New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine Spring 2015
gals on the gridiron 2015 state basketball champs 6a
2015 nm sports hall of fame 2015 state cheer championships lobo cyclocross sparta league mma
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Hello ABQ Sports Fans, We’re just off March Madness, with history-making action at the girls high school level, a look at the team that brought home the school’s first-ever victory. The team winning the boys competition upholds a long and storied tradition, excellent court action by two very deserving teams.
ABQ Sports magazine P.O.Box 15981 • Rio Rancho, NM 87174 1.855.567.SPORT (7678) abqsportsmag.com Publisher Montoya Publishing, LLC
ABQ Sports also has more state victory results, look inside for swimming, spirit and wrestling. The boys of fall may be off the gridiron, but there’s a spunky group of women more than willing to take their place. Brian Boysen brings us images of the state’s first female tackle foot league as competition gets underway.
Managing Editor Sumiko Corley Sumiko@abqsportsmag.com
The Rio Rancho Police Department lent a hand, literally, at the Sal Puentas/Rio Rancho Baseball Invitational, throwing out pitches before each game in memory of two former players.
Sales Manager Sabrina Rees sabrina@abqsportsmag.com
The Preacher’s Daughter continues her winning streak, Trula Howe has the latest. UNM’s Cyclocross team has its best finish at a national competition, Chad Patterson with the details, Marlene Squillaci has the action.
Art Director David Lansa DL Graphic Design design@abqsportsmag.com
Lawmakers throw it down, trying to best each other, only this time it’s on the basketball court, all to benefit New Mexicans with cancer.
Director of Photography
Club Rio Rancho and Massage Envy Spa of Rio Rancho team up at the golf course to aid public servants, the top high school boys basketball players in the state, and little Leah Futey, runner extraordinaire, sets two new records in regional track competition.
Anthony Griego
All these, plus much more, in this issue of ABQ Sports!
Photographers
On the Cover
Carlos Montoya
New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine Spring 2015
view our new & improved website! abqsportsmag.com
This months cover features the Santa Fe Dukes of the New Mexico Adult Football league. Cover Photo by: Brian Boysen and William Wadsworth
Brian Carlos Montoya Boysen
GALS ON THE GRIDIRON 2015 STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPS 6A
2015 NM SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2015 STATE CHEER CHAMPIONSHIPS LOBO CYCLOCROSS SPARTA LEAGUE MMA
A NEW BEGINNING AT
CLUB RIO RANCHO APS METRO WRESTLING CHAMPIONS
Daniel Kayla Sam Martinez Montoya West Contributing Writers
Dave Chris Friedlander Martinez
#abqsportsmag
Jordan Montoya
Marty Saiz
Trula Howe
Distribution
Metro champs addition The following wrestlers were inadvertently left out of the February coverage of Metro Wrestling Champions.
2015 Metro Wrestling Champions: 126 Brandon Leyba
Rio Rancho
132 Shawn Nieto
Cleveland
138 Issac Lopez
Rio Grande
Rico
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Readers
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 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 credit: Lu and Lucille Sanchez
New Mexico’s #1 Sports Magazine Spring 2015
CONTENTS
8
aiming for state: rio rancho baseball invitational
15
Sparta league mma: army vs marines
16 gals on the gridiron: new mexico adult football league
More Sports.... 6
Perfect Posing? Call team Darkhorse
10 6A State Cheer Championships
20
2015 state high school basketball championships
12 NM Sports Hall of Fame 27 2015 Savory Affair & Silent Auction 30 Super Nationals 2015
Perfect Posing? Call the
DARKHORSE
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: CARLOS MONTOYA
I
n the world of Pro Figures, it takes more than diet and physical fitness to be successful. You need to know how to walk, how to pose, how to strut your stuff.
