the end. Roswell blew past Gallup in the quarterfinals winning 73-57, then defeated Centennial 63-46 in the Final 4 before matching up with Los Lunas for a highly anticipated 4A state title game. In the finals the Coyotes were led by senior guard Cesar Nava who scored 10 points, collected 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Daniel Amador scored a game high 10 points.

Santa Fe Wins Class 4A Girls Title

or the first time since 1988 the Santa Fe Demonetts brought the capital city a girls state basketball state championship. The Demonetts finished the year with a 30-2 season record. They had to beat Grants, Roswell and Valencia before meeting the No. 1 seeded Los Lunas Tigers in a true best of the best match up for the state championship. Santa Fe would trail Los Lunas at the half in a defensive battle 19-9, but would manage to outscore Los Lunas 25-11 in the final two periods to win 34-29 in an emotional ending. Jackie Martinez led all scorers that night with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Hope Christian Wins Class 3A Boys Title

ope Christian defeated St. Michaels in the 2014 Class 3A state title game 55-34 to win back to back state championships. Hope Christian finished the season with a remarkable record of 28-3 and went undefeated against Class 3A teams during the entire season. The Huskies were led by Austen Drake, who scored 17 points and pulled down 4 rebounds in the finals. Also contributing was Zach Williams who scored 5 points and 6 rebounds. Hope Christian head basketball coach Jim Murphy has now won a total of 12 state championships and has led Hope to the finals 10 times since 2000.

Portales Wins Class 3A Girls Title

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ead coach Wade Fraze and the Lady Rams entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed after falling to district rival Lovington in the district championship game 56-49 back on March 1st. The Rams however, would get revenge on Lovington, defeating the Lady Wildcats 54-46 in the semifinals and would face No. 1 seeded Shiprock who entered the title game with an unblemished record of 29-0. The Lady Rams would win a thriller 62-59 thanks to a big time performance from sophomore Kambrey Blakey who led the way with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

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abqsportsmag.com • 27

Dexter Wins Class 2A Boys Title

or the first time in school history the Dexter Demons won the boys Class 2A basketball championship, defeating Texico in the finals 61-51. The Demons, who were seeded as the No. 2 overall seed in Class 2A, were led by Kevin Bonner and Kavin Paez in the title game - the duo combined for 30 points and 9 rebounds. On the year Dexter would finish 29-2 under head coach James Voight and end the year on an impressive 18-game winning streak. During their tournament run the Demons beat Bosque Prep 69-40, Santa Rosa 47-34 in the quarterfinals, Clayton 75-66, and finally, the Wolverines in the title game.

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ead basketball coach Anthony Mestas led the Bobcats to their second state title since 2011 with a 56-41 win over Escalante in the 1A Finals. Hagerman ended the year 26-4 and was led by a very solid senior group headlined by Jose Beharano and Jessie Rodirguez. In the finals against the Lobos, another talented senior named Bryan Medina scored 16 points, Alex Ramos, who is just a junior scored 15 and Bejarano had 10 and 7 rebounds.

Tularosa Wins Class 2A Girls Title

ith only four seniors on the roster, the Tularosa Lady Wildcats, coached by Joe Estrada, ended the year riding a 16-game winning streak - beating Texico 49-46 to win the Class 2A state championship. Tularosa defeated Ramah by 2 in the quarterfinals, then beat district rival Hatch in the final four 71-61 before meeting up with Texico - the No. 1 overall seed in Class 2A. During the championship game, it was super sophomore Kyanne Kowatch who scored 21 points and collected 2 rebounds. Kowatch averaged more than 20.0 per game and was selected as the NMPreps.com 2A Tournament MVP.

