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Hello ABQ Sports Readers! Welcome to ABQ Sports’ first ever 48-page issue! Thanks to the ABQ community of athletes, fans, and businesses, we are now able to bring you more exciting and inspirational stories, from Los Alamos to Belen and every place in between. In this issue, we bring exciting and inspirational stories to our 30,000-plus monthly readers, including the torch-lighting procession by various state law enforcement officers, to kick off the 2011 New Mexico Special Olympics. Additionally, some of the Special Olympians gave ABQ Sports Mag access to their athletic endeavors.
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Read within for much more sports action, and a special thanks to all the local businesses that chose to utilize ABQ Sports Mag as a way to reach their target audience!
Carlos Montoya
Carlos Montoya
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Isaiah Montoya
Dave Friedlander
Paula West
Trula Howe
Michael Black
Phillip Lopez
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Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic ........................................................................6 Senior Native Swimmer & Gold Medalist.............................................................10 2011 Fitness New Mexico........................................................................................24
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Sandia Dirt Track Racing Speedway......................................................................42
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
Isotopes baseball, Motorsports, Mudd volleyball, Racquetballl, Tennis and more!
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Cover photo by Kerr Adams. Marisa Garcia at the 2011 Fitness New Mexico.
4 June 2011
10
Contributing Writers
Sport Scene
Volleyball was in high gear at the Sandia Classic at Sneakers in Albuquerque, as junior to semi-pro sand lovers tested each other in rousing volleyball action. Did ABQ hold its own against tough competition from Colorado and California in this biggest installment yet of the classic? The Duke City Spring Nationals took place in ABQ in May. The 2011 Spring National is part of the national tour and brought with it two additional sanctioned races during the same event. Read within for details!
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One of the most inspirational athletes ABQ Sports has ever highlighted is in this issue. Robert Shendo is a Pueblo Indian and multiple gold medal-winning swimmer in the Senior Olympics, and he’s the first Native American from New Mexico to qualify for the Senior Olympics Nationals in swimming. The most inspirational part, though, is how he got there. This is a must-read ABQ Sports fans.
Coming up next issue...
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May was a month for new beginnings, as Sandia Speedway unveiled its new dirt track for car racing.The racing community rejoiced at this new addition; the last three years, local racers have had to drive all the way to Aztec for the nearest dirt race-track.
***CIRCULATION UPDATE*** We are on the FAST Track! Our circulation continues to grow! Our Loyal readership is our biggest accomplishment. Paid Readership is up 25% from last month. Newsstand is up 35%
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Zar Horton: Russian Kettlebell Expert...............................................................................12 King of the Cage: Fight to Live ........................................................................................16 Sifu Kenny Wang: Chinese Martial Arts...........................................................................18 Danny Granger Hurricanes..............................................................................................45 abqsportsmag.com • 5
sa n d i a M o u
n i a t n
b y a e l l l l o V c i s s a l C
By Isaiah Montoya Photos By Carlos Montoya & Garrett Sholer
T
he Sandia Classic Volleyball Tournament took place May 20-22 at Sneakers Sports Bar on San Mateo Boulevard in Albuquerque, and junior to semi-pro action added a beachy environment to the local sports scene. Tournament director Vince Vandermey said all monies generated from the tournament go to the New Mexico Cancer Center in posthumous recognition of Sonny Marquez, the originator of the 5-year-old tournament who passed away due to cancer last year at the young age of 30. A grass volleyball tournament was staged at nearby Montgomery Park for the secondary competition levels, and Sneakers’ four sand courts were the venues for the higher echelon players. One of the best local players, Adam Cabbage, 23, is originally from Rio Rancho and won the open competition for men in 2009 and 2010. He now resides in Hermosa Beach, Calif., and was back home for the tourney.
Cabbage has been playing volleyball for only four years but moved to California specifically to improve his game. “I have been progressing every year, and physically I am now stronger and bigger and I can jump higher,” he said. “Additionally, 70% of volleyball is mental.” Jennifer Caldwell and Amanda Sisneros represented their amateur Los Lunas league team. Their mental approach to the games? “We’re out here for practice and learning how to actually put together a bump, set and spike,” Caldwell said. Sisneros added, “We want to get better, and we just love volleyball.” Adam Halpern, director of Southwest Sports Institute, sponsored portions of the tournament. “We are here trying to give back to local recreational athletes,” he said. “They can train properly and get their game to the next level, even if it is recreational. Today, everybody here is at their peak because they are out having fun. “ For 2011 SMVC Results visit www.smvclassic.com.
Continued on next page
abqsportsmag.com • 7
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s e k i B n i a t n Mou Road Bikes s e k i B l a t n Re
Senior
Native Swimmer and Gold Medal
Winner!