That’s when you call Team Darkhorse. And the man known by just his first name: JoJo. “Our Pros (Shalako, Cara and JoJo) were able to bring a seminar to NM so that all competitors get a base line on what they should be doing on stage,” says Team Darkhorse co-owner Deanielle ‘Deani’ Durant. “I think for amateurs it gives them the opportunity to see step by step in each division what is expected on stage. For experienced competitors it may be corrective for some as well as a refresher to make sure to break any bad habits that have begun. Our pros also took time out to correct and critique each pose to what is expected. Posing is an art form and ultimately can damage a competitors placing if not done right on stage. Athletes will spend anywhere from 12-15 weeks dieting and perfecting themselves and they need to be able to display that on stage!” More than 100 competitors from all over the southwest attended the posing seminar at Elite Physique in Rio Rancho, learning how to properly do the mandatory posing for each division, division routines, suits do’s and don’ts, stage appearance/presence and had Q&A with pros as well as NPC Judge Michelle Mazulis. “Elite Physique is run by Steven (Newman) and Anita (Maestas),” says Durant, “who are not only great business owners with a main priority to bring the best gym to Rio Rancho but also NPC 6 Spring 2015
competitors themselves. They understand the type of atmosphere that competitors will need during their pre-contest as well as off-season. They have a brand new space with brand new and innovative equipment that was handpicked by the owners who are also competitors themselves. They also have used the back area of their training facility to double as a posing room with very nice mirrors that were perfect for our seminar.” JoJo Ntiforo, the other owner of Team Darkhorse, has been competing, and winning, since his first competiton in 1999 the NPC NM State/Mid USA, where he won the light heavyweight AND overall divisions, later becoming New Mexico’s first IFBB pro bodybuilder. Since then JoJo, the “Darkhorse”, has earned 15 placings, finishing eighth or better at competitions such as the IFBB Dallas Europa Supershow and the IFBB Chicago Wings of Strength. Last year he earned an invitation to the 50th anniversary of Joe Wider’s Mr. Olympia competition and is ranked 16th in the world. His clients win, too. “During the 2014 competition season,” says Durant, “JoJo was given the nickname ‘The Darkhorse’ by industry insider and ‘the voice of bodybuilding’ Bob Cicherillo. This name was given to him due to his dominating presence at every show in 2014 and his showing up as an ‘unknown’ and yet ending up as a threat to win each of the first 3 shows in 2014.” Missed the seminar? Team DarkHorse is bringing more events to New Mexico, the next one slated for May. www.facebook.com/xfactor2002, IG@teamdarkhorse and @ ifbbprojojontiforo www.ntiforo.com is being launched soon.
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AIMINGforState 2015 Sal Puentes/Rio Rancho Baseball Invitational
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: Jordan MONTOYA
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“We are honored to have had two great individuals such as Sal and Anthony in our programs. I thank their families for allowing them to be Ram baseball players and letting them be a special part of our lives. We miss them and will always remember them. We love baseball here at Rio Rancho but more importantly we love what our kids achieve after HS and the great young men they become. Once a Ram always a Ram!” - Ron Murphy, Head Coach, Rams baseball
I
n most respects, this event is the top all-around tournament in New Mexico, giving teams from the North and South a chance to “square up”, scout each other and possibly even influence the end of season seeding for state. It’s more than just a competition, though. This year, Rio Rancho’s finest threw out pitches for every game at the Rams’ stadium. It’s a way to honor those who serve, and remember two former players who passed too soon; one of whom used to serve with the police department. Sal Puentas, a shortstop and standout two-sport Ram, died in 2007 while a student at Western NM University. Pitcher and Officer Anthony Haase also died in a car crash, his occurred while serving. “I have a #3 Jersey for Sal Puentes and # 15 for Anthony Haase hanging above my desk,” says Rams head baseball coach Ron Murphy. “Every day I see these jerseys when I come to work which reminds me of the great kids we have all the time coming through our doors every year. I touch their jerseys each day before I go to practice or a game just to pay tribute to them and remember them. I kinda ask them to help me be a better coach that day.” Eight teams are competing, four each from the North and South, four games each day for three days. At press time, the tournament had not concluded. Rio Rancho has been hosting the tournament since 2008. abqsportsmag.com • 9
2015 State Cheer
Champions 6A PHOTOS: Brian Boysen, MOJI Photography
VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Spring has Arrived
SANDRA NARANJO, Head Coach
T
he ladies of Valley High surprised no one with their performance - beautiful, brilliant, athletic and dominant. Naranjo actually quit in August, returning to coach the girls to the first-ever state cheer championship in the newly formed 6A. This is Valley’s 11th state victory in the past 12 years.
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One Step at a Time
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: RIO RANCHO BASEBALL
I
t’s hard to imagine that a pair of shoes could change the course of a life.
For those living in developing countries, they can mean the difference between continued poverty and the opportunity for an education, jobs and better health. The Rio Rancho baseball team is endeavoring to collect 7,500 pairs of shoes. That’s more than the entire population of Belen, according to the 2013 census. To date, they’ve gathered over 2,000 pairs. New, used, they take them. The team has partnered with Funds2Org and have 14 drop off locations in the Albuquerque area.
“There are 26 microenterprise countries,” says Mary Girsch-Bock, shoedrive coordinator, “where the shoes can be sent, including Haiti, Dominican Republic, Tanzania, Ghana, Costa Rica, Botswana, El Salvador, Ukraine, and others. The drive started in Mid-February and will continue through April 30. This is the first year we are doing this - and it has really caught on for a lot of reasons. First, fundraising is hard for everyone, particularly when you have 45 to 50 kids all selling the same items. We thought that this would be a great community service project for the team.”