28 April 2014

Hagerman Wins Class 1A Boys Title

Tatum Wins Class 1A Girls Title

ust days before the 1A state tournament, Tatum head coach Greg Slover lost his wife of 38-years after a long fight with cancer. Slover carried out his family’s wishes and coached every game in the state tournament, defeating the Cliff Cowgirls 50-48 in a very dramatic and bittersweet ending to Tatum’s 29-1 season. The Lady Coyotes were led by Karina Cardenas who scored 16 points and Abby Medlin who scored 13 on the night going 7 for 8 at the free throw line.

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New Mexico Stars New Season New Management

ew Mexico’s semi-pro football team is coming off a March 29th 44-39 win against the West Texas Wildcatters at the Santa Ana Star center. The 23-man roster played some convincing ball in the 2nd game of the regular season, rallying after a March 14th loss to the Amarillo Venom, 21-63.

Players and coaches are looking forward to an exciting season as they return to the gridiron under new management - the team is part of the Lone Star Football League (LSFL), which has just appointed Orthrus Promotions as the new operating management team. JR Rodriguez is the new General Manager.

“We are very excited to be a part of this great New Mexico organization,” says Rodriguez, “and we feel honored to be asked to run the organization.”

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“I LOVE THIS JOB AND IT’S MY DREAM JOB.” - Sterling Kriser

Kriser to the

Stars

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: Sam Kriser

t’s a new job for Sterling Kriser.

He’s settling in at his new home with the New Mexico Stars. He’s feeling pretty comfortable, and he should. This job is similar to his last one - just some new faces. Sterling is assistant to the main manager for the Stars. “I am recording practices for the team to watch for review,” says Sterling. “I am the head coach’s right hand man. I take care of all the equipment for the team, I time them and let them know when the time is up, make sure everyone has enough water to drink. Coach Dominic has let the other coaches they can have me help them but I belong work for him.” Kriser spent five years as the team manager for Rio Rancho’s football team. He lives with Aspergers, preparing to graduate after eight years in high school. “They are treating me great,” he says. “My dad says the players love me just as much or more than the Rio Rancho Football teams loves me. They have my back and I got their backs...My brother Jean-Luc is even the ball boy at the home games and he loves it. He came with me and my dad early to the 1st home game and the coaches asked if he wanted to be the ball boy. This made my brother’s day he is happy to be helping at the games with me and the team.”

This Star is Shining Brightly

io Rancho’s student body jumped to its feet to express their love and say a collective congratulations to one of the most beloved members of the school. In late March Sterling was inducted into the Albuquerque Football Officials Association (AFOA) as an honorary life member. “Most of the officials know him by name,” says RRHS JV head coach & varsity running backs coach Kelley Hill, “and all are appreciative of his efforts during games. In my opinion, he stands as proof that regardless of the obstacles life gives you, it’s your attitude that determines the ultimate outcome. Sterling Kriser stands for everything our program stands for and I couldn’t be more proud of him.” It’s the first time the Association has ever extended an honorary life membership. “It was a big surprise to me that I was getting it,” says Sterling. “I knew that the AFOA was going to be there and I was going to get something but didn’t know what. I was asked the day before to dress up nice for the pep rally so I did...It was awesome, I really love everyone at the high school and to see them all stand and yell Sterling over and over was way cool. I didn’t know they all loved me that much. I am proud to be a student at Rio Rancho High School and being able to help out with all the sports I have helped with over the years.” This young man has lived to serve others. “I am proud to be Sterling’s mom,” says Dorcas Kriser, “and to hear all he has done I didn’t know he has touched so many people’s lives. I loved hearing each official talk about Sterling, the plaques are unbelievable and the shirt, all I can say is wow. Each official came and shook my hand before sitting down after giving Sterling his awards all I could say was thank you.”

“I’ve never been around a person who is more dedicated to his team’s program than Sterling. He is every bit as passionate about our freshman team as he is about our varsity. His love for the Rio Rancho Rams and the game of football has been an inspiration to many.” - Kelley Hill, RRHS JV head coach & varsity running backs coach

32 April 2014

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BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: COURTESY, JESSICA RINALDI

Jessica Rinaldi

FOUR-TIME FIGURE UNIVERSE CHAMPION HAILS FROM BERNALILLO

he’s a Bernalillo Spartan, and proud of it.