R
obert “Lu-hon” Shendo, 69, is a half-Taos Pueblo, and half-Jemez and Tesuque. He’s a nature artist, a former serviceman, and a former Veterans Administration worker, and his son is a Grammy award-winning flutist. Most remarkable, perhaps, is that Shendo was 63 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer and endured radiation therapy; now he’s a gold medal-winning swimmer and shuffleboarder in the Senior Olympics. The indefatigable Shendo is the first Native American ever, to qualify for Senior Olympic swimming events in New Mexico. First, he qualified in Sandoval County, then for the state competition, and then for the nationals. What makes his story even more astounding is that he had never competed in swimming until he was 64! 10 June 2011
By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Ana Maben
In 2010, at age 68, he made the Senior Olympic Nationals in Palo Alto, Calif. This year, he qualified again for the Nationals, which are scheduled for late July in Houston. Before then, he’ll compete June 23 in the state competition at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. He qualified in six swimming events.The record-setting Shendo competed in the Texas Senior Olympics in El Paso in April and won gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke events, and he took the silver medal in the 50-meter backstroke. At the Texas meet, he also was the first Native American from New Mexico to compete in Texas in swimming in the Senior Olympics. Growing up, Shendo did not have a place to swim. In fact, the resident of Jemez Pueblo still hopes that one day, his pueblo will have a swimming pool. He drives 55 minutes to Albuquerque on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to train at a Defined Fitness gym. After his radiation therapy six years ago, Shendo said, “I fell in love with the water.” He also competes in horseshoes, bowling, and billiards. Keep an eye on this amazing Senior Olympian!
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ar orton Russian Kettlebell Expert
Helps Students Achieve
Superior Fitness Story and Photos By Dave Friedlander
Z
ar Horton, a twenty-three year veteran of the Albuquerque Fire Department, and his team of fitness specialists have brought Russian Kettlebell training to denizens of the Duke City. Working out of their studio, aptly named Firebellz, Horton and crew put elite athletes and everyday folks through the paces of efficient, functional workouts by way of the kettlebell. The earliest recorded mention of the Russian Kettlebell dates back to the turn of the eighteenth century, when they were used as a training tool for Russian Armed Forces. It wasn’t 1998 when Pavel Tsatsouline, a Russian Special Forces Instructor, brought the Kettlebell to the attention of the American public, that its popularity took off. Regarded as the “Modern King of Kettlebells” Tsatsouline developed a Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC) program that requires years of dedication and is granted only to those who can master its numerous exercises and techniques. Horton first met Tsatsouline in 2000 and instantly became enamored with Kettlebell training. After four years of intensive training and study, Horton became RKC certified, initially incorporating the kettlebells into his training programs at the Fire Department. Horton is now a Senior Level RKC instructor and offers kettlebell training to the public at the Firebellz studio. Some of his better known clients include UFC veterans Keith Jardine and Clay Guida, as well as Major League baseball player Kyle Blanks. Continued on next page
v Continued from previous page
On the day I visited, Horton was putting Team Jackson’s MMA fighter Clint Roberts through a rigorous session. Asked to expound on the benefits of Kettlebell training, Horton explained: “Kettlebells develop functional strength, they utilize the body’s entire musculature throughout the movements. Because the Kettlebell hangs to the side, it creates an odd load, which promotes core strength and balance.” Horton mentioned “improving ground force transfer”, the ability to generate power from the ground up, through the hips and shoulders to an implement: a bat, racket, club or in the case of fighters a punch.” “The thickness of the handle increases grip strength,” another important attribute for athletes of all levels. “Of course you don’t have to be an athlete; kettlebell training can help anyone improve strength, flexibility and endurance.” If you’re interested in learning more about kettlebell training check out the Firebellz website at www.fire-bellz.com, or pay them a visit at 6203 Osuna NE. Also, catch Horton in action July 30th at the inaugural Southwest Combat Sports Expo at the Santa Ana Star Center, where he’ll perform two kettlebell demonstrations. For more on the Expo check out www. combatsportsclub.com.
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Home Grown in New Mexico
The main card had several other thrilling matches:
FIGHT TO LIVE! Story BY Trula Howe and Photos By Dave Friedlander
King of the Cage
A
nimosity was evident in the eyes of Tim “Dirty Bird” Means, King of the Cage Junior Welterweight Champion, 13-3-1 of FIT NHB, as he stepped into the cage and directly into the face of Cris “The Lighting” Leyva, contender for that belt, representing Team Four Corners with a record of 8-3. The two met in front of an electrified crowd of more than 1,400 fans at the King of the Cage “Fight to Live” at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino, north of Santa Fe. Thousands more were watching on pay-per-view. Oblivious to the roaring crowd, whose frenzied screams heralded his arrival to the ring, Means immediately approached his adversary with words only Leyva could hear -- and Leyva responded in kind. The two were separated just long enough for the referee to give the standard pre-fight admonitions, and both jumped eagerly into the fray the instant the bell rang, not bothering to touch gloves for the first round of the obvious grudge match. Means took
16 June 2011
the first round easily, with several knees to the body of Leyva, one of which Leyva caught and took Means down. But they were quickly back on their feet, and, and Means responded with a power-bomb takedown ending in a full mount, where he heartily punished Leyva, who then gave up his back in an attempt to escape the blows. Means finished the round by turning Leyva to his side, holding him against the cage and delivering multiple knees to the head and body. The second round saw Leyva land a few combos, but each was answered by Means’ jabs and body/head kicks. Means landed a hard uppercut that brought Leyva to his knees, and Means seized the opportunity to rain punches, kicks, and knees. Leyva was able to weather that storm to survive the second round. However, in the third round, three consecutive knees to Leyva’s head took him down, and Means jumped in to finish him off at 1:28 of the round. It was ruled a TKO by ref stoppage due to strikes.