Help keep shoes out of our landfill
SHOE DRIVE DROP OFF LOCATIONS: Loma Colorado Library Rio Rancho Gymnastics Elite Physique in Rio Rancho The Kellogg Agency in Rio Rancho Rio Rancho High School - Athletic Office Rio Rancho High School - Baseball Office Rio Rancho City Hall Home Town Threads in Rio Rancho on Southern Defined Fitness in Rio Rancho
Help a family get out of poverty
GIVE US YOUR SOLES! OUR GOAL: 7,500 PAIRS OF SHOES The Rio Rancho Rams Baseball Team is collecting gently worn, used footwear. Shoes, boots, flip-flops, cleats, skates, - we’ll take them all! All shoes collected will be used in developing nations, where they are cleaned, repaired or melted down to make a new pair of shoes. This enables impoverished people to start, maintain, and grow a small business and provide for their families. SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
McDermott Baseball in Rio Rancho Latitudes in Rio Rancho Snap Fitness in Albuquerque Cottonwood Mall Office at the Mall Albuquerque Health Partners on Journal Center www.facebook.com/rioranchorams2015shoedrive
HELP US TURN POVERTY...
...INTO POSSIBILITIES
abqsportsmag.com • 11
2015 NM Sports
HALL OF FAME BY: MARTY SAIZ PHOTOS: MARTY SAIZ, VINCENT MAISANO & ELLIOT MADRISS
“We inducted the largest class in 42 years. The seven individuals were very deserving and exemplified the greatness of athletes and coaches who have impacted athletics worldwide, nationally and statewide. We had two coaches, Pete Shock and Rocky Arroyo, who positively impacted athletics as a player and coach for over 50 years. We had two Olympians, George Young, bronze medal winner and first 4-time USA Olympian plus Trent Dimas, gold medalist in the 1992 Olympics. We also had 3 professional athletes inducted - Ralph Kiner who is in Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame as a player and broadcaster; 13 -year NBA player, Kansas University and Hobbs High School great, Bill Bridges who is still the only player to be born and attend high school in New Mexico to be drafted to the NBA; 13 year pro Dallas Cowboys, University of Oklahoma and Farmington High School, Ralph Neely to complete the class of inductee.” - Marty Saiz, President, NM Sports Hall of Fame, March 1, 2015, Sandia Resort & Casino
Inductee Trent Dimas & Mahlon Love, board Inductee Ralph Kiner by son Scott, Fred Inductee George Young Inductee and member and Kayla Scheer Hultberg, board member, and Justin Gia- board member Stan Whitake coletti of Enterprise Car Rental
Inductee Ralph Neely by brother Larry with Inductee Vicente Ricky Arroyo by wife Leonella and son, and Board Member Board Members Buddy Robertson and Isidro Rubi Marty Saiz 12 Spring 2015
Inductee Pete Shock & board member Henry Tafoya
Love, Hope, Success, Family, Security. Amateur of the Year, Alex Bregman by parents Sam and Jackie Bregman and board member Henry Tafoya
Collegiate Male Athlete of the Year Curtis Beach and board member Judge Joseph Baca
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abqsportsmag.com • 13
The Preacher’s
Daughter and the
UFC
BY: TRULA HOWE Photo: heather Clark
T
he odds-makers are usually right, and just as predicted, Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm’s entry into the UFC was indeed successful, though the margin was far narrower than the betting odds. She went into her promotional debut as the -900 favorite, but won via split-decision over Racquel Pennington (5-5), on February 28, 2015 at UFC 184. Holm, New Mexico native and resident, globally-known for being the best pound-for-pound female boxer and the 18-time worldboxing-champion in three different weight classes, is now 8-0 in her MMA career. “Because of all the hype, “ says Holm, “I didn’t think I could live up to it; there was so much talk, and yeah, there was a lot of nerves involved. I hate that it was a split decision… But what can you do? I’ll just try to get better.”
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The match, initially slated for UFC 181, was scratched when Holm suffered a neck injury. Pennington was given a new opponent and she submitted to Ashlee Evans-Smith late in the first-round on December 6. Holm-Pennington was rescheduled for UFC 184 then moved to the co-main event when three main card matches were scrapped. Although Pennington had more UFC experience and won her last fight, it was Holm –making her UFC debut - who drew the pre-fight press coverage. However, the end result wasn’t quite what fans had hoped. “I have to say,” says Holm, “I’m kind glad that it’s over, but then I kind of wish I could have done this a little better. I feel like there are things I did well. Stuffing all of her takedowns …and I wish I would’ve sat down a little more on my punches, but it’s definitely been a really fun and new experience, I’m just looking forward to the next one.” UFC President stated that Holm “needs a couple more fights” before she is ready to face the current and only Female Bantamweight Champion, Ronda Rousey.