While the rest of the world may not have heard of this small New Mexico town, anyone in the bodybuilding/pro figure world has most certainly heard of Jessica Rinaldi. This 32-year old is at the top of her profession. New husband, lovely daughter. Life is good. It hasn’t always been that way, though. Hidden beneath the sculpted muscle and beautiful face of a savvy businesswoman is a person, just like many others, who have fought for success. “I struggle every day to stay on track,” says Rinaldi. “I have temptations everywhere I turn and I am overwhelmed a lot. I have had to find other outlets for my emotions and for family activities because I know my struggle is food. People don’t realize that it is an addiction and like any we have to avoid situations that will push us to make a poor decision. I love food and NM food and it is hard every day not to adhere to my healthy nutrition plan, but I remind myself of what my goal is and where I want to be.” Rinadli began her competitive career in 2008, winning the Overall titles in Figure and Bodybuilding at NPC in New Mexico and the Mid USA show. Winning Figure Universe Champion is an incredible achievement. She’s not only won it four times, she is undefeated, winning the event in consecutive years. For some, that might be end goal. For Rinaldi, it’s been the conduit to her passion. “I never wanted to be a fitness model,” says Rinaldi. “It was way more important and still is, for me to be that ‘role model’. I love to help people reach their goals and see the transformations in their life and their spirit. I have been through so many of the struggles myself and know that it is possible so showing others that they ‘can’ do anything through dedication and a little discipline is so satisfying to me.”

"I GREW UP HERE AND LOVE MY ROOTS AND MY FAMILY'S HISTORY HERE. SORRY NM YOU ALL ARE STUCK WITH ME." - JESSICA RINALDI, FITNESS CHAMPION Rinaldi has embarked on a new venture with the backing of her coach and husband, Michael Donathan, helping others with their fitness goals. She manages Fitshop. the sister company of nutrition store Nutrishop. Her BA in athletic training from NMSU, combined with her ACE CPT, Lifestyle & Weight Management credentials back up what her body shows - she knows what she’s doing. “Everyone has to start somewhere,” she says. “It is just a matter of being consistent and learning to love yourself and the journey that you are on. I have been through it and know the struggles and still struggle.” When she’s not competing, Rinaldi says she tries to stay fit, working out with weights or cardio six times a week for an hour at a time. When prepping for a competition, she gets strict with her nutrition and increases her cardio by 45 minutes each day. “It takes a lot of planning and time management,” says Rinaldi, “with wife, mommy and work duties but it definitely is worth the hard work.” Next competition? Rinaldi says she can’t stay away too long, look for her toward the end of this year. And the top of the podium might be a good place to search first.

“My true passion is working with kids who play all sports - I love seeing a young athlete accomplish something they never dreamt possible. That’s why I love coaching!” -Owner Jessica Gentry is an international Youth Conditioning Fitness Specialist, high school strength & conditioning coach and youth nutrition specialist. A lifelong competitive athlete, Gentry is a downhill skier and national level American Quarter Horse (AQHA) competitor.

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GOING the DISTANCE 2013 National Champion Aims for 2nd Title BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: ANTHONY GRIEGO, MOJI PHOTOGRAPHY

“Jordanne is a big leader in the gym,” says Steve Garcia, “not afraid, strong, and (has) the will to win.” The elder Garcia is familiar with success, himself a Golden Gloves champion, undefeated as a pro with 3 fights and the North American kickboxing champion (1981). “My dad has been a coach for 20 years,” says Jordanne, “so I have been in and out of the gym since I was little. One day I decided I wanted to try it out and ever since then I’ve loved it. I chose boxing over the other sports because boxing runs in my blood.”