•No. 2-ranked junior flyweight Frank Baca (FIT NHB) met Frank Morris, (Stomp Dat MMA), for a high-energy bout that kept the crowd on its toes, highlighted by Morris’ spinning back fist, which was answered by Baca’s power-bomb takedown, and later on Baca’s superman shot to Morris’s bloodied face. The match ended at 1:07 of the second round, when the ref called a stop to the match for TKO due to strikes. •Guto Feliciano (Team Roswell) met Isaque Martinez (Montezuma MMA) in a great 185-pound matchup that featured a rarely seen shoulder punch by Martinez to the face of Feliciano, while in the half guard against the cage. Martinez took the fight at 2:47 of the first round by rear-naked choke. •The female fight of the main card featured Kyane Hampton (2-4-0, Ground Zero MMA), holder of two amateur titles, against Brenda Gonzales, making her pro debut, out of FIT NHB. After a clean, leg-hook takedown by Gonzales and an impressive display of jiujitsu by both women, where Gonzales evaded a triangle, arm-bar, guillotine and rear-naked choke attempts, Gonzales flipped her opponent over, landing in a full mount, where she dropped elbows and blows on Hampton, who could not defend herself. The referee stopped the fight at 3:51 of the first round, giving Gonzales the victory by TKO The event also featured an action–packed undercard, with fighters from all over the Southwest: Sergio Rodriguez (SFBJJ) defeated Kevin Epley (FIT NHB) by TKO (strikes) at 40 seconds of the second round; Dan Gossett (FIT NHB) defeated Philip Campanella (Team Ronin) by TKO (strikes) at 28 seconds in the first round; Zuhey Quezada (SFBJJ) defeated Alyssha Garcia (J5 MMA) by arm-bar just 2:37 into the fight; Grant Hobbs (Vicious Strength MMA) defeated Skyler Pendleton (ABQ Kickboxing) by arm-bar at 1:35 of the final round; Brad Richardson (FIT NHB) defeated Jerry Castillo (Mescalero, N.M.) by TKO (strikes) at 1:31; and Ray Martinez (ABQ Kickboxing) defeated Henry Adame (J5 MMA) by verbal tapout due to a dislocated knee immediately at the start of the bout.
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abqsportsmag.com • 17
Kenny Wang Brings Classic
Chinese Martial Arts to the Duke City Story and Photos By Dave Friedlander
Sifu Kenny Wang
has been a student of martial arts his entire life. Now, alongside his wife Eva, he passes on his knowledge to students at the Nan Bei Wushu Dojo located at 2209 Central NW in Albuquerque Old Town. Continued on next page
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fights
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CALL THE PRO SHOP 505.896.5017 Continued from previous page
W
ang teaches Northern Shaolin Kung Fu - an art which has existed for over two thousand years and originated in Northern China - Northern Mantis and Chi Gong. Wang opened his dojo six years ago and offers classes for all ages and skill levels. “A main benefit of Chinese Martial Arts is to become more fluid with the body’s movement,” Wang explains. “Chinese Martial arts are known for grace and fluidity.” He also teaches his students a Martial Artist’s code of ethics, such as “Be humble,” “Be the best person you can be,” and “Help others.” Wang is a disciple of Northern Shaolin Master Instructor Sifu Steven Baugh, and he holds the rank of Teacher. Wang also occasionally finds time to cross train with friends in other styles, such as Muay Thai and Tae Kwon Do. Sifu Wang and a group of his students are preparing to embark on a trip of a lifetime. They’ll be going to Asia for an entire month, where they’ll be able to absorb the culture of the Orient and experience first-hand, the lineage of their martial art. Sifu Wang and a troupe of his students are often called upon to perform traditional Lion and Dragon dances. They’ll be performing a Lion Dance, a symbolic gesture of good luck, at the Inaugural Southwest Combat Sports Expo July 30th at the Santa Ana Star Center. More info on the Expo is available at www. combatsportsclub.com. To learn more about Sifu Kenny Wang and his Nan Bei Wushu Dojo, check out www.nanbeiwushu.com. 20 June 2011
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Story by Trula Howe Photos By Will Fox & Dave Friedlander
M
ore than 2,000 cheering fans surged to their feet to applaud the entrance of local legend and seasoned veteran fighter, “Smokin” Joey Villasenor, a 35-yearold Strikeforce veteran representing Jackson -Winkeljohn MMA. With shouts of encouragement nearly drowning out his music, Villasenor, 27-8-1 in the cage, specializing in boxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu, confidently made his way down the aisle to the ring to meet his opponent, 24-year-old Chris “Kamikaze” Camozzi, 14-4-1 representing Factory X MMA out of Denver and specializing in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiujitsu. The two warriors met for the main event of Shark Fights 15, which took place May 27 at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho and featured special guest commentator Bill Goldberg of WCW and WWE fame. As the bell rang, the two touched gloves and went to battle; within the first minute, Villasenor landed a couple heavy hooks and a big takedown that ended in a side mount. After moments of intense struggle, the ref finally stood them up, and the two went back to work with numerous leg kicks, straight kicks, hooks, jabs, and gut shots. Although Camozzi kept up a constant stream of striking and kickboxing combinations, it seemed that Villasenor’s less frequent strikes landed with more accuracy and greater
