New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine November 2014
2014 inaugural yafl student - athlete awards
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Hello ABQ Sports Fans, The state’s best high school athletes are counting the days toward their respective state championships, earning metro and district titles along the way. It’s been an incredible season for the running Rams, a clean sweep of the two major cross country events heading in to state, details are inside.
ABQ Sports magazine P.O.Box 15981 • Rio Rancho, NM 87174 1.855.567.SPORT (7678) abqsportsmag.com Publisher
Behind every great athlete, every great team, is a leader who gives of their time, their expertise and especially their heart. High school coaching is not a profession that has a lottery-like monetary payoff, but the legacy of this area’s coaches impact the lives of thousands of athletes in a positive way. ABQ Sports pays tribute to the metro area’s best coaches of 2014.
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RUSH soccer sends 14-year old Brianna Martinez to Europe to learn from the greats. League directors say she is one of the top players nationally in her age group within their system, a look at her journey coming up.
Sumiko Corley Sumiko@abqsportsmag.com
As the weather cools, another kind of cycling sport is heating up. Curtis Gillen with images of Cyclocross’ season opener.
Sales Manager Sabrina Guzman sabrina@abqsportsmag.com
YAFL honors their top student-athletes with their inaugural awards, see who tops each category with photos brought to you by MOJI.
Art Director David Lansa DL Graphic Design design@abqsportsmag.com
Trula Howe has all the latest fight action from Legacy, career updates on Alex Kirk and Blake Swihart, and police and firefighters go toe-to-toe for a good cause, look inside for fight action and the winner of this year’s Rumble in Rio.
Director of Photography
ABQ Sports extends our deepest sympathies to the family and law enforcement brotherhood of former high school baseball star, Officer Anthony Haase, as the investigation continues into his untimely death.
view our new & improved website! abqsportsmag.com #abqsportsmag
Carlos Montoya
This month our cover features several of YAFL student athletes. Cover photo shot by Anthony Griego For Moji Photography.
On the Cover
Anthony Griego Photographers
New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine November 2014
A NEW BEGINNING AT
2014 INAUGURAL YAFL STUDENT ATHLETE AWARDS
CLUB RIO RANCHO
Brian Carlos Montoya Boysen
Jordan Montoya
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Daniel Elliot Kayla Martinez Montoya Madriss Contributing Writers
Dave Chris Friedlander Martinez
Marty Saiz
Trula Howe
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Writers
ABQ Sports is a monthly magazine dedicated to covering all aspects of the Albuquerque and surrounding communities scene. We accept stories and photos for consideration. Email: carlos@abqsportsmag.com All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by ABQ Sports Magazine, all rights reserved. Reproduction of any articles, advertisement or material from this issue is forbidden without permission of the publisher.
Photo: COURTESY, Santos Casaus
New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine November 2014
CONTENTS
6
rumble in rio 2014
12
duke city marathon 2014
ps 2014 metro chamC rio rancho X see page 10
16 inaugural yafl student-athlete awards 2014
More Sports.... 8
NM Cyclocross
15 2014 Doggie Dash & Dawdle 26 Fitness Southwest Championships
20
2014 coaches of the year albuquerque metro area Photo By: Daniel Martinez, DnL Photography
28 Legacy Gold 30 In Memorial - Anthony Phillip Haase
FIRE in the house
RUMBLE IN RIO 2014 BY: SUMIKO COrlEY
Call it redemption. For the past two years Police have pummeled, literally, their way to a Rumble in Rio Victory. This year, though, Fire was smokin’ hot, pulling out a 7-3-1 victory October 18th at the Santa Ana Star Center over their brethren who, for this one night each year, are their foes. “This year’s 12 fights were some of the most competitive so far,” says Captain Andrew Garcia of the Rio Rancho Fire Department. “Eleven of them were PD vs FD. One (female) fight was represented by law enforcement on both sides (so it didn’t count in the official score). These ladies trained hard and really wanted to participate regardless of their opponent.” Competitors, by nature of their jobs, maintain a certain level of fitness year round. They generally begin specialized training
6 November 2014
for these fights about May. Garcia says the additional workouts include several disciplines that engage the full body. “This year Rio Rancho Fire Dept, Rio Rancho Police, Bernalillo Co Sheriffs, Sandoval Co Fire Dept, Los Alamos Fire Dept, Taos PD, New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police Dept., Los Lunas Fire Dept, Socorro Fire Dept, Santa Fe Corrections Dept, Metropolitan Detention Center, Valencia Co Sheriffs Dept, New Mexico Probation & Parole, and Isleta Fire Dept were all represented in the ring,” says Garcia. Rumble in Rio has raised funds for the community since 2004, with proceeds going to charities like the Jim Franklin Bike Giveaway - competitors have made it possible for more than 8,000 bikes and $5,000 to be given to those in need. Visit rumbleinrio.org for more information. PHOTOS: Brian Boysen
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clubriorancho.com abqsportsmag.com • 7
CROSSing
Racer Phil Neis
into the
Cold
NM Cyclocross Series Opener
Racer Tiziana Dehorney
Racer Sarah Lough
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: COURTESY, CURTIS GILLEN, GILLENPHOTO.COM
D
ie-hard cyclists don’t stop because of the weather.