our years. Time on the bag, time on the road. Five days a week in the gym. The result – the gold medal at the 2013 USA Boxing Junior Olympic National Championship in Mobile, Alabama. Jordanne Garcia of Albuquerque is the defending champion in the welterweight (145lb) division, winning the title bout against Victoria Ramirez of Texas with a third-round TKO. “Winning the national title was unbelievable,” says Jordanne. “I was the happiest person ever. Winning gold made me realize that anything is possible and to never give up. Just keep on pushing.” It’s a year later now. She’s a year old, a year stronger, a year wiser. “I’m very self-willed,” says Jordanne. “When it comes to my boxing I zone everyone out and stay focused. Right now I feel great about myself, I’m in shape and healthy. I’m also focused right now because of fight time.”

It’s no surprise that her parents, her father in particular, are her role models, along with Johnny Tapia, boxer Zab Juddah and the Lord. “If it wasn’t for my dad and God I wouldn’t be the fighter I am today,” says Jordanne. “I also have to give credit to my family and my team they are the ones who are by my side through my training and my fights.” Like any teenager, she enjoys dancing, spending time with friends, time in church and singing with the church band. Favorite foods - enchiladas, hot dogs, spaghetti, pizza, mac and cheese and yes, Oreos. In her spare time - sleep is a priority. Competition has taken the Garcias all over the United States. While Jordanne’s immediate goals are a repeat national victory, she hopes her journey leads her to the ultimate gold. “My dreams are to make it to the 2016 Olympics,” says Jordanne, “go professional and be the best female fighter out there.” The state competition is slated for April 5-6, New Mexico is hosting the regional championship. Nationals are being held in West Virginia in June.

Garcia is a sophmore at Rio Grande High School – 3.0 GPA, with a list of other accomplishments in boxing – state & regional champion, three-time New Mexico Silver Glove champion. She is the only female from this state to ever win national Junior Olympics in boxing and her road to a repeat title begins in earnest next week at the state competition.

GOLF & FITNESS BY JIM LEZEAU, M.S., CES, PES | PERSONAL TRAINER PERFORMANCE COORDINATOR AT DEFINED FITNESS

pringtime is here. With the spring season comes longer days, shorter nights, warmer weather… and GOLF! Physical fitness is an important, yet neglected part of the game. Many individuals move from golf pro to golf pro looking for technical coaching to better their game. However, it is too often that it is not the golf pro’s advice that is needed. It is the individual’s fitness level that needs the work. When it comes to golf, each individual has strengths, weaknesses and specific parts of their game that need extra work. In order to begin working on these areas, the first step is to complete a movement evaluation to determine muscular imbalances in strength and areas of inflexibility or immobility. This is not just a swing analysis, but rather a movement analysis. The game of golf is much more dependent on flexibility and mobility rather than just raw strength. Did you know that you can put yardage on your drive by just increasing your flexibility/mobility without touching a resistance-training exercise? That is not to say that resistance training is not important, but mobility is crucial.

The golf swing is a complex series of movements through all three planes of motion. A good golf swing is dependent on:

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Holly Holm brought New Mexico and a new identity for female boxers to mainstream America, combining beauty, grace and ferocity in the ring. A new standard for some aspiring female athletes. “It takes a real woman to get in there and do it,” says Jordanne. “I hate when guys say there tougher then girls because that is not true at all.” Garcia spends a good two hours a day working out – bags and mitts, a 3-mile run, weights and sparring. Her team – Power and Glory out of San Jose Community Center. Her coach has known her far longer than the five years he’s been her instructor. He should – he’s her father.

“Never give up. AND leave it all to God!” Jordanne Garcia, defending welterweight Junior Olympic national boxing champion

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ICE HOCKEY IN THE LAND OF ENCHANTAMENT IS DOING JUST FINE, GAINING IN POPULARITY HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE HAS SUPPORT OF PLAYERS AND FANS

e was a busy, busy young man. He ran cross country as an eighth-grader, moved on to soccer and tried lacrosse, but what he needed most was his free time.

