Serving the greater New Mexico central region - New Mexico’s Premiere Sports Magazine February 2011
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February 26-27, 2011 The World’s Greatest Athletes Battle for the Title of National Champion Albuquerque is proud to be the home of the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships for 2011 and 2012. The events will be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The USA Indoor Track & Field Championships is the final event of the Indoor Visa Championship Series, which is a prestigious series of nationally televised USA Track & Field competitions featuring the very best track & field athletes from Team USA, the world’s #1 track team.
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Tickets are available at the UNM Ticket Office (1-877-664-8661) or for more information visit: www.itsatrip.org/track Photo right: Lolo Jones: 2008 Olympian & Visa Champion. Photo left: Christian Cantwell: 2008 Olympian & Visa Champion
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Features
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On the Sports Scene!
ABQ Sports magazine P.O.Box 15981 • Rio Rancho, NM 87174 505.620.3969 • abqsportsmag.com Publisher Montoya Publishing, LLC
In this Issue of ABQ Sports you will find a variety of events we covered, including basketball and BMX, wrestling and minisprint car racing with Sean Guthrie. On the MMA scene, we have interviews with Keith Jardine and Holly Holm. On a monthly basis, we meet a lot of outstanding athletes, coaches and fans, all of whom show their support to ABQ Sports. Albuquerque and the surrounding areas have numerous youth/ adult sports that get no publicity whatsoever. We here at ABQ Sports are happy to recognize their efforts and support their endeavors into the future. Our readers have given us valuable feedback which makes us a better publication, and more relevant to our specific market. No other publication in the city provides this type of coverage. The newest feature we’ve added is the ABQ Sports - Athlete of the Month. Be sure to email us to nominate your favorite athlete! Our Publication remains free and is offered in over 250 locations around the city, county and state. We also offer online viewing and home delivery. Please visit www.ABQSportsmag.com for more info. Happy Reading!
Carlos Montoya
Art Director/Production DL Graphic Design design@abqsportsmag.com
Photographers
Carlos Montoya
Stevie Montoya
Kayla Montoya
6
24
8
26
Contributing Writers
Isaiah Dave Montoya Friedlander
20
Paula West
Bernalillo Varsity Boy Basketball ...............................................................................6 Trula Howe
Joe Vivian Classic Wrestling Tournament ................................................................8
Advertisers
BMX in Albuquerque ............................................................................................20
For any advertsing information, please contact 505.620.3969 or sales@abqsportsmag.com
Holly Holm and Keith Jardine: Hometown Heroes ................................................24
Readers We thank you for investing your time into our maga-
4th Annual New Mexico Stampede PRCA Rodeo ................................................26
zine. Got any feedback? We appreciate any ideas, suggestions or anything we missed. Please feel to contact us anytime by phone, email, or mail.
Writers
NM Field and Track, Basketball, MMA and Baseball just around the corner. ABQ SPORTS MAGAZINE IS HIRING. We are looking for energetic writers and advertising sales representatives and we’d like to meet some bloggers too. Jobs@abqsportsmag.com
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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. Bernalillo Vs. Belen High School Boys Basketball
Sport Scene
Coming up next issue...
12
16
18
28
Friday Night Fights: Evolution Combat Sports .......................................................12 Performance Athletes ...........................................................................................16 The Albuquerque Diablos: Grassroot Hoops ..........................................................18 Sean Guthrie: Car Crafters ....................................................................................28 abqsportsmag.com • 5
You’re Darnell Right!
Belen Attempts a...
Bernalillo Varsity Boys Basketball is back! By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
Ludi echoed his coach/uncle’s sentiments on team values. “The experience of last year helped us this year. It wasn’t always nice losing, but we built on that. I just want to help my team get better.”
T
he Darnell family has been a stellar force in Bernalillo athletics ever since hometown boy Terry Darnell led the Spartans to state championship success back in the late 1980’s. He is now head coach of the boy’s team, and they are currently maintaining a high rate of success, the latest of which was their victory over Belen on Jan 13. Bernalillo beat Belen 57-51. For the entire last season, the team won only four games total; however, this year they are already off to a forceful 9-6 start (winning 8 of last 10). “We have finally gelled,” relayed Darnell to ABQ Sports Mag at the game. Darnell’s son, Trey “the Sequel” Darnell, is on the team, and so is his nephew Jordan Ludi. On the girl’s varsity team, two female Darnell’s are on the roster!