With the mountain bike season essentially over by mid-September, the sport of cyclocross is well underway now, kicking off with a season opener at La Cueva September 21st, and growing in popularity worldwide. “The sport of cyclocross began at the end of the 19th century in France,” says Antonia DeHorney, CEO of DASH (Development of Athletic and Social Health) and the race organizer. “Its creator was a French soldier named Daniel Gousseau who frequently rode his bicycle over the rough trails and difficult obstacles to maintain cycling fitness during the winter months. Generals on horseback observed this strange discipline and moved quickly to train the French Army troops on bikes.” Upwards of 200 pedaled their way through the opener’s roughly 3-mile race circuit, which included mud, sand, pavement and grass. And stairs - probably not what you expected? “A cyclocross bike is similar to a road bike with nobby tires,” she says, “however, many youth and beginners start off on their
mountain bikes... Most people focus on road events or mountain bike events. Cyclocross brings the two skill sets and race disciplines together and then throws in running up stairs and carrying your bike! “ The season officially runs now through January, with a surprisingly extensive race schedule nationwide, including a few here in New Mexico. And lest you believe this is an upstart sport, the first national championship for this event occurred in France in 1902. DeHorney says some 20 racers from this state attend nationals each year. The next national championship is slated for January in Texas and competitors range in age from 10-72. The sport itself has seen a 20% growth each of the last 4-5 years. “We focus on the family,” says DeHorney, “provide women only events, youth (3-9) and junior races (9-16). 18 and under race for free. Albuquerque and Santa Fe have weekly clinics and practice races. There are races for all ages and levels of ability. Regular updates on Facebook.” Learn more at www.newmexicocyclocross.com and dashforlife.org
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abqsportsmag.com • 9
2014 Metro Champs Running Away with the Title
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY
PHOTO: Courtesy, SANTOS CASAUS
2014 District 1-6A Champs
Photo Courtesy: Carlos Sanchez Photos by: Javier Almodovar
I
The boys are the reigning 2013 state champs, winning metro with 59 points. The individual winner of this event also hails from Rio Rancho High, he’s district winner Paredes (15:44.43).
DISTRICT: The Lady Rams won with 44 points, Cibola following at a distant second with 59. The top finish for a female Ram is freshman Andi Almodovar, placing second individually at 19:05.
Sal Gonzales coaches both teams, he stresses accountability as a key to success.
The boys scored 31 with the Cougars also a far distant second with 57 points. What a season it’s been for sophomore Devin Paredes, winning district at 16:21. Fellow Rams Mike Goke finished third with 16:32, Trevor Amestoy came in 5th with his time of 16:52.
“Each athlete,” he says, “is not only personally accountable for their own actions (racing and behavior) but they are also accountable for the actions of their teammates. This has resulted in an atmosphere of improvement where everyone pushes each athlete to get better in each aspect of running (practice, racing and academics). “
METRO: Team gold for the girls with 64 points; sophomore Molly Klein finished 2nd individually (18:30), 23 seconds behind the winner, freshman Andi Almodovar captured an individual 6th ( 18:37.92).
Read more about Gonzales in our Best Coaches section, and check out NM Notables for details on Paredes.
t was a clean sweep for the Rams, with both the boys and girls teams earning bragging rights at BOTH the 2014 District 1-6A showdown and the Albuquerque Metro Cross Country Championship.
hinkle family fun center
H
! s t r o p s winter
inkle Family Fun Center is known by kids city-wide and kids at heart, as the go-to place for parties, special events and good, safe fun.
It recently underwent a $250,000 re-imagination of its new Ultimate Lazer Tag arena, gearing up for the cold winter months that typically keep kids off their respective sports fields. Hinkle is bridging the realms between entertainment fun and entertainment exercise, tapping into the winter sports market the likes of futsal, indoor soccer and ice-skating currently service. The all new urban cyber-themed arena boasts a futuristic cyber quest atmosphere with a new center prop and interactive game play, making up 4,500 of the facility’s total 35,000 square feet. It’s been revamped to include a slew of futuristic effects including 16 interactive targets, an interactive base marshall that participates in game play, black lights, lightup vests and a state of the art sound system. Phasers feature green laser beams so gamers can gauge their accuracy with their targets, the ample space allows for 30 players at a time and both the vests and phasers are taggable. Viewing cameras are stationed throughout the arena, which probably comes in handy considering the whole experience is somewhat surreal with the light effects and haze. Sessions run 20 minutes, allowing for a good 10-15 minutes of aerobic exercise. Hinkle continues to features its staples - paint ball, mini golf courses, gokarts, bumper boats, bumper cars, even a rock climbing wall, just to name a few. Hinkle, as it is widely known, opened 20 years ago by Gene Hinkle and his wife Betty. Sons Douglas and Bryan now share ownership. Gene Hinkle is a veteran of the Albuquerque real estate business. As the Hinkles continually re-imagine their Fun Center, they also remember the importance of investing in the community. For years, the Hinkle family has supported the organizations that make a difference in the lives of city residents - Albuquerque Public Schools, the Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Character Counts, as well as other non-profits.