Thus, the return to his favorite sport, hockey, for St. Michael’s sophomore Nick Vigil. “I like all sports,” he says, “and soccer especially keeps me in great shape, but it all became a little too much for me, so I had to give up soccer, than lacrosse, and just concentrate on hockey.” Ah, hockey, not exactly a sport thrived on in New Mexico, but the Land of Enchantment is a-okay with it, which is why there are roughly 150 high school athletes alone who take to the ice. Santa Fe High School is Vigil’s team, and it answers to the name of the Blue Jackets. They have been playing on the regulation-size rink at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe since it opened in 2000, and it’s where the traveling Santa Fe Capitals and Ravens also practice. Vigil is following in the footsteps of his brother Christian Vigil, who was given the nickname “Chunk” by long-time head coach Paul DeVincentis because of the aggressive way he played. Christian is now in his second year at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, with his thoughts also on returning to the rink. Presently, he’s doing rope climbing to remain in shape, something Nick has also attempted. And DeVincentis, who played his hockey back in the Northeast, is still the head coach. Santa Fe High joins the likes of Cibola, Los Alamos, Taos, La Cueva and St. Pius X in the state-wide high school league that also includes El Paso schools Franklin and Coronado. Because of this, there are seven Blue Jackets from St. Michael’s, three from SFHS, a pair from Santa Fe Prep, and one Masters Program student from Santa Fe Community College. “The guys on the team love it,” Nick says. “We have practice on Mondays and Thursday, and unless of an illness or injury, everybody shows up. We have one new player in Abraham Rodriguez, who played soccer at St. Michael’s, and he thinks it’s great.”

Immediate Help Same Day Appointment Over 23 Years Experience

BY ARNIE LESHIN

Hockey is somewhat like track and field in this country. If you don’t get to catch it in person or on the tubes, just tune in to the Winter Olympics, where it drew a record amount of world-wide viewers for both the women’s and men’s games that involved the USA. Same with track and field. Just watch the Summer Olympics and see how popular it is. “We’ve got three of the top point scorers in the league in Nick, Devin and Nathan,” says Bob Vigil. “They are all up there among the top five in goals and assists.”

e D e

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Like many of the other parents, Bob and his wife, Lisa, support the league that is getting set for the post-season playoffs. Ice hockey? Nothing to it, just drop the punk and watch the action unfold. But make sure you’re wearing skates, a helmet with a cage, a mouth guard, neck guard, shin pads, support and cup, gloves, hockey pants, shoulder pads-chest protector, elbow pads, jock shorts for boys, a hockey stick, and a bag to make the wheels easier to handle. It’s what these youngsters are required to have, wear, another reason why it’s worth their time to buckle up and take to the rink.

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While Nick plays forward and has been playing, like his older brother, for longer than he can remember, it’s a hockey family that originates from California and roots for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. His dad, Bob, a big fan of the sport, owns the Post Net store in Santa Fe. And even if New Mexico is absent of professional hockey teams, Nick has found his way to a Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles King game, as well as watching his Sharks play at the Phoenix Coyotes. Hockey is their game, just as it is for team captain Nathan Spingler, who plays center; his younger brother Marshall; Devin DeLeon-Dowd, who, like Nick, mixes hockey with soccer. Rodriguez is the only one to come out for the first time. He and Nathan are St. Michael’s seniors, DeLeon-Dowd is a Horsemen sophomore. 40 April 2014

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Albuquerque’s Beach wins NCAA Title

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: CARLOS MONTOYA

ome of the finest collegiate athletes in the nation descended upon Albuquerque’s Convention Center mid March for the 2014 NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championship. This event always draws a huge crowd of spectators, and what a field it was - 1,700 athletes participating.