Sparta League MMA Army
Vs
Marines
T
ension and excitement was boiling over at Santa Ana Star Center. Social media was buzzing with fights and New Mexico’s own Jon “Bones” Jones made an appearance to support fighters. This made a huge impact on fighters energy levels, and corners shouted “Let’s show Bones how we do it!” Albuquerque’s own Conrad Padilla came out headhunting Clayton Wimer, landing some huge shots knocking Clayton down, Conrad quickly jumped into Wimer’s guard who utilized his long limbs to get top position over Conrad. Wimer finally sunk in the hooks and locked the rear naked choke despite Conrad’s heavy hands. Article & Photos: Sam West
Jon “Bones” Jones and Jade Mink abqsportsmag.com • 15
Gals
on the
Gridiron
16 Spring 2015
BY: SUMIKO CORLEY Photos: Brian Boysen and William Wadsworth
T
he 100-some females playing in this inaugural season of the New Mexico Adult Football League aren’t afraid of some hard knocks. League founder Jayla Ortiz says most have no experience playing football, but most have played another sport and want a new challenge. There are five teams, members are age 18 and older. “Santa Fe Dukes, Roswell Destroyers, Farmington Southwest Wolves, Amarillo Lady Punishers, Almogordo Aztecs,” says Ortiz. “Competition is these teams play each other twice in the league and some of these teams like Farmington, Santa Fe Dukes are taking on other teams from a higher more experienced teams from out of state.”
Players provide their own gear, fees vary according to team. The coaches volunteer and Ortiz say they all have experience coaching whether it be at the junior high, high school or YAFL level. “If any ladies would like to join a team please get a hold of any of the teams in your city or close to your city.” says Ortiz. “If you are interested in starting a team please get a hold of our commissioners, by going to our Website. Our commissioners are Jeanita Williams, Jennifer Chaplin, Dean Karch and Jasmine Carpenter.” Find more information at leaguelineup.com/nmafl.
“Some of these girls have always wanted to play football and because of the bias most women have had to live with they couldn’t. Now here is their chance.” - Jayla Ortiz, NM Adult Football League abqsportsmag.com • 17
LOBO CYCLOCROSS 2015 USA CYCLING CYCLOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY: SUMIKO CORLEY | PHOTOS: MARLENE SQUILLACI
T
he Lobos have earned their top finish ever at Cyclocross Nationals, earning 6th in the Overall team competition in Austin, Texas earlier this year.
The Overall championship is comprised of the team relay and individual results in both the men’s and women’s divisions. To put that into perspective, there are more than 130 D1 collegiate cycling programs nationwide. Just 32 of those 130 qualified for nationals, the Lobos are in the top 20% of that elite group. Tiziana DeHorney, just 17 years old and a La Cueva alum, had the highest female Lobo finish with 8th, grad student Doug Torres is the highest placing UNM male at 44th. “Tiziana is a 3-time junior national champion in cyclocross, mountain biking and 24-hour mountain biking,” says team manager Chad Patterson. “She also won state championships in track and cross country at La Cueva. Doug Torres won 6 races in 2014, including the Mesa del Sol and Tijeras rounds and the overall individual title in the Southwest Conference collegiate cyclocross season.” Lobo Cyclocross also placed 5th in the team relay. Historically, the Lobos have won five national championships between 1993 and 2004 - three individual and two team time trials. Road nationals are this May in Asheville, NC.
“We will be there,” says Patterson, “provided we can find the resources to get our riders to the race. When we do find the money for the trip, we will be able to field a full men’s and women’s team for the first time in over a decade.» Full-time students are eligible to compete with the team. www.unm.edu/~lobobike/
“6th place in cyclocross was the 2nd best result of any non-varsity program and it makes the Lobos the 11th-ranked collegiate cycling program in the US.” - Chad Patterson, UNM Cyclocross Team Manager
2015 State
WRESTLING CHAMPS 6A Rio Rancho Rams PHOTOS: MOJI Sports Photography
2015 6A Individual State Champions
Mike Santos, Head Coach The mighty Rams defended their 6A 2014 title earning 252 points and five individual titles to capture the team crown.