abqsportsmag.com • 11
DUKE CITY MARATHON 2014 Duke City Speed. A Turtle, a Teen and New Marathon Champs
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: brian Boysen, Moji Photography
T
he flat and fast course beginning at 3rd and Tijeras marked the start for some, the end for others.
This wildly popular race has traditionally featured beautiful, cool temperatures it’s a Boston Marathon qualifier. For amateur runners, this event is a culmination of months of training. Thousands toed that starting line, including marathon winners 29-year old Gary Krugger of Flagstaff who finished in 2:41.36 and Stefanie Tierney of Albuquerque, in at 3:15.54. Joey Byrne of Albuquerque won the half marathon in 1:17.59, 36-year old Tana Kaskalla won that race in the women’s division at 1:23.26. It was a 12-year old who reigned supreme in the female 10k, she’s Jasmine TurtleMorales of Albuquerque, pacing at 6:43 for a 41:42 finish. Espanola resident Trevor Merhege won the men’s 10k run at 33:44. View full results at dukecitymarathon.org
RUSH
To Europe
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: COURTESY, CATHY MARTINEZ
T
he Rush Select U15 girls national team recently took a little road trip. One involving a plane. And an ocean. And the futbol fan’s dream fields of the AJAX Academy, Amsterdam and Commerzbank Arenas.
This group of the best U15 soccer players from around the nation within the Rush club included one from New Mexico, invited to participate in the Adidas International Training Program. For 14-year old Brianna Martinez and her mother Cathy, who chaperoned, the excursion to Germany and the Netherlands was a trip of a lifetime. “Watching a professional match between Eintracht Frankfurt vs SC Freiburg at Commerzbank Arena -- the stadium was packed,” says Cathy. “Fans waived flags and banners throughout the whole game, jumping, cheering, it was crazy! Super fun!” Martinez, a Volcano Vista freshman, was one of 16 girls nationwide who made the cut for this team. For perspective, Rush on the national level has roughly 35,000 athletes, which includes all age groups. “I’ve had the opportunity to coach several All-Americans,” says her local NM Rush 2k coach Pancho Macias, “she’s right up there with that caliber... She is one of the top five players on this (national) team.” They received training from former pro Rafael Supasepa, in addition to AJAX Academy trainers and European coaches. It was a “great experience in international travel,” says Cathy, “playing with and socializing with girls from Germany and The Netherlands; nonsoccer related experiences, including visit to Anne Frank House, which these girls might not ever get to experience otherwise.” She says she saw Bri mature in independence and responsibility. (International travel and training) “helps them prepare for similar opportunities they may have in the future,” says Cathy. “These are the best U15 Rush players in the country, so chances are they will have many opportunities in the future to travel both domestically and internationally.” Bri and her national team played three friendlies, losing each of the first two by one point to German teams. They won game 3 against SC Buitenveldert from the Netherlands.
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New Mexico
NOTABLES
Photo: Anthony Griego
Photo: Brian Boysen
ALEX KIRK Basketball Come Opening Night, Los Alamos native Alex Kirk will be on the regular-season roster of the Cleveland Cavaliers despite not being picked up during the June draft. This UNM alum played with the Cavaliers in the NMA Summer League, proving his court skills, which translates into a salary topping $500,000, the league’s rookie minimum. Photo: Santos Casaus
Photos: Carey Moots
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SCHOOL
2014 APIAL Soccer Champs This co-ed team pulled out a dramatic 9-4 victory over Hope in late October on the rain-drenched fields of St. Pius, soundly announcing the arrival of the Pelicans as the soccer powerhouse in the metro area’s Albuquerque Parochial Independent Athletic League, which includes private and parochial schools. The Pelicans went 8-1 for the season with their 22 athletes, grades 5-8, with older, more experienced players mentoring the younger. “The STA school is fortunate this year to have so many competitive soccer players,” says head coach Cita Barela, “and players who have participated in the Olympic Development Program here in New Mexico.”