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ho Boul

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“There aren’t just a couple of hotly contested races as you would see in any other meet,” says USA Track & Field NM President Shane Cleveland, “but every single event is hotly contested by the cream of the crop collegiate talent. Each event had 16 qualifiers all by place of finish in qualifying meets across the country. Having this event come to Albuquerque is a boost to our local economy and further solidifies New Mexico as a premier location for Indoor track and field in the US. “

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Duke City native Curtis Beach thrilled friends and family, and himself, winning the heptathlon. Beach’s crowning moment of a truly fine allaround performance came as he blew away his competitors in the 1,000 meters of the event in front of his hometown crowd. He finished that event in 2:28.76, 14 seconds faster than his nearest competitor. He set a personal record of 6,190 points for the seven events, 146 points ahead of the 2nd place finisher. The heptathlon is comprised of the 60 meter, shot put, long jump, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault and 1,000 meter run. What’s also significant is that this is second time he has won this event.

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This Albuquerque Academy graduate is one of the most highly decorated high school track and field athletes ever to come out of New Mexico. During his club years he ran with Albuquerque Track Club. “ We are so proud of Curtis,” says Cleveland, “I fully anticipate seeing Curtis on the 2016 Olympic team and on the podium in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil!” Beach currently studies at Duke University.

View full results at www.ncaa.org abqsportsmag.com • 43

New Mexico Activities Association HALL OF FAME “CLASS OF 2014”

BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: COURTESY, DUSTY YOUNG

The inductees for this year’s NMAA Hall of Fame have a combined 129 years experience. The longevity of their careers attests to their knowledge, talent and their ability to successfully groom young athletes.

Art Karger

Fern Spencer

Karger spent 27 years at Lovington High and other Lovington Schools, employed in nearly every capacity possible: teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. During his tenure the Wildcats’ boys basketball teams were state champs in 1983, runner-up in 1989 and captured third place in 1996 and 1998. Karger served on the NMAA Board of Directors, was the 4-AAA district chairperson. He also taught and coached in Texas for eight years.

A nearly four-decade career with Tohatchi High School and Gallup-McKinley Schools has produced some stellar athletes and even more amazing career wins: more than 400 during her 39 years, receiving coaching milestone awards for every 100 she amassed. This much loved basketball coacher also worked as a business vocational teacher and head teacher, was president of the NM High School Coaches and Athletic Directors Association as well as the NMAA 1-AAA district chairperson.

Ed Ping

Phil Sategna

The Gallup-McKinley school district was home to this principal, coach, teacher and counselor for 29 years. He coached his basketball teams to state tournament play three years in a row, capturing 2nd place in 1981. This multitalented man also wore a lot of hats during his years – teacher, coach, counselor and principal. He served two terms with the NMAA Executive Committee, as well as the Sportsmanship and Classification & Realignment Committees.

Success is a familiar companion for this coach, athletic director and teacher from Bloomfield High School. He spent 34 years of his life in northern New Mexico. Along the way he coached his cross country and track & field teams to five state championships, four state runners-up, six third-place finishes and 64 individual state champions. He also has a record of service: two terms with the NMAA commission and committees that include Track Sports Specific, Seeding & Selection, Track Qualifying Standards, Cross County and Hall of Fame. Sategna also spent four years at Park Junior High School in Artesia.

Karger, Ping, Sategna and Spencer were inducted into the Hall of Fame at a luncheon held in their honor during the U.S Bank State Basketball Championships at the Pit. 44 April 2014

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Some of the nation’s top riders rode the rankest bulls at this year’s event. One of the biggest attractions - a 1,750-pound bull named Bushwacker. A monster of a beast - and when the tour ends, Bushwacker heads into retirement. Murray, an accomplished rider, spent his summers in New Mexico as a youth and says he enjoys coming back to visit. Albuquerque is the 12th of 27 stops on the 2014 PBR Build Ford Tough Series. The rider earning the most points during this season wins $1 million dollars and the World Championship belt buckle.

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First place went to Marco Eguchi with 267 points and a payout of $39,850.

Farmington native Guytin Tsosie, the top-ranked NativeAmerican rider, was invited to compete and finished 7th with 174.25 points, $3,925.

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