impact. The end of the second round saw Villasenor with another big takedown to half guard. Both bodies were streaming sweat in the third round, as these middleweight champions gave their all to the match, not holding back, pushing to the last bell. However, to the dismay of not only both fighters but the coaching staff, and everyone in attendance, who roared their disapproval, the bout was ruled a draw – one judge scoring it 2928 Camozzi, one having 29-28 Villasenor, and the third judge with a draw. Villasenor was doubly disappointed. He felt very strongly that he had clearly demonstrated his superiority throughout the match. Not only that, but what no one knew, save for Villasenor’s roommate, UFC fighter Kyle Noke, Villasenor had spend the week suffering from the flu, and during that time he fought a mental battle to prepare for the fight and a physical battle against the illness in his body. Going into the fight, Villasenor had already won the mental battle to get to the ring, determined to defeat his opponent; so being “hometowned in my own hometown,” as the embattled warrior said, just added insult to illness. He now intends to spend the next week trying to recover from the illness before heading to Las Vegas to train, coach and corner his friend and teammate, Clay Guida. Continued on next page
abqsportsmag.com • 21
Younger brother of Leonard Garcia, Bobby “Digital” Huron, 4-2 and representing Jackson/Winkeljohn MMA, met Fredrico “Kiko” Lopez, 5-3 and representing Team Quest MMA. Lopez was a late substitution for the originally scheduled Jared Downing, who fell ill four days prior to the event. Lopez had not fought in almost a year and has spent the majority of his time coaching and training his students at Team Quest. However, the match was not as lopsided as it might have seemed, for Lopez had in his corner wellknown and respected Muay Thai coach Daniel Woirin, who has trained alongside Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida. Huron met Lopez with a significant height and reach advantage, but Lopez made up for that with a solid game plan: take out the legs of his opponent with vicious outside and inside leg kicks. He executed that plan, although Huron did respond with his own vicious leg and chest kicks. Lopez achieved several takedowns, each resulting in a significant amount of time on Huron’s back with multiple submission attempts. Huron skillfully avoided the choke attempts but was unable to gain advantage. After three rounds of war, Lopez was given the unanimous decision. Other bouts: Artenas Young, 5-2 out of Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA, defeated Kyle Bracey, 8-2 of Bracey MMA, in the first round, where Bracey landed a hard chest kick, answered by some vicious jabs that quickly opened a cut on Bracey’s face. After several mutually stuffed takedown attempts, Young asserted his expert striking ability, and after three consecutive knockdowns, Bracey could not defend himself intelligently, and the ref called a stop to the match at 4:04 due to strikes.
Continued from previous page
The co-main event of the evening featured middleweights Jeremy May, 9-7 representing American Top Team, and Dave Branch, 9-2 and representing Renzo Gracie Brazilian jiujitsu. These two gladiators went toe –to-toe from the bell. Branch got a takedown early in the first round, but May defended himself expertly, and eventually the ref had to stand them up. The two seemed evenly matched in striking and kickboxing, and the second round went much like the first, with Branch getting another takedown and the ref standing them up after lack of position advancement; although at the end of the second round, Branch landed a hard knee to the chin of May right before the bell. May started the third round with a big headkick and left hook, but Branch answered with another takedown in the center of the ring, and once again the ref had to stand them up. Branch had one final takedown that he quickly converted to a full mount, and at 3:19 of the third round, the ref called a stop to the fight, a TKO due to strikes. 22 June 2011
WEC veteran and 10-3 Jackson’s featherweight Frank Gomez took out Tim Snyder, 12-8-1 out of Paradigm Training Center, with a rear-naked choke at 4:07 of the first round. “I know Tim is very dangerous, so my main focus was to get in and get the fastest win possible,” said Gomez, and he did just that. The crowd was thrilled, Gomez being a local (and national) favorite, and the fans were entertained when Gomez performed a little shoulder-shrug dance to celebrate, which he says was in honor of his favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan. Lionel Lanham, 3-0 of Jackson’s, had the quickest match of the night, knocking out his opponent, Eric McElroy of Halo 8, with a knee to the chin at 14 seconds into the first round. The event also had an entertaining undercard with skilled amateurs from all over the state: Russell Wilson 8-1 of Tran-Lovato defeated Robbie Gutierrez, 8-31-1 of Jackson’s, by split decision. Fredrico Crosby, 4-1 of ABQ Kickboxing, defeated Kasey Yates, 2-2 of Halo 8, at 1:11 of the first round, by TKO. Adam Gonzales, 2-0 of Jackson’s, defeated Zac Hynes, 3-2 of Grant County Punishers, at 2:48 of the first round, by north-south choke. Edgar Lopez, 2-0 of Jackson’s, defeated Derek Perez, 3-2 of Perez Fighting Systems, at 2:22 of the first round by TKO.Randy Ray Sanchez, 2-2 of Grant County Punishers, defeated Armando Mendiblez, 0-2 of Jackson’s, in a split decision.
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abqsportsmag.com • 23
s s e n t i F New Mexico By Isaiah Montoya Photos By Kerr Adams
24 June 2011
abqsportsmag.com • 25
S
taying fit is easily possible in the Land of Enchantment, with its wide-open spaces and variety of terrain and gymnasium facilities. Appropriately then, every year, some of the state’s most conditioned athletes compete against each other at Fitness New Mexico.