6 February 2011
Big and physical, Omar Luna is the team’s 6th man, and he set the tone Jan. 13 vs. Belen with some tough post play on the defensive end. “You’ve got to get into position, and we work hard together everyday, because it is fun to win.” Selena Garcia, 15, goes to Cleveland HS but was at the game cheering on the Bernalillo boys. “They make a team more like a family so the fans come out and support them no matter what,” she exclaimed. Her step-dad works as an assistant coach for Darnell. In the stands was Bernalillo assistant principal Jose Scott, who said, “Basketball is a tradition here in Bernalillo, and the unity and tradition is more apparent now than ever.” Perhaps team manager Johnathon Barea, 18, most properly encapsulated Bernalillo’s current success. “They opened their eyes.” Darnell hopes to lead the team to a state title.
Bounce Back T
By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
he Belen High School boy’s varsity basketball team is off to a 1-9 start for the season, but they are going through a growth spurt, which continued, even through the match against Bernalillo HS at Bernalillo on Jan 13. Though Belen lost 57-51 they held their own against up-and-coming Bernalillo to show marked improvement. In fact, Belen outscored Bernalillo 51-48 after a 9-0 Bernalillo start. Coach Dale Jaramillo said his team is young, inexperienced and not shooting to standards; and to complicate matters further the team has been without a home gym for over a month, due to renovations. Hence, the team has had to practice at a middle school gym and an auxiliary gym.
“We’ve been struggling a little bit this season,” explained Jaramillo at the Bernalillo game. “Offensively is where we’re struggling. We get the looks, but were not putting
it in the hole.” With few experienced seniors to work with this season, the spotlight shines mostly on sophomore center Zach Martin (6’4”) and starting point guard and freshman Colton Lewis.According to Jaramillo, “Martin is still young and still fighting what young kids go through when playing at varsity, but if he’s willing to put in the work he is going to be a legit D1 or D2 player. He is athletic, broad shouldered, strong and he can jump.” Lewis shows the flair of a young Steve Nash on the court, and Jaramillo agrees. “Keep an eye on him,” he said. “He’s got natural basketball instincts. He does things that you don’t teach, and he knows how to score. He is young and a boy playing among men at the varsity level, and he’s coming from 8th grade right to varsity!” Relying on such young talent had led Jaramillo to search for a vocal senior to urge the team on to the next level. “We’re looking for positive leadership right now,” he said. “We have the potential, and we’re working hard.” abqsportsmag.com • 7
◄More photos online at abqsportsmag.com
T
he Joe Vivian Classic wrestling tournament took place Jan 14-15 at Cibola HS, and a junior wrestling tournament was held simultaneously. Overall, 1,144 wrestlers participated. There were 432 in the Joe Vivian Classic and 712 in the junior tourney, showing just how tough the state of New Mexico is. Joe Vivian is a legendary ABQ wrestling mastermind who coached at Albuquerque HS, Manzano HS, Academy HS, La Cueva HS and most notably at Cibola High, where event coordinator Robert Marquez is now head coach. Marquez was also coached by the legendary Vivian while he attended Cibola. The local wrestling community’s respect for Vivian and the sport of wrestling caused the tournament to be born 11 years ago. According to Marquez, “The strength and numbers of wrestlers in New Mexico have jumped, and the competition has been phenomenal,” he said. “It starts in our junior organizations.” Gilbert Loera began wrestling as a 9th grader, and he is now the head coach of Jr. Wrestling at Cibola. He said, “It is good to work with the little kids and get them ready for high school. 70% percent of youths quit sports when they get to high school, but if they love the sport they will continue it, no matter what.” Loera added, “The biggest thing with youth
2011 Joe Vivian Classic
sports is support from the community. We have very few venues where we can actually wrestle these little guys. The biggest need we have is the volunteers. Getting 712 wrestlers together to wrestle takes a lot of work.” Anthony Marquez, assistant coach at Cibola HS agrees, “We want to get kids into the wrestling room and teach them the basics of wrestling, like takedowns and being good on your feet. Get into wrestling because it shows a lot of responsibility, and you’re basically by yourself and it’s up to you on the mat. There are a lot of things that wrestlers can take on later in life and we really encourage it.” Some of the top wrestlers who participated in the Joe Vivian Classic were Paul Mascarenas, Deshun Brown, Eric Montoya, Carlos Montano, Sterling Lucero, Matt Nunez, David Rael, Thomas Barela, Jess Martinez, Zach Rogers, Chris Deflippo, Nevada Posa, Shea Nolan, Patrick Armijo, Nick Pino, Jake Martinez and Lawrence Otero. The legendary Joe Vivian actually graced the tourney with his presence, and he humbly said he did not necessarily deserve the tournament to be named after him, but he enjoys the fact nevertheless. He said “I was around for a long time. It’s nice to be looked at that way. Eleven years ago, this tournament was named after me, and I was honored and humbled by it. I thought it might last a year or two, and it is still going strong. There are quite a few super-coaches. It is a little more intensified. Jr. Wrestling seems to be a little stronger and more active. The bad thing is we do not have a collegiate program except for NM Highland. Wrestling is as strong as ever.