DEVIN PAREDES
Rio Rancho High School 2014 Metro & District 1-6A Cross Country Champion “At the end of the race, every part of you is in pain.” Not a bad trade to be called the fastest boy in the metro area - 3 miles in 15:44. He won his district in 16:21. Paredes, a sophomore, has a history of success - a member of the 2013 state champion team, he finished 3rd individually; a 3rd place individual finish at the 2013 USATF Junior Olympics earned him national All-America status, and as part of a club track team has finished 2nd in THE NATION three times. “In order to succeed,” says Paredes, “you must learn to ignore all the people that are telling you that you are too small or too weak or whatever. You must have nothing but positive thoughts all around. You must learn to train to the best of your ability and use it to grow as an athlete. Use your bad days to make you tougher. And just stay focused on the task at your hand and believe with everything you have that you can do anything!!” 14 November 2014
BLAKE SWIHART Baseball This former Cleveland and Rio Rancho High School player tops the Red Sox 2015 Top 10 Prospects, released in late October. According to Baseball America, catcher “Blake Swihart is the best prospect in the Red Sox system”. Swihart has continually built upon his talent since being drafted, improving his game-calling, a dangerous switchhitter with an incredible arm. He’s currently playing with the PawSox.
Photo: NICK MARTINEZ, LCHS XC coach Photo: Courtesy Johnson Family
JUANITA JOHNSON Cibola High School 2014 District 1-6A Cross Country Champ
This sophomore has 5 years of running under her treads, a former state champ in the 800m at the club level and a national cross county team champ with USATF. The start of the district race was fast-paced. Going into the race Johnson was aiming for a top seven. She won with a time of 19:04 “I knew it would be hard given the fast speed of Rio Rancho,” she says, “but then I remember having a conversation with a teammate earlier about leaving all I had in me on the course. I had just enough left for a final kick in the seconds leading up the finish line and I won. To keep up with the top elite girls from Rio Rancho and Cleveland was thrilling in its self but to be able to win my entire district is indescribable. It felt like every early morning race and hot afternoon practice finally paid off. It was one of those breathtaking moments.”
NATASHA BERNAL La Cueva High School 2014 Metro Cross Country Champ
Her coach says she’s been running just one year. And what a year it has been for this 17-year old senior. Bernal won metro with 18:07, Coach Martinez says she has also earned All-State honors in track & field (800m, 1600m, 3200m). “Excited because it was a great achievement against one of the best fields in the state. Also excited because (I) set the school record on the Academy course.”
32nd Annual
DOGGIE DASH & DAWDLE PHOTOS: BRIAN BOYSEN
T
he biggest fundraiser of the year for Animal Humane New Mexico had an incredible turnout - more than 6,000 of the two and fourlegged variety, out on a drizzly Sunday. The 5k run at Balloon Fiesta Park was open to humans and their canines. Those feeling less industrious opted for the 2k. Animal Humane has not released the total raised, but the funds are used to find homes for some 4,000 cats and dogs each year. The money raised also helps the group to provide affordable spay/neutering services for roughly 1,500 animals and low cost vaccines.
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Inaugural YAFL
Student-Athlete Awards
H
2014
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY Photos by: Anthony Griego for Moji Photography
igh school athletes who excel in academics are recognized in a variety of ways, and justly so, considering the discipline and dedication it takes to success in both fields. For some, that transition from middle school to high school can be overwhelming, with poor academics resulting in loss of athletic privileges. The brainchild of YAFL board member Bernie Lujan, the goal of the newly created awards aim to encourage high academics and help with that transition - an idea that the YAFL board approved unanimously. “We hope that as they enter high school,” says Lujan, “they are able to take with them the structure and discipline that they learn on the field and apply it to their everyday life in the classroom and out and they are able to stay focused and have learned to balance studies with athletic practices and are accomplished in both.” An independent board comprised of six educators, college professors and government officials evaluated the applicants on grades, conduct, sportsmanship, attendance and teacher input. Lujan says recipients will be honored at the New Mexico High School Coaches Association All-Metro banquet in December and at the Sunbowl.
“We hope that they are able to realize that whatever efforts they put into their athletics and education achievements, they will be self-fulfilled and able to apply these lessons in everyday life.” Bernie Lujan, YAFL Board Member
ALEX WAR
RIO RANCHO MIGHTY MIGHTS
16 November 2014
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18 November 2014
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abqsportsmag.com • 19
2014 Coaches of the Year By: Staff Report
O
ne of the longest-serving football coaches in the metro area – only Kevin Carroll at Albuquerque Academy has been on the sidelines longer – Barker was the head coach at Manzano from 1991-99, getting the Monarchs to the championship game in 1996, where they lost to Mayfield. In 2012, he led the Matadors, the team he has coached since 2000, to the championship game, where they fell to that other southern powerhouse, Las Cruces. Barker surrounds himself with astute assistants and kids who want to play hard for him. Speed in the backfield is never a problem, and Barker can switch from a passing team to a running team out at the drop of a helmet. The Matadors had a top defense in 2012 and 2013. Eight of his 2013 starters graduated in May, and three of them were All-State selections. So that meant using Malik Gordon at quarterback and handing off to speedster Jimmy Gallegos, or using Gordon as the ‘cat: Just out-score opponents on offense when the defense is weaker than before – just another Barker adapts at the game he loves.