This year’s competition was held May 21 at the Hard Rock Casino at Isleta, and the audience was witness to some remarkable bodybuilders, bikini models, and other athletic individuals, who put it all together for their own sakes, as well as to inspire others to get fit and stay fit. Additionally, talent agents, casting directors, and model seekers were on hand to scout for prospects. During the event, competitors were constantly reminded that they were up against worthy talent, so adjustments continually took place backstage and onstage. The four categories of competition were model, bikini, bodybuilder, and tone, yet according to the judges’ parameters, personality and work ethic were as important as physical fitness. Special guest and former Mr. West Virginia, Matt Leiner, was on hand, and he gave the competitors some advice before the finals. “Fitness New Mexico can be a launching pad, and if you run with it and are determined, many great things can happen,” he said. Leiner is a former Fitness New Mexico competitor who one day dreamed of being pictorially featured in Muscle and Fitness Magazine. Through what he learned from Fitness New Mexico and other competitions, his dream came true last year, and so he strives to pass on that inspiration to other hopefuls.
Exactly the reason Fitness New Mexico exists.
2011 winners: Figure – Masters: Debbie Lynch. Classic: Stephanie Romero. Short: Delisa Garcia. Ms. Bikini – Classic: Lisa Haws. Short: Jordan Mondagaran. Medium: Camie Guerrero. Tall: Dena Curran. Overall: Jordan Mondagaran. Musclemania – Lightweight: Allen Chavez. Middleweight: Bobby Hinojos. Light heavyweight: John Camp. Heavyweight: Chris Wescott. Overall: John Camp.
Model Male – Tyler Larson. Model Female – Cara Ovis. Fitness – Desiree Nathanson. Musclemania – Bodybuilder Female: Jenny Schenkman. MM Grand Master: Charles Long. MM Masters: Chris Giron. MM Teen: Tyler Caldwell. MM Jr. Lightweight: Allen Chavez. Junior Heavyweight: Chris Wescott. Novice
Two of the competitors were local sisters, Amber and Angela Pohl, who leaned on each other in training and during the competition. This was 26-year-old Amber’s third New Mexico Fitness competition, and it was the first for 24-year-old Angela. Amber competed in the model portion, while her little sister entered the bikini competition. “I’m feeling good, and I feel more confident each show I do,” Amber said. “That is what it is about. You can have hair, tan or makeup, but you have to be confident out there because the competition is gorgeous.” Amber played college volleyball and entered Fitness New Mexico to compete. “I have been an athlete my entire life,” she said. “After college was done, I still had that competitive drive. I needed some arena to compete in. I chose this.” Angela initially entered Fitness New Mexico because of peer pressure, but throughout the day found a new respect for the annual competition, and for her older sister. “This is my first competition, so it is really overwhelming, but it feels good,” Angela said. “It is totally helpful to have someone who’s been in it before to give you all the behind-the-scenes secrets that nobody else tells you or helps you with, so they can have a little advantage. So, it’s been nice. It is good to try something totally out of my comfort zone, as this isn’t something I would normally be in or try to do, but I wanted to get myself out of the box. Overall it is healthy and encouraging to be around people who live in a fit way.” 26 June 2011
abqsportsmag.com • 27
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The Winning Fit
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hristine Marsh attended New Mexico Fitness 2011 as an exhibitor of fitness fashions, yet she also was a creator of fitness costumes and outfits.
Marsh comes from an artistic family and at age 18 she began creating original clothing for a boutique in Boulder, Colo. Now, after 35 years of experience, she has developed relations with many health and fitness competitors as well as bodybuilders, models, and others in similar industries. For 14 years now, Christine Marsh Designs has been a stalwart in the fitness-design creation business, mostly in Colorado, but she also has clients in Japan, Canada, France, Guam, and Bermuda. Now, Marsh hopes to help health and fitness competitors in New Mexico get into a perfectly fitting outfit that will show off their physique to the highest degree. “I produce the winning fit,” Marsh says. “I work with the competitor and help choose a pattern. Four weeks before the actual competition, parts of the outfit still need to be altered. It ends with the specific touch of my ability. When competitors have the right outfit, they feel more confident, and I feel proud.” Marsh creates men’s and women’s fashions and hopes New Mexico will soon pick up on her ability to find the winning outfit fort each competitor and competition. For more information, call (303) 584-0832 or visit www.christinemarshdesigns.com
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Kohl’s Kicks Grass! By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
The 2011 Kohl’s American Cup
was held May 14-15 at the State Farm Complex at Santa Ana Pueblo near Bernalillo. Youth athletes from age 9 to 15 were on hand to challenge their foes in a good-natured yet competitive soccer tournament. The outdoor setting was fitting, as the youngsters of various age groups and brackets let it all out on the soccer fields. 30 June 2011
None of these teams present at the event had competed in the U.S. Youth Soccer New Mexico Open State Cup presented by the New Mexico Sports Authority -- so it was a fresh field of athletes.