“We are back to back state champs! We had a lot of seniors and they stepped up and performed! It’s always nice to see individuals win titles but this year was a total team effort. Every one of the wrestlers played a part in capturing another state title.” - Mike Santos, Rio Rancho Wrestling Head Coach
The Original Ironworks
106 Michael Mascarenas Cleveland 113 Noah Mirabal Cleveland 120 Treavon Nicoley Cleveland 126 Brandon Leyba Rio Rancho 132 Ryan Rochford Rio Rancho 138 Isaac Lopez Rio Rancho 145 Richard Govea Volcano Vista 152 Orlando Gutierrez Rio Rancho 160 Kyle Snelling La Cueva 170 Santago Apodaca Cleveland 182 Miguel Barreras Rio Rancho 195 Scott Yarbrough Cleveland 220 Mark Hussey Rio Grande 285 James Romero Atrisco Heritage
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abqsportsmag.com • 19
2015 6A State H PHOTOS: Brian Boysen, MOJI Photography
CIBOLA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS - LORI MABREY, Head Coach
T
he Lady Cougars clinched their first-ever girls state basketball victory March 14th at the Pit. They opened 11-0 over La Cueva, the excellent foot and hand action of some special players deserves note: Amaya Brown, Kavi Brown and Dmitri Fong, as well as Corbyn Cunningham and Kristin Dearth, who each averaged a double-double. This is a young team graduating just one senior. Final: 58-46 over the Bears.
“It has been an amazing season in which we had the best record In School history at 28-2. We won the metro, Mayfield, district reg season, district tourney and the state championship! It’s the very first one for Cibola High School and took 40 years!” - Lori Mabrey, Cibola Girls Basketball Head Coach
20 Spring 2015
Hoop Champs HOBBS HIGH SCHOOL BOYS - MIKE SMITH, Head Coach
T
he Eagles dynasty continues. In front of a crowd estimated at 10,000, Hobbs secured their 17th state boys basketball championship at the Pit. Fine performances from all of the Eagles, particularly senior point guard Trey Nelson and Kelvin Jones. Hobbs defeated Cleveland 60-56.
abqsportsmag.com • 21
D1 NATION HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RANKINGS
STORY & PHOTOS: MARTY SAIZ
T
he D1 Nation Recruiting Service has been ranking high school basketball players in New Mexico for the last 4 years. The rankings reflect their performance in 2014-2015 and 2014 AAU season, plus fall’s D1 Nation Top 100 and Area Codes basketball showcases this fall. For some players who have not played in one of the top AAU travel teams in the state - Danny Granger D1 Ambassadors or the New Mexico Force, it is difficult to see how they would fare against tougher competition. They may have the stats for their high school team, but may not translate to tougher competition at a higher level. Here are the Preseason D1 Nation Rankings:
Top 10 Players
1.
Ryan Jones
4. Christian Cunningham
7. Trevin Ramirez
Ryan Jones (2015) 6-3, Cleveland High School . Only player in the state to sign in November to a D1 school, University of Massachusetts Lowell. Ryan is the best creating a shot for the outside and taking the ball basketball. If you leave him open, he will knock down the shot. Christian Cunningham (2015) 6-6, Cibola High School. The most athletic player in the state, who can jump out of the gym. Christian is the other state’s top D1 potential player and best dunker. His long arms make him a tough defender and shot blocker. Trevin Ramirez (2015) 6-2, Carlsbad High School. Quiet leader whose athleticism allows him to be effective on both sides of the ball. Trevin is a good ball-handler, who can hit the 3’s, plus can defend the other team’s best player.
10.
2.
Kelvin Jones
5. Marcus Williams
8.
DJ Bustos
Kelvin Jones (2015) 6-11, Hobbs High School. Best big man in the state. Kent can play up on the press and has nice touch around the basketball. He creates havoc defensively. He is the state’s top D1 potential player.
Marcus Williams (2016) 6-4, Cleveland High School. The#1 junior and one of the best overall athletes in the state. He is D1 potential in both football and basketball. He is a great scorer and rebounder.
3. Brady Patterson
6.
Trey Nelson (2015) 5-10, Hobbs High School. Tough point guard who wants the ball in crunch times. He provides great leadership and energy on both offensively and defensively.
Trey Nelson DJ Bustos (2017) 6-3, West Las Vegas High School. He has already scored over 1,000 points in his career and has started every game since 8th grade. DJ is on time to break the state’s career scoring record. He is the best shooter in the state. He can shoot from NBA range and also effective taking it to the basket. He has D1 potential.
9.
Gabe Bump
Joseph Sattersfield
Joseph Satterfield (2017) 6-2, Centennial High School. Athletic player who score from all parts of the court. He also a strong defender and rebounder.