Wrestling Tournament By Isaiah Montoya
8 February 2011
Continued on next page
Photos by Carlos & Kayla Montoya
abqsportsmag.com • 9
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Continued from previous page
Kids want to get involved in wrestling. You can get small kids involved. Football and basketball take a certain kind of athlete, but in wrestling we get them all, from 100 pounds all the way to 250. Some kids naturally know what to do, but it is something you have to work at. This is fantastic because it is a good showing. This tournament is as competitive as state, and possibly even more so because of the setup. It is a good feeling. I’m around town and hear kids talking about it and wearing the shirts, and it feels good. I also coached at Alb. High, Manzano, Academy, La Cueva and Cibola. Bright future. I think wrestling leads them into MMA and WWE. With this combative background it is only natural.” Here’s what Deshun Brown – 112 lbs. - 16 -10th grader West Mesa – had to say, “I prepare the same way for every match. Every match is just as important as the next. Dion Santiago from Albuquerque High is a good wrestler and wrestler off and on throughout the year. He is good and tough. I had to really know my way around the mat and my mat presence was strong. I didn’t give up anything stupid in the last few seconds and I was able to come away with it. I feel like I did alright. I feel like I can always get better and improve and overall I was happy. I won and that is all that matters.
A Beautiful Smile Can Change A Life! Carlos E. Torrebiarte, DDS
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Friday
Night
Josh Luna looks to the
heavens hand raised in
victory
Fights Presented by Evolution Combat Sports
Victorious Heather Jo
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GU
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PP
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Friday January 7th the fists were flying in Clovis
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Story and Photos By Dave Friedlander
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a Guillotine choke
SOU
s Karina Hallinan in
Ya Ya Anzaldua catche
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Clark flanked by Bra
LING LEA
at Friday Night Fights presented by Evolution Combat Sports Championship at the Clovis Civic Center. Six amateur fights showcasing competitors from NM, TX, and AZ were the perfect prelude to a trio of professional fights. The pro card started out with a female bout between Ya Ya Anzaldua and Karina Hallinan. Both women scored with strikes in the opening round, until, working from a clinch off the cage, Ya Ya applied a tight guillotine choke. Hallinan was able to work free but found herself in the same predicament in the second round whern she was forced to tap. The co-main event was another female tilt between tough Jackson’s fighter Heather Jo Clark and April Coutino of Force of One MMA. Clark came out fast scoring an amazing 10 second knockout with a solid straight right. In the main event, late replacement Armando Quinones showed loads of heart taking on the tremendously tough Josh Luna. It took less than a minute for Luna to put Quinones, who had little time to prepare, into a bad spot. An apparent shoulder injury forced a premature end to the fight with Luna’s hand being raised to the delight of the partisan crowd. ®
12 February 2011
Donald Sanchez victorious
Saturday January 15th Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in Santa Fe, NM., was the
site of a stellar King of the Cage card, titled “Confrontation”. The show featured a Bantamweight title fight between Albuquerque’s Donald Sanchez and LCF Champ Scott Bear of Oklahoma. Fans were also treated to the action packed first round of the KOTC Young Guns Flyweight Tournament. In total thirteen adrenaline pumping fights thrilled the capacity crowd and proved why KOTC is regarded as a preeminent Donald Sanchez lights up Scott Bear
combat sports organization. In the co-main event, FIT fighter and fan favorite Frank Baca was all business in dismantling Lewis McKenzie of Oklahoma. McKenzie’s skills didn’t match his trash talk as he kept verbally taunting Baca throughout the entire fight. Baca remained unfazed and workmanlike in bloodying McKenzie up before TKOing him with seconds left in the third. To his credit, McKenzie almost finished the fight and never quit despite the constant pressure put on him by Baca.