Continued from previous page
In U9 Boys action, in the Revolution bracket, the Amarillo Lighting claimed first place. In U9 Girls action, the Panthers reigned supreme in the Breakers bracket. In U10 Boys action, Varsa won it all in the Real Madrid bracket. In U10 Girls action, the Magic won the Corinthians bracket. In U11 Boys action, the Coyote Storm won it all in the AC Milan bracket. In U11 Girls action, the Grasshoppers claimed first in the Arsenal bracket. In U12 Boys action, the team that took it all was Chelsea Jr. in the Beyern Leverhausen bracket. In U12 Girls action, Fury Select won the Ajax bracket. In U13 Boys action, RSL SFC 2000 were champs of the entire field. In U13 Girls action, the team on top in the end was Rio Vista Rage in the Cruz Azul bracket. In U14 Girls action, LC Express reigned supreme over all brackets. In U15 Boys action, the CFC Stallions won in the Lyon bracket. The event was sponsored by the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association. See you next year!
abqsportsmag.com • 31
2011 New Mexico State Baseball Tournament Story By Phil Lopez Photos by Kim Jew Sports Photography
during this season. Not only did Hawks pitcher Victor Sanchez have a great day on the mound, he also got things started in the seventh for Volcano Vista. Sanchez singled and scored in a five-run inning that tied the game at 10-10. “I told the guys in the third inning, don’t let up, don’t coast,” La Cueva skipper Pineda said about the never-say-die attitude of the top-seeded Hawks. “I knew that team (Volcano Vista) had a comeback in them.” In the bottom of the seventh, Bears catcher and No. 2 hitter Reece Lucero led off, stroking a single to right. The next batter up was Ryan Padilla. “In that kind of situation, you want that guy (Padilla) at the plate,” Coach Pineda said. Padilla squared up a fastball from Victor Sanchez and drove the ball to the power alley in right center field at Isotopes Park, hitting the wall at the 428-foot mark. The long drive resulted in a triple for Padilla and a score for pinch-runner Austin Grier from first base, and the Bears walked off as state champions. “I was looking to drive the ball, hit a line drive somewhere – hopefully move the runner over,” Padilla said. “The pitch was up. I got a good swing on it, and it carried pretty well.” La Cueva was not the only repeat champion in 2011. In Class 4A action, the Piedra Vista Panthers took home their second straight blue trophy. Throughout the tournament, the Panthers scored runs with ease, as they piled up 81 runs in their five tournament games – an astonishing average of 16 runs a game. Looking to dethrone the Panthers were the Albuquerque Academy Chargers, a team that also had coasted their way to the final.
T
he 2011 New Mexico State Baseball Tournament featured 72 teams from across the state, in five classes – 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A. The seeding for the brackets for each class was determined by the teams’ regular-season records. Each bracket proved to be well drawn up, as the No. 1 or No. 2 seed took home the blue trophy in each class. For the second year in a row, Class 5A powerhouse La Cueva proved that they were the kings of the tournament. Led by seniors Zach Cogan and with Ryan Padilla in the middle of skipper Gerard Pineda’s lineup, the La Cueva Bears displayed incredible power. First baseman Cogan provided one of the more talkedabout hits of the tournament – a majestic home run to left field that traveled a good 450 feet. After outscoring their opposition 43-14 coming in to the title game, La Cueva was set to take down the top-seeded Volcano Vista Hawks. La Cueva was looking forward to this matchup from the start of the tournament, as the defending champs felt they deserved the No. 1 seed. “We are going 32 June 2011
to give them our best. They wanted us from the beginning, and we wanted them,” said La Cueva right-fielder, Colton Snell. Coming off the semifinal game, where Volcano Vista topped the Cleveland Storm by a score of 8-0, on the back of pitcher C.J. Romero, the Hawks were riding high going into their matchup with the older, more experienced La Cueva Bears. Led by sophomore Andre Vigil and senior Dalton Bowers, the Hawks were a very athletic and gritty team. They entered the tournament with a reputation of being capable of coming from behind and never giving up, and they showed that in the championship game. La Cueva got out to an early lead, putting put up eight runs on seven hits in the second inning. Volcano Vista reliever Victor Sanchez came into the ballgame, and things got a bit tougher on the Bears. They managed to put up just one run in his three innings of work. Going into the seventh, Volcano Vista trailed La Cueva 10-5, when the Hawks mounted a last-chance rally, as they had done so many times
Albuquerque Academy sent Tyler Buffet to the mound to face the Panthers. Buffet didn’t fare well, as the Panthers managed to push him from the game after a rough first inning, by taking advantage of spot-on scouting reports and patience at the plate. The Panthers scored eight runs on six hits in the frame. “We wanted to attack his fastball and let the curveball go, unless he proved he could throw it for strikes,” Panther first baseman and relief pitcher Dominic Moreno said, about the Piedra Vista strategy against Buffet. In relief of Buffet, Maurio Castellano came in to pitch for the Chargers and threw an excellent six innings, giving up just one run to the high-powered Panthers lineup. “We had 10-12 charts on Academy; the only guy we didn’t have much on was the second guy they brought in (Castellano.) We knew he was going to throw his slider a lot, and it wasn’t something we could really replicate in the cages or anything like that,” Panthers Head Coach Mike McGaha said about the Chargers reliever. Piedra Vista gave the ball to Dominic Valdez to lead them to the state championship title. Valdez took the responsibility and absolutely flourished. “I was a little nervous at the start; I knew I just needed to throw strikes. Our defense made a couple of big plays, and my offense gave me a bunch of confidence,” Valdez said. The Panthers starter went 6 strong innings, allowing just three runs. Valdez struggled a bit with the command of his breaking pitch, but he was able to make timely pitches leading to crucial outs – Continued on next page
abqsportsmag.com • 33
Special Olympics Summer Games By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
and
Torch Run
Continued from previous page
including forcing the Chargers to ground into three double plays. “Dominic did exactly what we saw all year from him. We haven’t lost with him on the mound,” Coach McGaha said about his starter. “He gave a warrior-like effort, and I am extremely proud of him.” Entering the bottom of the seventh inning, the Panthers held a 9-3 lead and called upon Dominic Moreno to close out the game. Moreno did just that, and the Panthers went on to win 9-4. “I wanted to pitch to contact. I knew they weren’t going to hit a sixrun homer,” Moreno said about his approach going into the final inning. The possibilities for the 2012 New Mexico State Baseball Tournament are endless, but one thing is for sure If a new team is to be crowned state champion in Class 4A or 5A, they will have to go through the powerhouses of La Cueva and Piedra Vista. The Bears will return three starters from this year’s championship team, and Piedra Vista will bring back six of their key players, including star Shilo McCall, as each team looks for a three-peat in their respective class. In other action:
• Top-seeded Sandia Prep topped Hope Christian 9-4 for the Class 3A title.