22 Spring 2015
Brady Patterson (2015) 6-2, Rio Rancho High School . Smart basketball player who is best taking the ball to the basket and finishing. Brady knows how to create foul opportunity and thus, he is a great free throw shooter. He is also a great 3 point shooter and defender. He will play next year at D2 Eastern New Mexico.
Gabe Bump – (2016) 6-2, Albuquerque High School. Smart basketball player who can make things happen both offensively and defensively. Gabe is strong taking it to the basket. He will be the floor leader for the Bulldogs.
HOOPSforHOPE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! MAY 2, 2015,SATURDAY
Y 1ST SATURDA ! IN MAY BY: SUMIKO CORLEY PHOTOS: Courtesy, UNM Cancer Center
L
awmakers are used to battling along party lines. March 4th, though, they faced each other between the baselines and endlines at Santa Fe High School, raising money for the UNM Cancer Center.
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“If anybody gets out of here without any broken bones or bloody noses, it’s a win,” says Representative Bill McCamley (D – Dona Ana). The court action - surprisingly good - and good natured - with the Senate “Lobos” team, coached by Bob Davie, pulling out a 35-29 victory over Lou Henson’s House “Aggies” team. “The ‘Hoops 4 Hope’ event is fun for everyone involved, but it is also an important source of support for the UNM Cancer Center,” says Cheryl Willman, MD, UNM Cancer Center Director & CEO. “The proceeds help us to deliver the cutting-edge, compassionate care that all New Mexicans deserve.” The event raised $22,350 for the UNM Cancer Center. “It is home to New Mexico’s largest team of board-certified oncology physicians and research scientists, says Willman, “representing every cancer specialty and hailing from prestigious institutions such as M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, and the Mayo Clinic.” Last year, The American Cancer Society reports that more than 10,000 New Mexicans were diagnosed with cancer. In the past eight years this event has raised nearly $125,000.
“We are deeply grateful to New Mexico’s legislators for their steadfast commitment to fighting cancer in our state.” - Dr. Cheryl Willman, UNM Cancer Center Director & CEO
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2015 State
Swimming Champs
PHOTOS: MOJI Sports Photography
Eldorado High School Girls
SUMMER 2015
395 points Quint Seckler, Head Coach
JUNE 1-AUGUST 7
Camps & Classes
Albuquerque Academy Boys 339 points Tom Cyprus, Head Coach 24 Spring 2015
2015 Gathering
of April Nations 23-25
University of New Mexico -“The Pit”
APRIL 23-25, 2015 Albuquerque, New Mexico Miss Indian World Traditional Talent Presentations
Thursday, April 23, 2015
ALBUQUERQUE CONVENTION CENTER 401 2nd Street NW (Downtown) Showtime at 7 pm Sharp!! Doors Open at 6 pm HOSTS: Lisa Meeches (Canadian TV Personality) Winnipeg, Man. & Jason Whitehouse (Powwow Personality) Madison Hts, MI SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT: The Luna Blues Machine - Chicago, IL TICKETS: Tickets Sold at Door: $14 • Doors Open at 6 pm Advance tickets at www.gatheringofnations.com Miss Indian World Contestant Applications, Call (505) 836-2810 or Go Online at www.gatheringofnations.com AN ENCHANTING EVENING FOR ALL WHO ATTEND!
T
CROWNING OF MISS INDIAN WORLD: Saturday, 7:30 pm at the Powwow
he beauty and athleticism of Native American dance is coming to Albuquerque’s Convention Center in the biggest gathering of indigenous peoples in the world.
The 32nd annual event draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators, including 700 tribes and 3,000 dancers and singers. The three-day event opens with the Miss Indian World competition. “The Gathering of Nations,” says Derek Mathews, Gathering of Nations founder, “strives to be a positive cultural and spiritual experience that is exhilarating for everyone. The powwow features thousands of dancers performing different styles from many regions and tribes, offers the finest in Native American arts and crafts in the Indian Traders Market, a delicious variety of Native American and Southwest cuisine, and the best in contemporary entertainment performances on Stage 49.” The Gather of Nations opens Thursday, April 23 at 7pm, Miss Indian World will be crowned Saturday evening at WisePies Arena, known also at The Pit.