Donald Sanchez entered the room to a thunderous applause for the Main Event to face gutsy veteran Scott Bear for the Bantamweight strap. In the Baca bloodies up McKenzie
King of the Cage Confrontation
a stiff challenge to the champ, but it didn’t take long before Sanchez sat him down with a stiff right hand. From there Sanchez ground and pounded Bear, who did his best to cover up. At the 3:00 mark Bear began to wilt, and Sanchez pressed him against the cage and fastened on a tight, neck only guillotine, forcing Bear to Tap. Again the crowd erupted as Sanchez had his belt placed around his waist once again.
Story and Photos By Dave Friedlander
14 February 2011
opening moments it looked like Bear might present
Frank Baca controls Lewis McKenzie on the canvas
How do performance
al supplements such as sports drinks, energy bars, and gels often become crucial in helping meet nutrient requirements to achieve optimal performance. It’s equally crucial that athletes know the regulations of their sport organizations regarding dietary supplements, and that they take advantage of resources that test supplements for quality and banned substances. Some of the less obvious reasons for proper nutrition for all athletes is to prevent illness and injury, maintain normal menstrual function in female athletes, prevent eating disorders, and support rehabilitation from injury. Athletes are particularly at risk for deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Many of the major sports organizations (MLB, NFL, NBA, for example) have recognized the importance nutrition plays in optimizing health and performance and now have Registered Dietitians on staff to work with athletes. Those of you who compete at the amateur level can benefit from working with a Registered Dietitian, also. We are trained to assess, diagnose, and design nutrition interventions specific to your health, fitness, and sport, and to regularly monitor and evaluate your progress. There are several well respected dietitians in our community specialPaula West, RD, LD, is the izing in sports nutrition who can help. team dietician for the NBA-
athletes
become
performance
athletes? By Paula West, RD, LD
D League Albuquerque Thunderbirds. Her practice is located at 3620 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite 206, 505-239-3906.
W
hen I was a kid watching the Olympics, I would dream of being one of them. The elite. Their bodies perfectly etched, they seemed invincible. We would watch them compete at the pinnacles of their careers, following years of training and hard work and discipline. The human body at its finest ... This week the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships will be in Albuquerque. If you go, you’ll see approximately 400 Team USA athletes competing for purse money and the opportunity to qualify for other Team USA events. More importantly, you’ll see elite athletes from all over the country competing in our town. That’s pretty cool. Each sport has its own demands for nutrition, and they differ based on whether the athlete is in training or competition mode. One of the primary goals of sports nutrition is to help the athlete achieve and maintain appropriate levels of body mass, muscle mass, and body fat for performance and good health (think wrestler vs. sprinter). Proper and adequate hydration is necessary to delay fatigue and injury during training and competition, and varies between sport and even between individual athlete. Finally, proper nutrition after training and competition is vital to provide adequate fuel
and fluid to promote recovery and prepare the athlete for the next bout of physical demands. Indoor Track and Field athletes can generally be classified into one of two groupings: “ Very High-Intensity: Such as sprints (50-200m), jumps (hurdles, high jump, long jump, triple jump), hurdles, and throws (shot, javelin, discus and hammer); “ High-Intensity, Short-Duration: Such as 200-1500m runs. These athletes need to consume the majority of their daily calories in nutrient-rich carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains/cereals, and legumes since carbohydrates will fuel their need for short bursts of energy. Athletes also need to maintain adequate protein and calcium intake and should include low-fat dairy products and lean meats, fish and poultry in their diets. In order to maintain adequate hydration, they need to consume a variety of fluids and monitor urine color as well as weight before and after exercise. A loss of just 2% body weight can impair athletic performance. A Registered Dietitian can help determine target calories, fluid requirements, and create appropriate meal plans. Due to multiple workouts and lengthy training, nutrition-
More importantly, you’ll see elite athletes from all over the country competing in our town. That’s pretty cool.