• The Bears from Estancia outdueled Eunice 6-3 to claim the Class 2A title.
• After allowing just four runs the entire tournament, the Capitan Tigers cruised to the Class 1A title.
34 June 2011
S
pecial Olympics of New Mexico’s state games began at the University of New Mexico’s Track and Field Complex from May 21-22, although they were preceded by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which culminated at the complex. Chris Page, the director of Sports and Competition for Special Olympics New Mexico, said support from individuals and organizations keeps Special Olympics competition afloat, despite a downturned economy. “These Olympians are the essence of sports and why people compete,” Page said. “We’re not competing for the elite athlete but for people who do it for the passion of the sport and for the love of the game. That is what it is all about.” Summer games include cycling, relay, track and field, artistic gymnastics events, rhythmic gymnastics events, volleyball, assisted wheelchair competitions, and much more.
Cheering-on the athletes was the Switch youth group of Legacy Church in Albuquerque, led by associate youth pastor Brian Clampett. “Living life is not just about yourself, but it is about reaching out and helping others,” Clampett said. First- and secondplace winners in the 1,600-meter run were Noah Tatz and Terence Orgain, respectively. Tatz, a freshman, is the first ever athlete from La Cueva High School to compete in the Special Olympics, while also competing for the school. His sister, Leslie, is a Special Olympian in volleyball. Orgain, 25, of Carlsbad, said, “It makes me feel pretty good after all this hard practice because it is paying off. Just as long as I competed, I felt good. I just wanted to have a great time. We might not be the fastest runners out there, but they have great attitudes, and that is what I am glad about.” The Special Olympics of New Mexico games continued through May 31, and winners of the various events can be found at www.sonm.org abqsportsmag.com • 35
Albuquerque holds the line for the 2011 Spring National at Duke City BMX By Michael Gonzales Photos By Kerr Adams
T
hey came from the far corners of the Nation, traveling for hours to compete at the 2011 Spring Nationals in Albuquerque held May 27th-29th. Continued on next page
T
he 2011 Spring National at the Albuquerque Veloport complex was hosted by Duke City BMX and sponsored in part by the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau. The BMX Pavilion was abuzz with energy, as many visitors saw the world’s largest covered BMX race track for the first time. Everything they had heard about the event was true. The weather rested at about 90 degrees all weekend, but competitors and fans stayed cool under 81,000 square feet of covered sports area. On Friday, riders from age 3 to over 50, participated in the Pre-Race, allowing visiting riders to get a feel for the world class track. Duke City BMX is one of only a handful of the 250 American Bicycle Associationsanctioned tracks, which use a product called “SoilTac.” This product, when applied to a carefully engineered and groomed track, provides an asphalt-like surface to race on, while eliminating blowing dust. The result is an extremely fast surface with minimal roll resistance. The “Moto count” (number of races) for the Friday Pre-Race was 75.
Fernandez of 505 Racing made an amazing move, a high flying mid- air pass between two opposing professional riders, positioning him for the win. The Spring National is held each year at Duke City BMX. This event, like all other track days, is always free for spectators and open to the public. For more information see www. dukecitybmx.org.
By the time Saturday rolled around, many travelers had checked-in to their hotel destinations scattered across the Duke City, and were ready to race. Duke City BMX had all hands on deck with volunteer staff everywhere, insuring a smooth operation. The 2011 Spring National is part of the national tour and brings with it two additional sanctioned races during the same event. The Union Cycliste Internationle (UCI) is a world wide sanctioning cycling body that manages world wide competition. The UCI series has its own group of BMX competitors, who compete across the US all season, leading up to the World final to be held this year in Copenhagen, DK. The UCI competition is included during the Spring National as part of the National tour. In addition to the UCI, the United States Cycling (USAC) is also involved with the event and operates the Olympic Jr. development program for riders who are being groomed for later Olympic BMX competition.
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The Moto count on Saturday increased drastically up to 162 Motos, with many having multiple rounds of qualifying.