STAGE 49
Featuring the best in Native American traditional and contemporary music! Check www.gatheringofnations.com for Tickets and updated schedules and performers. Managed by Emergence Productions
HEADLINING CAST
HEAD MAN DANCER: Juaquin Hamilton - Shawnee, OK HEAD LADY DANCER: Tanksi Clairmont - Denver, CO HEAD YOUNG MAN: George Gillette - Falls Church, VA HEAD YOUNG LADY: Victory Randall - Sacramento, CA NORTHERN DANCE JUDGE: Shirley Hill - Calgary, Alb. SOUTHERN DANCE JUDGE: Bonnie Monoessy - Fletcher, OK SOUTHERN DRUM JUDGE: Jay Mule - Norman, OK NORTHERN DRUM JUDGE: Jordan White-Eye - Walpole Island, Ont. ARENA DIRECTORS: Randy Medicine Bear - Loveland, CO George “Cricket” Shields - Shawnee, OK ANNOUNCERS: Sammy “Tonkei” White - Anadarko, OK Dennis Bowen, Sr. - Tuba City, AZ Vince Beyl - Bemidji, MN Ruben Little Head - Happy Flats, MT (Roving) Jason Whitehouse - Madison Hts, MI (Roving) Larry Yazzie - Tama, IA INVITED DRUMS: Young Bear - Mandaree, ND -‘14 No. Champs Thunder Hill - Weatherford, OK - ‘14 So. Champs White Fish Bay - White Fish Bay, Ont. Buc Wild - Chinle, AZ Iron Boy - Prior Lake, MN MISS INDIAN WORLD 2014-15: Taylor Thomas - Fort Hall, ID
TRAVEL
Double Tree: 1-800-584-5058 Ask for GON Rate $99 MCM Elegante: (505) 884-2511 Ask for GON Rate $89
Crown Plaza Hotel: (866) 384-4934 GON Rate Starting $89 Sheraton Airport: (800) 227-1117 GON Rate Starting $99 Official Airline www.southwest.com 1-800-I FLY SWA Official Sponsor
www.wellsfargo.com
www.GatheringofNations.com abqsportsmag.com • 25
New Mexico
NOTABLES curtis flakes
master trainer, usa football Photo: usa football
USA Football has selected Albuquerque High’s head football coach to serve as a Master Trainer, one of just 26 nationwide picked for this elite group. Flakes recently instructed coaches in his region on the principles of Heads Up Football, geared toward player safety and positive amateur football experiences.
leah futey
record breaker
PHOTO: GRETCHEN FUTEY Competing at the Arizona Indoor Classic & Youth West Zone Championship at Northern Arizona University mid March, Futey blew away her competition in both the 1500m (5:23.95) and the 800m (2:29.45) in the 9-10 year old division, setting new records in each of the races, qualifying for the national championship. Leah is a 12-time All-America athlete, 2-time national champ and 13-time state and regional champion in track, cross country and long jump.
luke futey
national qualifyer
PHOTO: GRETCHEN FUTEY Brother of Leah, Luke also qualified for the national championship by placing 3rd in the 3000m (11:40.03) and 5th in the 1500m (5:27.87) in the 13-14 year old division. Luke is a two-time national All-American.
26 Spring 2015
frank castillo
la cueva head basketball coach PHOTOS: ELLIOT MADRISS
La Cueva head basketball coach celebrated his 665th victory, making him #1 alltime in the Albuquerque metro area, #6 all time in New Mexico. Castillo has coached a total of 990 APS games over 37 years.
laurynn sisneros
1500m gold arizona indoors
PHOTO: GRETCHEN FUTEY Sisneros brought home gold in the 1500m (5:45.38) in the 11-12 year old division and place 3rd in the 800m (2:49.89) in her first major competition.
2015 Savory Affair
& Silent Auction
benefitting Ten-82
I
Club Rio Rancho Golf | Massage Envy Spa Rio Rancho t’s your chance to dress up, enjoy some good food and beverages and bring home a little momento while supporting New Mexico’s law enforcement, firefighters and other public servants.
Ten-82 was founded by two local police officers in 2008. Since then, it has donated more than $100,000 to our state’s public servants for everything from funeral costs to catastrophic medical bills.
Club Rio Rancho is hosting the event May 15, 6pm. It’s partnered with Massage Envy Spa of Rio Rancho for this cocktail party; attendees will enjoy food and alcohol samples from vendors, a live and a silent auction, and hear first hand from someone who has received help from the Ten-82 foundation.
Here’s how you can help - make a donation. Palmerton’s business is accepting donations of all sorts - gift cards for things like groceries, hotels, restaurants and movie tickets, art, firearms, etc; the address is 4229 Crestview Dr, Rio Rancho, 87124. You can also email her at Salina.harris@massageenvy.com.
“We want to raise enough money to help Ten-82 help police officers, firemen and public servants to help them in their time of need,” says event volunteer Salina Palmerton, owner of Rio Rancho’s Massage Envy Spa. “These servants help protect us and serve us so we want to give back to them.”