Kevin Barker
Sandia High School football
C
larke leads the highly talented 2014 & 2013 Metro Boys champs, quite an accomplishment considering he’s been with the Cougars less than a dozen years - four as head coach, one as assistant. His team is 15-1-2 for the season, fresh off a 1-6A district win. They’ve been to state each of the past four years, and Clarke plans to go for the blue. Hard work and dedication to competitiveness are integral parts of his coaching philosophy. He’s established his own skills at developing winners, and looking long term he plans to continue a tradition of program success. His wish for his athletes: “They will be prepared to adjust and handle any stresses or obstacles that would present themselves to my players. Understand that they will be challenged in life and that they will need to face it head on and not be afraid to fail as long as they learn from it.” - Cameron Clarke
cameron clarke
cibola high school boys soccer 20 November 2014
Albuquerque-Metro Area H
owes has led Rio Rancho to a perfect 9-0 record this season, and at press time they are the #1 ranked 6A team in the state. This 21-year veteran varsity coach has spent time at West Mesa and Cibola, but it’s been during his past 11 years at Rio Rancho that his name and his program have rightfully become a fear-factor on the gridiron. They have trounced every opponent during 2014, mercy-ruling more than one. Each year ABQ Sports sees improvements under Howes, who recently served as the head coach of the All-Star Team. Howes led the Rams to 1-5A district championships (2012, 2009), a #1 post-season ranking (9-2, 2012), a semi-final berth (2011) and was selected as 2012’s Metro Area Coach of the Year. His program has produced 32 All-Metro players and with the exception of 2003, has made the playoffs every year he has been with the Rams. Barring penalties and injuries, ABQ Sports looks to see the Rams contenders for what Howes hopes is the first of many state titles.
david howes
“That effort and dedication will breed success and the RAM brotherhood is not temporary, it’s forever. We hope our players leave here knowing that there are no limits to what they can accomplish and with the highest level of respect for the game of football and the people that made their experience possible (coaches, parents, and administration). Go Rams! Pride Forever!!” - David Howes
Rio Rancho High School Football
T
alk about a passionate guy, Dotson is the son of former University of New Mexico wrestling coach Bill Dotson – and Charlie was a four-time state champ when he attended Eldorado High School. Before he took over the football reins from David Williams, Dotson led the Eagles to a state wrestling team title in 2006. He’s been the head football coach there since 2007, and the former Eagles linebacker has had a variety of success, starting with that first season, when he got the Golden Eagles into the quarterfinals. This season, though, he’s had his Eagles firing on all cylinders, thanks to University of Texas-bound quarterback Zach Gentry. Back-to-back wins over Mayfield, a 50-49 doubleOT thriller, and Cleveland make Eldorado confident it can go deep into the postseason, with a lot of time to prepare, after their regular-season finale, a 35-0 rout of Manzano on Oct. 30. Gentry has a fine supporting cast, and Dotson got to play a lot of his younger guys in some of the blowout wins – five wins were by 34 or more points – priming Dotson for District 2-6A success in the years to come.
Charlie Dotson
Eldorado High School football abqsportsmag.com • 21
2014 Coaches of the Year
Albuquerque-Metro Area
T
alk about an uphill climb, Curtis Flakes is a guy who knows all about overcoming adversity – the least of which was putting an end to the Bulldogs’ lengthy losing streak this fall.
Football coaches come and go at AHS, and the last few had combined for what was a state-record 39-game losing streak when the 2013 season ended. Enter Curtis Flakes, a UNM Lobo from 2001-04, with a new attitude, it seemed. At any rate, after the Bulldogs lost their first four games of 2014, Flakes led them to back-toback wins – 47-8 over winless Highland on Sept. 26 and 25-18 over Academy on Oct. 2. It was the Bulldogs’ first winning streak of two games since 2003, the last season they’d won more than two games. AHS snapped back to reality on Oct. 10, when Atrisco Heritage Academy drilled them 51-0. The Bulldogs received a lot of positive media attention during their modest streak – and Flakes has them believing anything is possible.
curtis flakes
Success isn’t just measured on wins and losses,” Flakes told the Albuquerque Journal before the season began.
albuquerque high football
C
astillo, the only boys basketball coach La Cueva has had, begins his 29th year at the helm this season.