Continued on next page
16 February 2011
Awards And Plaques
s
Cus Sporttosm Bottles Medals
D o g
Christopher Maestas (CJ) is a recent graduate of Cibola High School. He is 18 years old and will be attending the University of Illinois in December 2010 on a full ride men’s gymnastics scholarship.
He is being watched by USA Gymnastics as a future Olympian and has his first shot at the London Games in 2012, and another one in Rio in Rio de Janero in 2016.
Rib bon
Button
Athlete of the Month
CJ is a member of the USA Men’s Junior National team and has competed for team USA for the past two years. He has competed at the Japanese Cup in Tokyo, the Jr. Pan American Games in Brazil, and the Pacific Rim Championships in Australia, as well as other “friendly” competitions at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Trophies k Pin-Bac s
ABQ Sports
T a g s
1st Place
e Largtory
CJ is a local kid, born and raised in Albuquerque, and who now resides in Corrales, NM. He competes for Gold Cup Gymnastics, which has produced five Olympians already. Lance Ringnald in 1988 and 1992, Trent Dimas (Gold Medal) n 1992, Mijai Bejoi and Chainey Umphrey in 1996 and recently Joey Hagerty in 2008. CJ is coached currently by Jerry Nickles, head coach, and Albert Martinez, assistant coach.
Invenrvice Fast
Se
®
505-891-0039
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Old Fashioned Service......With New Ideas
Email us at atom@abqsportsmag.com
abqsportsmag.com • 17
access to sports,” says McKernan. “I’m not trying to compete against the Lobos or the Isotopes, Those are great examples of local sports. My goal, though, is to provide something fun, inexpensive and accessible for people who cannot necessarily make it to the bigger venues.” One of McKernan’s teams, the Albuquerque Diablos, attracted eight hundred fans to the inaugural New Mexico Challenge basketball tournament at Menaul School in July of 2010. The team, a member of the proposed New Mexico Basketball League, won the game -- and more importantly, so did the fans.
The Albuquerque Diablos and the New Mexico Basketball League
Grassroots Hoops
by Chris Federico
“When you provide entertainment that’s more profitable in good feelings and community support than money,” says Michael McKernan, “people act so surprised. Sometimes, they look at you like you’re crazy. What’s wrong with doing something great for local families and the community? Such events have a value that cannot be broken down into dollars and cents.” What comes to mind when you, personally, hear the word “sports” or “ballgame”? If you’re a sports fan, I’d be willing to bet that you feel the excited tension that occurs at the beginning of every play, that you hear the approving roar of the crowd when everybody celebrates as one, and that you even smell hot dogs and cotton candy. You’d like to bring a friend, a sweetheart or your children to an exciting sporting event that doesn’t cost a fortune, and you’d like to share with your loved ones the thrill and sentimentality that you once experienced as a kid.
18 February 2011
Michael McKernan certainly has those positive feelings and pleasant memories when it comes to sports, and he’d like to help create those memories for others. That should be no surprise to anyone who recognizes his last name. His father, Pat McKernan, was the President and General Manager of the Albuquerque Dukes, having begun his own sports-management endeavors in small towns, on grass-roots levels -- just like Michael has. But the latter is not interested in trading on his dad’s reputation, so much as he’s dead-set on providing today’s kids (young and old, for that matter) with the same excitement and warmth he has always felt. McKernan, who owns and operates McKernan Sports and Entertainment, started his company on realistic dreams, a powerful resolve, and a determination that he must be right in thinking that local sports fans would like to take their children, friends, and/or dates to inexpensive, value-driven sporting events..And he’s already been proven correct.”I want the underserved communities and people of New Mexico to have
McKernan says, “We only charged two dollars a head for adults, and a dollar for each child. We used Value Menu concessions, with no item over a dollar, and had a live disc jockey, as well as our mascot, Queso -- in addition to the amazing team. We’ve challenged our players to not only play basketball, but participate as mentors and goodwill ambassadors to children. And they have all responded. I’m proud that all of our players have New Mexico ties, either collegiately or through high school. “There are several strong but still emerging communities in New Mexico. I hope to place teams in areas such as Grants, Socorro, and the East Mountains of Albuquerque. From the beginning, the teams have been intended to help these communities feel part of something special that’s happening across the state, and be proud of the parallel emergence of the great new teams they can support. My dad got his start in small towns. I’d like New Mexicans to feel that same, special community pride.” Basketball isn’t the only sport that McKernan plans on bringing to New Mexico communities, but his inaugural endeavors certainly bode well -- and he’s in partnership with some additional big names. “The widely admired former Lobo, Kelvin Scarborough, has been a wonderful partner,” says McKernan. “We share the same philosophies about being community-minded, and providing affordable events for the whole family. Kelvin is just as committed as I am in focusing on the joy of the sports themselves, and the inclusive camaraderie sports can provide”.