Past recipients of this event include the Purple Heart Foundation, St. Felix Pantry and Haven House. There are two door prizes, including one $250 dollar cash prize. Tickets are $10, available at the door and in advance from Rio Rancho Massage Envy Spa, Ten-82 and the golf shop at Club Rio Rancho.
abqsportsmag.com • 27
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RIO RAPIDS SOCCER CLUB
2015 COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
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wenty Rio Rapids club players are taking their passion for soccer to the next level, making commitments to play at colleges across the nation.
Rio introduced these athletes February 4th at a National Letter of Intent signing at Prime by Vernon’s. They have a long list of accomplishments at the team and personal level. Included in this group are the Rio Rapids 97 boys and 97 girls teams, each of which have won five consecutive state championships and the 2014 NPL Mountain Development League Championship. The 97 girls team have tied their team record of signing 16 players to college.
“Rio Rapids Soccer Club has made it a top priority to provide our members with the most comprehensive college search programs, resources and player development initiatives in the state of New Mexico. We are thrilled to see so many of our players take advantage of these resources and be rewarded for their hard work on the field and in the classroom with an opportunity to play college soccer.” - Ray Nause, Rio Rapids Director of Coaching Education & Development
RIO RANCHOS NEWEST HOT YOGA STUDIO IS NOW OPEN! HOT AND WARM VINYASA • YOGA • PILATES MONTHLY SIGN UP FEE WAIVED! UNTIL 4-24-15 CHILDCARE FOR SELECT CLASS TIMES PRIVATE GROUPS AND WORKSHOPS, PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
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28 Spring 2015
Senior Olympic Games 37 Years and Going Strong S
enior Olympic Games 37 Years and Going Strong
Several of New Mexico’s ‘senior’ athletes will be defending their titles at the upcoming National Senior Games – Senior Olympics in Minnesota this July. They include swimmers Jordan Wolle, Jackie Marr, Henry Miller and Philipp Djang, Francoise Barnes and Elizabeth Von Toll (track & field) and Jacqueline Tommelein (tennis). They will be joined by nearly 300 New Mexicans who qualified for nationals in 2014. Senior Olympics holds nationals every other year, with the qualifier being held in an even numbered year. “Senior Olympics Game motivates seniors 50+ to be active and involved in a physical fitness activity on a regular basis,” says executive director Cecilia Acosta. The “level of competition is serious. The socialization aspect for the athletes is important to establish friendships with others from different parts of the state and the country.” Even though 2015 is not a national qualifying year, there are still upwards of 1,000 athletes prepping for the state competition, being held in Roswell June 3-6. Basketball, swimming, tennis and track & field are a few of the more traditional events, but Senior Olympics just about has it all, including air gun, horseshoes and pickleball.
www.nmseniorolympics.org 1-888-623-6676
QUALIFY LOCALLY FOR SENIOR OLYMPICS STATE SUMMER GAMES June 3-6 • Roswell, NM • 1.888. 623.6676
LOCAL GAME FACTS
• Must be 50 years old before December 31st • Great Comaraderie and Sportsmanship • Compete at Nationals - every two years • Age Divisions - 5 years - M/W 50-54; 55-59; 60-64 . . . • Competing in Senior Sports is living a healthy lifestyle
NEW MEXICO SENIOR OLYMPICS
PO BOX 2690 • ROSWELL, NM 88202 1.888.623.6676 • 575.623.5777 • FAX: 575.622.9244 NMSO@NMSENIOROLYMPICS.ORG • WWW.NMSENIOROLYMPICS.ORG
26+ Individual Sports • Air Gun • Archery • Badminton • Basketball Free Throw 3 Point Shot • Bowling • Cycling • Dance • Disc Golf
• 8-Ball Pool • Field • Frisbee Accuracy Distance • Fun Events • Golf • Horseshoes • Huachas • Pickleball
• Race Walk • Racquetball • Road Race • Shuffleboard • Soccer Kick • Softball Throw • Swimming • Table Tennis • Tennis • Track
A BLAST FROM THE PAST June 3-6 , 2015 • Roswell, NM Paid for in part by City of Roswell Lodgers Tax abqsportsmag.com • 29
Super Nationals Photo credit: Lu and Lucille Sanchez
NOW RACES OPEN!! SUNDAYS AT 2 PM CALL FOR OTHER
TIMES AVAILABLE Hours Monday thru Saturday 10-7pm INDOOR TRACK • OUTDOOR TRACK Sunday: 11- 6 pm ROCK CRAWLER • REMOTE CONTROL CARS • PARTS & ACCESSORIES Rcsportscomplex.weebly.com
4021 Barbara Loop SE (528 & Barbara LP) • Rio Rancho, NM • 505 896 3521 30 Spring 2015
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