It’s no surprise he’s been nominated for the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame: He’s won 652 games (he coached at Cibola from 1978-86 before departing for brandnew La Cueva for the 1986-87 season), second only to Jim Hulsman, with five state championships and six runner-up finishes. Along the way, Castillo – who coached both of his sons at LCHS – was a three-time Coach of the Year, as selected by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association, which inducted him into its Hall of Honor in 2006. He is also an inductee of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. There’s little doubt basketball is an important ingredient in his life, ranking only slightly behind his family. He’s had more time for both after retiring as a teacher at La Cueva a few seasons ago. Castillo has also had some big-time players on his Bears roster, among them A.J. Bramlett, the starting center for the 1007 NCAA champion Arizona Wildcats, and current UCLA Bruin Bryce Alford.
22 November 2014
frank castillo
la cueva high school boys basketball
2014 Coaches of the Year
Albuquerque-Metro Area
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ne of the “young bucks” destined to be on the sidelines in the metro area for a long time.
A former standout quarterback at Lovington High, Ridenour was under center for the Eastern New Mexico University (2003 graduate) football team, so he knows more than a little about game plans and offensive schemes. After spending a few seasons on Eric Roanhaus’s staff at Clovis High, Ridenour got a position as offensive coordinator for Kirk Potter at then-new Cleveland High. After Potter resigned, following the perfect 13-0 season and 5A championship in 2011, the search for his successor lasted but a few minutes: Ridenour was handed the reins for 2012. Knowing the returning players and retaining most of the staff, Ridenour was poised to keep the Storm a gridiron powerhouse. At Cleveland, he may have the administrative support lacking at other high schools. A proud student body is an intangible, and the Storm – and Ridenour – continue to set the bar high.
heath ridenour
cleveland high football
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quarter century in coaching. Coleman has coached the big three - basketball, baseball and football, 8 years at Albuquerque Academy and one at Cibola. It’s his time with the Vikings, however, that has firmly established him in the state’s basketball history books. His 17 years as head coach has resulted in a 314-146 win/loss record - that’s a 68% winning percentage. One state championship, two metro titles and seven district crowns. Metro Coach of the Year - yes, he’s earned that too, and not just once - try five times. He’s mentored some 40 All-Metro players, as well as NM Gatorade Player of the Year Adonis Saltes, two-time Defensive Metro Player of the Year Mario Chavez and seven Metro Players of the Year. Coleman credits his assistant coaches and his wife Cathy, and says one of the true highlights of his career is winning a state championship with his son Bo. “We just want our guys to forget about wins and losses and focus on being the hardest team to play each and every night,” he says. “I would hope they all left feeling like they were part of a family... I have been VERY blessed to have had so many wonderful mentors in my life who have given me guidance and support throughout my career.”
joe coleman
valley high school boys basketball abqsportsmag.com • 23
2014 Coaches of the Year
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Albuquerque-Metro Area atch enough of the movie or TV show named “Friday Night Lights” and you get a sense of what this former Lone Star State high school coach learned how to succeed on the sidelines.
In his seventh year at Belen High School, he’s taken the Eagles to lofty perches and himself to the pinnacle of coaching. In the 2013 season, Lerma, 67, was named the All-Metro Coach of the Year for classes 3A and 4A.”When you win an honor like this you share it with everyone — the players, the coaches. It was nice to see Belen recognized in the metro area,” he told the Valencia County News-Bulletin. Last season, the Eagles – with an impressive victory over Goddard on their 2014 resume -- finished with a 9-3 record, falling 14-7 to eventual state champion Farmington in a semifinal contest. Lerma took over the BHS football program in May 2008, after serving as an assistant at Rio Rancho, and has won five district titles in his six years at Belen, including an appearance in the 4A state championship game in 2009.
john lerma
Photo Provided by NMHS Coaches Association
belen high school football
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he only baseball coach the Rams have had, his old-school technique still works after all these years. “Murph,” one of four coaches inducted this summer into the new Rio Rancho High School Sports Hall of Fame, got his start at Sandia, where he helped coach football and baseball. The latter sport is his real love, and where he worked with Brendan Donnelly, who in 2002 was a reliever with the World Champion Anaheim Angels – and an American league all-star in 2003. Murphy later coached the baseball team at St. Pius X, knowing when the Sartans were playing the Class AAA championship game vs. Silver High in May 1997 that he was headed to RRHS. With the Rams, Murphy has captured Class 5A titles in 2007, 2009 and 2013. They’ve won Metro once. Those old-school techniques, which include a good work ethic and knowing the fundamentals, helped the Rams churn out a handful of bigleague draftees: Steve Solwick, Devon Conley, Anthony Haase, Blake Swihart and Josh Walker. He’s also done some coaching overseas, with teams in Australia, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Italy. “The main purpose of our baseball program,” he says, “is to help our players become champions on and off the field . We place academics in high regard and feel that they must be met and achieved first and foremost. The demands of our baseball program are designed to prepare our players to successfully meet the challenges of the future.”