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In addition to the teams, McKernan also has plans for a public archive of the memorabilia his father collected throughout his long and illustrious career in athletics, with proceeds to benefit local children’s charitable organizations. The Diablos plan to begin their inaugural season in June of 2011. Season tickets are available begininng at $10. For more information, you can call McKernan Sports and Entertainment at 505 264-3647 or visit www.mckernansports.com.
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abqsportsmag.com • 19
! ! S T R O P S Q B A g n i t Represen
Michael Gonzales of Duke City BMX interviews Old School BMX rider Rob Smith for
ridin’
high! in the land of enchantment Interview By Michael Gonzales
Photos by Carlos & Kayla Montoya and Carlos Ortega
There are many forms of Bicycle Motocross (BMX) with a history that began way back in 1970. Since then BMX Racing has become an Olympic Sport, and National coverage of freestyle competitions such as the X Games continues to fuel the sport.
ABQ Sports Mag. Rob Smith has been around BMX since the early days. While living in California as a teen, Rob was the factory wheel builder for SE Racing, lacing wheels by hand for the start up BMX Company. Today, Rob is still involved with many segments of BMX and manages Broken Spoke Ride Shop in Albuquerque. We had a chance to talk about the local BMX scene with Rob before the photo shoot and this is how it went.
Ruben demonstrating his skills!
Michael: Rob, in your opinion, what venue do today’s riders like vs. don’t like? Rob: Most of the kids out here like street/park the most. Trails would be next but since there are not any here it’s limited. Michael: Cool, what are the hot trends in tricks? Rob: It’s hard to say it changes all the time with the internet being the tool. Michael: Gotcha, now with smart phones, digital cameras being accessible, do you feel national the scene is more linked?
abqsportsmag.com • 21
The future of BMX!
Michael: Great advice Rob, how long have you been riding and how often do you get the chance? Rob: I have been riding since 1975 and still ride when time permits, the fun has never gone away. BMX is ageless.
Catching AIR!!
Michael: What do you think about the city’s new detailed web page on BMX parks? Rob: It’s great! Growing up in a time where there was not support from the community; things like this are amazing.
Riding Hard!!
Michael: What are your thoughts about grassroots events like the annual Double Ditch Jam? Rob: I like anything that supports the sport. Michael: Any advice for parents?
Rob: Oh Yeah, back in the day (which was a Wednesday) we had to wait for the new BMX Action magazine. Michael: What do you think has changed the most in the sport over the years? Rob: Just the level of riding, the tricks of today would have seemed impossible 20 years ago. Michael: Any advice for the newbie’s? Rob: Ride your bike, do it for fun and don’t worry about sponsorship etc. Michael: Your thoughts on the manufacturers that are popping up and grabbing riders for their teams?
22 February 2011
Rob: Well it’s a new world as far as sponsors, you can get noticed anywhere because of the internet. But that also means it’s much harder to get noticed, due to the level of talent out there.
Rob: Just support your kids, and take an interest in what they are doing, it promotes health, fitness and mental awareness, much better than all day on the computer.
Michael: How do the riders in Albuquerque area rank nationally?
Michael: Rob, thank you so much for speaking with us. If any of the readers wish to contact you where can you be reached?
Rob: There are a few that are at a national level, but it is no longer a USA thing, it’s global, so as I said, the bar is very high.
Rob: Here at the shop, I am here Monday through Friday, and my Saturday guy is also a rider.
Michael: For a new rider what do you suggest for a bike?
Interviewer- Michael Gonzales the Webmaster and Volunteer for Duke City BMX.
Rob: Just get the best you can within your budget, you get what you pay for. An upgrade can cost more than just buying it as close to what you want in the first place.