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By Sunday, the Spring National had the attention of the media, and the racing became intense again. The Moto count was stout, right at 163 Motos. The Albuquerque based team, 505 Racing, achieved first place for both Saturday and Sunday in the Trophy Team competition category, with many local New Mexico riders taking first place trophies for individual race efforts. One of the highlights of the weekend occurred on Sunday during the Pro Class main event race, when Albuquerque Professional Rider Thomas
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abqsportsmag.com • 39
10th annual State Farm Insurance
Albuquerque Metro High School banquet By Marty Saiz Photos by Elliot Madriss
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the 10th annual State Farm Insurance Albuquerque Metro High School banquet, which held at the Marriot Pyramid. The banquet began by honoring the two state champions from the metro area - 5A - La Cueva and 3A- Sandia Prep. The Albuquerque Coaches selected the All-Metro teams and the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year. This year’s Player of the Year winners were 4A-3A-2A Alex Bregman of Albuquerque Academy and 5A Blake Swihart of
Paul Huitt
Cleveland High School. The Coaches of the Year were 4A-3A-2A Paul Huitt of Sandia Prep and the 5A was Orlando Griego of Rio Grande High School. The other major award winner was Nick Nelson of Sandia Prep who weas named the Senior Student/Athlete of the Year. It was a great season for high school baseball this year and the banquet was a great to end it!
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abqsportsmag.com • 41
Sandia Dirt Track Racing Speedway By Isaiah Montoya Photos by Carlos Montoya
S
andia Motorsports Speedway introduced its newest addition to Albuquerque’s racing scene, and a packed house showed up for the loud and thrilling myriad of race cars competing for dirttrack supremacy. The grand opening was grand indeed! Continued on next page
Danny Granger
Hurricanes By Marty Saiz Photos by Marty Saiz
Left to right - Ann Lathen-Jim Guthrie-Chuck Tipton-Vince MaisanoMike Bertteo-Robert Shay-David Swope. Photo By Rick O’ Neil
Justin Griego
Sam Haywood
Cullen Ne
al
Continued from previous page
According to flagman/track builder Gene Kreisher, the track construction was conceived and funded by Robert Shay, Jim Guthrie, Will Ferguson, David Swoop, and others. The idea was to stage dirt-track racing right here in Albuquerque, saving travel expenses for avid racers and bringing competitive drivers to this area. One of them was Todd Budlong, a legendary local racer and mechanic, who drives an A-Mod at Sandia Motorsports Speedway. He came in second in the first heat race in a Larry Shaw car. “It was a good feeling to race at home because we’ve been racing all over the state,” Budlong said. “I got to sleep in my own bed. The road is a long way at $4 a gallon. As for the track, I expect big things. There is a sellout crowd. It’s a great thing that we have dirt-track racing in Albuquerque. This is the first dirt track since Hollywood Hills.” Dan Harmon of Edgewood was racing the No. 86 X-Mod, and he won his heat race from a starting spot on the outside of the second row. “The track is rough and dry, but I’ve been racing for at least 10 years, and I wanted to get crazy on the dirt,” Harmon said after the race. “They already need more bleachers, but this is about having fun because this is grass-roots racing. Come out and watch us race.” Mike Brewer has been racing since 1982 and loves dirt-track racing, which for him is a family sport. His 20-year-old son, Kenny, races too. Mike Brewer got his first taste of racing on a dirt bike, then from 1988-93, he raced sprint cars. His son was a champion last year in mini-sprints. 44 June 2011
“He had to beat me to be champion, so it’s great,” Mike Brewer said. “We’ve been racing together for a few years, and he’s been starting to beat me, so I better start tuning his car differently.” To prepare for the races, Brewer said, “I had a lot of help from Jack Hodges and Joe Herrera. It’s fun, and you get to test your skills on the typical New Mexico dry tracks. You take your kids, and there is competition, and you keep yourself occupied.” Kenny Brewer kept up his championship tradition from last year in his mini-sprint with a 636 Kawasaki engine and a 2009 hyper chassis. “The bright-orange paint stands out so you can see me winning,” he said confidently. “I hope to win every race I go to. I’m four for four right now. I got my Air Jordans on, so I’m flying high.” He got into racing as a 9-year-old in the quarter midgets, then he moved up to the mini sprints on asphalt. His secret? “I keep my right foot to the floor. It is always good to beat my dad!” Youngsters Chris Perea, 22, and Cody Mansfield, 19, were also competing. “We usually race Aztec and Tularosa, but it is great to have a dirt track here,” said Perea, who finished second in his heat. Mansfield used to run quarter midgets, and he finished third in the mini-sprints exhibition. “It is awesome that we have a dirt track here, and fuel prices are so high that we don’t have to go out of town. Now our sponsors, like Car Crafters, can come in.” For more info, go to www.newmexicominisprint.com.
Kevin Saiz
Bryce A
lford
T
his year the Danny Granger Hurricanes have to 17U AAU teams. They have just completed the spring season with winning records. The 17U team has played more Elite AAU tournaments than any team evcr from New Mexico. This year’s 17U Elite are led by D1 prospects, Justin Griego (2012La Cueva), Cullen Neal (2013- Eldorado), Bryce ALford (2013-La Cueva) and Sam Haywood (2013-Volcano Vista) They have won the Silver division at the Dallas Invite and lost in the last second in the semifinals of the Elite 8 tournament in Phoenix. They have also traveled to El Paso, twice to Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles. The 17U Select are led by James Healy (2012- Cibola) and Justin Bustos (2012 -Las Vegas Robertson). They are currently 10-4. Both teams will resume the AAU season in July, which is when college coaches can attend the tournment. If you would like to provide financial support please call Marty Saiz at 345-3431. They woul;d like to send these teams to at least 3-4 tournaments.
abqsportsmag.com • 45
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abqsportsmag.com • 47