ron murphy
rio rancho baseball
Balzis heads the reigning 2014 girls Metro Champions. The only head coach in the 18-year history of Rams girls soccer, this A-License coach has been at the helm of the blue and green’s seven district championships and a state title (2007). Season stats of 18-2, 7-1 at districts, the Lady Rams are ranked #1 in the state (6A). They are the heavy favorites for the 2014 state championship, which Balzis believes the girls can “win with honor and respect”. Balzis has had tremendous success transitioning his own playing experience (5 years amateur German leagues, Albuquerque Gunners, New Mexico Chilies, Austin Lone Stars/ Stockadillos) to the feet, mind and spirit of his team members. This German native has also spend more than a dozen years coaching at the Club level. Balzis was recently inducted into RRHS’s inaugural Hall of Fame. His immediate goals:
uwe balzis
rio rancho girls soccer 24 November 2014
“Maintain a highly competitive program, graduate every player with the highest grades possible...win (the) state championship in 2014.” - Uwe Balzis
2014 Coaches of the Year
Albuquerque-Metro Area
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mind.
ike his rival in the Northeast heights, Frank Castillo, Eldorado’s longtime boys coach has had the luxury of having talented future Division I players wearing Texas orange: Daniel Faris and Cullen Neal quickly come to
The Golden Eagles won back-to-back Class 5A championships in 2004, 2005 and again in 2012 – and when they’re not fighting for the blue trophy, you know they’ve been in the hunt. He grew up and played at Los Alamos High School, and when he was pursuing a business degree at the University of New Mexico, Jerry Brown asked him to help him at Del Norte, coaching the girls, and after two seasons the duo moved further east on Montgomery Blvd. to coach boys basketball at Eldorado. He enjoyed coaching, which is really teaching, so he dropped business in favor of a teaching degree.
roy sanchez
Along the way – he succeeded Brown in 1993-94 – Sanchez said he’s learned a lot from Eagles legends such as Don Flanagan and David Williams. Flanagan later coached women’s basketball at UNM – where Roy’s sister Yvonne succeeded him.
eldorado boys basketball
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hat a year it’s been for Gonzales and some of the fastest distance runners in the state. Gonzales has been building this program since 2008, capturing statewide attention with the boys crown in 2013. Both his teams recently pounded out metro championships (girls-64 points, boys-59 points), won district 1-6A (girls-44 points, boys-31points) and are poised to make a serious run for the state title. Gonzales has proven record of success. The girls are currently undefeated in New Mexico and have won seven Invitational Meets. The boys - six Invitational championships. During his time at Rio Rancho the boys have finished in the top three for the past five years. Over the past three years Rams cross country has developed 10 All-Metro runners. Prior to coaching the Rams he spent eight years at Pecos High, capturing a 2A state championship (1999), his boys and girls producing top three results multiple times (boys-5, girls-2). He’s also coached three individual state champions (Pecos). “At RRHS our philosophy is to develop an atmosphere where each athlete races for their team above any individual goals. We focus on this team concept every day and stress the idea that an individual can have a bad race but a good teammate will find a way to turn a bad race into a good race for the sake of their teammates. We changed the focus of our philosophy in 2013 and have seen improvement.” - Sal Gonzales
sal gonzales
rio rancho cross country boys & girls
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abqsportsmag.com • 25
2014 Fitness Southwest Championship PHOTOS: Brian Boysen
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his is the third and final article in the series Warm Up the Right Way. So far you have learned that the best way to begin a warm up routine for any type of exercise is to foam roll muscles and complete static stretching. As a review, foam rolling helps to turn off overactive muscles and help to break up adhesions/knots while static stretching helps in increased flexibility in soft tissue, fascia in particular. But there is one final step to completing a proper and thorough warm up, and that is mobility. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, mobility can be defined as the ability of a joint to move through its natural and effective range of motion further characterized with the balance of strength and flexibility regulating contrasting motions around the joint. A prime example of mobility can be seen in the hip joints. Mobility is not just an emphasis on how one hip joint moves, but how both hip joints work together as you walk, hike, climb stairs, etc. The main premise behind mobility is about increasing functional range or motion. Functional range of motion is the range of motion needed in completing a dynamic or “mobile” task. Walking, running, hiking, climbing stairs, golfing and playing tennis are all examples of a dynamic task. These are exercises that require having the full range of motion in multiple joints simultaneously.