! ! E G D E e h t n O LIFE
The Preacher’s Daughter Story By Dave Friedlander
Photos by Carlos Montoya
H
olly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm grew up an avid athlete in Bosque Farms in a close and supportive family. “My dad was a preacher, our family took bike rides on Sunday evenings. I had a wonderful childhood,” Holm said. While at Monzano High, Holm dabbled in gymnastics, swimming and soccer. Later at UNM, Holm found a love for aerobics, which led to trying a cardiokickboxing class. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the humble girl with model good looks has become the world’s pound for pound best female boxer, boasting an impressive record of 29-1-3, 9KOs. She has been trained by and fought all her fights cornered by the same trainer, Mike Winklejohn, the one who introduced her to aerobics and kickboxing classes so many years earlier. So what does a girl do, who by many accounts has taken on, and beaten all opponents? Fight MMA of course.
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24 February 2011
“I’ve embraced the grappling aspect. Having trained at Jackson/Winklejohn Gym for so long, I’ve had the chance to train with other MMA fighters” says Holm. “I’ll continue to box but will add MMA to my repertoire.” When asked her feelings about the transition, Holm replied, “I feel like I’m starting at the bottom again. It’s been a long time since I’ve been an underdog.” Holm is known for diligent preparation and profound respect for the sport and her opponents. When not training, Holm enjoys quilting and knitting as well as spending quiet time with family and friends. On March 4th the small town charm will disapear as Holm enters the cage for the first time, where she will be all business in her historic first Mixed Martial Arts fight. You can catch the action live at the Route 66 Casino, where Holm will be the co-main event on a card featuring teammate Keith Jardine.
The of
Mean
Story By Dave Friedlander
M
Dean Photos by Carlos Montoya
ixed Martial Artist Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine holds a professional record of 16-9-1, thirteen of them coming in the UFC, where he defeated two former champs and nearly beat a third. Jardine has been mere steps from his own chance at a title fight in the world’s premier organization and remains as motivated as ever for another chance at title contention. It will take a string of wins to get back in the mix of the UFC’s light heavyweights, the next chance coming March 4th in Albuquerque at the Route 66 Casino, where he’ll face Aron Lofton, 8-4 of Dallas, TX. “I’m looking forward to this homecoming. I haven’t fought in Albuquerque since 2004 and want to give back to the local fans who have supported me” Jardine said. Football brought Jardine to New Mexico, where he was a standout defensive player at Highlands University while earning a degree in Sports Science. After graduation he stayed at Highlands as a coach, helping the team win two conference championships. His own hunger for competition never stopped, and he found the perfect outlet in Mixed Martial Arts. Under the tutelage of Greg Jackson, Jardine quickly acquired the skills needed to perform at an elite level. Prior to his long run in the UFC, Jardine fought in Japan and appeared on the The Ultimate Fighter season 2 on Spike TV, while winning 8 of his first ten fights. Jardines physical appearance and nickname suggest a brutal combatant in the worlds toughest sport, and when the cage doors close behind him, he is all that and more. But outside the cage, Jardine is a polite, articulate and well educated person with a myriad of interests that may surprise. “I’m a history buff, especially New Mexico history” Jardine said. Not one for partying, Jardine prefers jazz at Scalos or taking in a movie, “I like films by the Coen Brothers” he added. Jardine is also a bit of a foodie. “I enjoy healthy eating, especially seafood, I love sushi” he said.