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In order to increase mobility individuals should complete dynamic stretching. Static stretching is defined as holding a stretch in one position for 10-30 seconds. Dynamic stretching can be defined as “stretch-relax.” For each exercise, hold a slow controlled stretch for 1-2 seconds maximum with 1-2 seconds of rest. Dynamic stretching can be used for traditional static stretches but is optimally used in more complex stretches such as the spiderman stretch, walking knee pull stretch, walking quad stretch, sumo squat stretch and more. You are now ready to complete the best warm up possible to help reach your health and fitness goals as effectively and efficiently as possible By Jim Lezeau, while minimizing the chances for injury. MS, PES, CES
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abqsportsmag.com • 27
Knockout Power East and Page Win Legacy Gold Photos by: Brian Boysen
By Trula Howe New Mexico now has two more MMA Championship belts, thanks to the heavy hands of both Los Lunas heavyweight Cody “The Freight Train” East (9-1) and Albuquerque flyweight Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page (19-9), as the main and co-main events of Legacy Fighting Championship 36, on Friday, October 17. East came into Friday night’s match with a 5-fight win-streak, his only loss three years ago to Tony “Kryptonite” Lopez. His victory at LFC 36, by first-round technical knockout due to strikes against Vernon Lewis (4-3), brought that streak to six and gave East his second belt; his first was the King of the Cage Heavyweight title, and he still holds it. Page’s first-round knockout of Brian “The Law” Hall (7-3) however, was the highlight of the evening; video clips of the finish (a double-left-jab-fake followed by the lights-out overhand right) went viral over the internet that night and the next day. Page has already been nominated by most MMA websites as a contender for “Knockout-of-the-Year”. New Mexico’s most experienced fighter and former KOTC Featherweight champion Donald Sanchez (30-14), dominated exwrestler and football player Charles Cheeks III (7-4) for a unanimous decision in which two of the three judges saw him winning all three rounds. New Mexico flyweight Jordan Espinosa (6-4, Ohio) ended the unbeaten record of fellow New Mexico transplant, BJJ notable Rafael “Barata” De Freitas (6-1, Brazil). The last minute of the second round and all of the third belonged to the inventor of the “Baratoplata”. However, all three judges gave Espinosa the first and second rounds and the unanimous decision win over De Freitas. Jackson’s middleweight Clint Roberts (6-3) won a TKO victory against Lovato’s Lenny Lovato (8-4), via headkick followed by a finish due to strikes. Jackson’s strawweight and Invicta alum Norma Rueda Center (3-1, Juarez, Mexico) defeated Brazil’s Michelle Nicolini (2-1) via unanimous decision. Full fight results may be found at www. sherdog.com. Information about Legacy may be found at www.legacyfights.net.
Magic in the Skies
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2014 PHOTOS: BRIAN BOYSEN
It doesn’t matter your age, or how many times you’ve seen it - one glance at the Albuquerque autumn morning sky is breathtaking and magical. Balloon Fiesta 2014 was blessed with good weather overall and more than 600 balloons, with pilots travelling from all over the world. This year marks the 43rd year for the event, which is viewed by more than 57 million people worldwide via all forms of media. The beautiful 360-acre park draws huge crowds every day of the event, with the Mass Ascensions, Special Shapes Rodeo and the Night Magic Glow remaining crowd favorites. Fiesta studies (2011) indicate direct economic impact in excess of 100 million dollars. Balloon Fiesta 2015 is set for October 3-11.
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Anthony Phillip Haase March 1, 1990 - October 26, 2014
“His leadership made him a role model for the youth in this community... Being on time, loyal, hard worker, respect authority, improve daily , love what you’re doing and competing all go together with being a policeman. I was so proud of him.” -Ron Murphy, RRHS baseball Photo: Courtesy, Rio Rancho Police Department
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his standout pitcher made his mark in New Mexico sports at Rio Rancho High School, leading the Rams to the 2007 state championship. His talent earned him numerous awards including All-District Pitcher (2007, 2008), AllDistrict Player of the Year (2008) and 1st Team All-State (2007. 2008). He also earned a scholarship to Cochise Junior College and was drafted by both the Texas Rangers (2010) and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. “His leadership and mound presence was second to none,” says Rams baseball coach Ron Murphy. “ I want people to know how he had such a positive outlook on life! Everything he chose to do he did with passion and fun...He was such a leader by example to his teammates...He was always our go to guy when we needed a win! He never backed down from a challenge. His teammates loved him and followed him! So proud he wore a Ram Baseball uniform and a Rio Rancho PD Uniform.” Officer Haase died in a one-car crash October 26th on his way to a call, which is still under investigation. More than 1,000 in the Rio Rancho community, along with his law enforcement family, mourned his passing October 30 with a service at the Santa Ana Star Center.
Photo: Courtesy, Rio Rancho Police Department
“When he first became a policeman I was surprised,” says Murphy, “but then it made sense. He was a great team player, which you have to be on the force. He was laid back and respectful which is important handling the community. He would compete hard when the game started and never backed down from an opponent on the field which is a valuable trait as a policeman. He laughed and had a funny sense of humor which could only help as a policemen getting through those tough days on the job.” Officer Haase was in his first year as a police officer and newly married. He is survived by his wife Nichole and parents Phil and Cheri. He is interred at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Contributions may be made at any Bank of America location to the Officer Anthony Haase Memorial Fund.
Photo: Courtesy, Ron Murphy 30 November 2014
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