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Jardine is as smart as he is tough and has successfully launched a clothing line and two gyms that bear his namesake: Mean1 MMA and Fitness. “The idea for the gyms is to provide an unintimidating environment for people of all walks to get fun and effective fitness training modeled after the training of Mixed Martial Arts. “Our gyms offer a friendly environment with a knowledgeable staff, where kickboxing, grappling and crossfit training are combined to provide students with a high level off functional fitness” Said Jardine, “A sensible alternative to weight lifting and running which will improve strength, cardio and flexibility.” Catch him in action March 4th, and look for him to be back on TV competing against the world’s best fighters. While you,re at it, stop into one of his gyms and experience the excitement for yourself. abqsportsmag.com • 25
New Mexico Stampede PRCA Rodeo By Trula Howe Photos by Carlos Montoya
T
he City of Rio Rancho was proud to host the 4th Annual New Mexico Stampede PRCA Rodeo to town on Friday and Saturday, January 28 and 29, 2011, at the Santa Ana Star Center. Thousands of rodeo fans flocked to the Star Center to be a part of this traditional American competition. The Star Center’s arena floor was filled with dirt and surrounded by a steel stockade, in preparation for the various rodeo contests: bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, and barrel racing. Contestants from all over the country, as well as some from Canada, participated in each segment of the rodeo. New Mexico’s own cowboys performed on par with some of the world
26 February 2011
record holders in the PRCA, placing high in steer wrestling, tiedown roping, saddle bronc riding and team roping. One of the highlights of the evening was the barrel racing, which showcased several young ladies from the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch, all under ten years of age, each demonstrating accomplished riding skills and making excellent time around the barrels. Adults and children of all ages were thrilled by the difficult and dangerous performances for each category, entertaining and funny performances by clowns between events, and various other crowd-participation activities such as singalongs, cheering contests and dancing along with the clowns. They thoroughly enjoyed all the sights, smells, and sounds, which together made a truly memorable experience.
abqsportsmag.com • 27
of racing go-carts, he won two national titles. He soon progressed to racing Formula Fords, both in Colorado and in ABQ. He participated as a driver in the pro-formula Mazda tour, spanning the country. He completed three years in the Indy light series with the Indy Racing League. He drove an Indy car at Chicago in 2009 and also in Phoenix in 2008. Will he closely follow in his father’s footsteps? Well, at age 22 it is hard to tell, but he said, “Currently, I’m just having fun on a local level racing mini-sprints.” The mini-sprint car with which he recently finished 9th nationally, has an R6 motorcycle engine, which utilizes methanol fuel to optimally operate. It boasts 140 horsepower and adjustable shocks in all four corners, which are oil-filled, with nitrogen charged shocks for adjustment of pressure as well as rebounding. Also rebounding, according to Guthrie, is the ABQ racing scene. “In the last two years or so, Albuquerque racing has come a long way,” said Guthrie. “Thanks to the Unser Racing Museum, the drag strip, and Sandia Speedway having their best season ever at the road course program, and the oval program, the scene is growing. Now the speedway is starting a dirt track. It’s been a while since we’ve had a good dirt track. Racing in ABQ is on the move, and its going to be awesome.” In 2011 Guthrie also hopes to be ‘awesome.’ On Valentines Day he will race in Tularosa, and February 26-28th, he will host a national remote control car race at his RC Riot Raceway. For more information go to: www. sandia-speedway.com or www.nmminisprints.com or www.carcrafters.com or www.rcriot.com.
Guthrie Goes for the Gold! Regarding Mini-Sprints By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
S
ean Guthrie will be married in July to Jennifer Greenberg, who is a member of a car racing family, just as Guthrie’s family is a racing family. Having always been surrounded by racing talent, Guthrie heads a new generation of ABQ car racers who are talented at multiple driving disciplines. “A lot of drivers are good at one discipline, such as road course races, or asphalt or dirt racing,” explained Guthrie. “I have done everything throughout my career. In the past year I have driven five different racecars. I drove two different racecars at Sandia Speedway; I also drove an Indy lights car. I’ve done shifter car racing and mini-sprint racing. I’m a well rounded driver with a lot of talent, and I’m having fun with it.” Not the bashful type, Guthrie gushes when the conversation is about motorsports of all types, from video games to remote controlled car racing to mini-sprint car racing
(for which he is currently ranked in the top 10 nationally). He also compliments ABQ’s burgeoning auto sports racing scene. His confidence, knowledge and skills may have indeed been imparted genetically through his legendary father’s DNA (1997 Indy racing Rookie of the Year – Jim Guthrie). This racing DNA allowed him to be a natural at what it takes to succeed as a multi-faceted competitive driver. “When you are always involved with it, it’s just something that you love,” gushed Guthrie. “As soon as I could race a go-cart, that is what I wanted to do, and in my first season I won a few races. I think there’s definitely a talent, just like (a natural in) football or basketball or golf. It’s like the first time you swing a club, you can either tell, ‘Hey I’m good at this, or I’m going to have to work really hard.’ God blessed me with the ability to race a car, but I can’t shoot a basketball!” He began racing go-carts in 1997 at age eight. In five years Continued on next page
28 February 2011
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