2022-2023 NMAA Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The New Mexico Activities Association was formed in 1921 as a private/ non-profit organization whose principle purpose is the regulation, direction, administration and supervision of interscholastic activities in the State of New Mexico. The NMAA prides itself in its leadership, providing educational and social experiences for the students and communities of New Mexico.

While we work together to make an impact on kids, let us keep one thing at the center of what we do on the sidelines, on the bench, in the stands, and on the playing surface – this is education-based athletics. This is the true extension of the classroom, where students learn lifelong skills through their participation. This is the final bastion for the purity of sport. This is where the lessons learned, and the relationships made far outweigh the final score. Yes, champions will be crowned, and trophies and medals will be awarded, but the real win achieved through interscholastic sport is much greater than that.

National statistics show that fewer than 2% of all high school athletes go on to play Division I college athletics. In New Mexico, it is far less. For many student-athletes, high school sports are the final stop in their athletic careers, but the skills they develop through their high school athletic experiences prepare them for the rest of their lives. They learn about responsibility, dedication, teamwork, dealing with adversity, interpersonal skills, commitment, leadership, and countless other qualities that will make them champions in life.

Unfortunately, we know that education-based athletics are in crisis. Club sports, the changing landscape of the NCAA, bad behavior, lack of officials, lack of coaches, and an overall decline in societal values are threatening the world of interscholastic sports. We cannot let that happen. Our students need all of us to fight for education-based athletics. Our sports are worth fighting for, as are the students we serve.

We cannot forget that every decision we make and the way we conduct ourselves should be about kids. The things we say are important must be mirrored in the way we act and the words that come out of our mouths. The student-athletes play their hardest and represent their schools and communities at the highest level, and they expect the same standard of behavior and respect from administrators and those coaching them, officiating their contests, and cheering for them in the stands.

Every one of us must set a positive example for communicating effectively, building relationships, encouraging positive behavior, and ensuring that interscholastic athletics are protected and revered to the best of our abilities. We must show everyone that the experiences student-athletes receive in interscholastic athletics cannot be replicated elsewhere. The value that we possess is priceless and we must champion it in every possible way.

Remember that we are all in this together. Every one of us plays a critical role in the interscholastic sport environment, where student-athletes get to play the games they love and where they develop the skills to become lifelong champions, even when their playing days are over.

Sally Marquez, NMAA Executive Director

2022-23 Director’s Cup

The Subway Director’s Cup is awarded annually to the top New Mexico Activities Association member schools based upon success in activities

2022-23 Subway Director’s Cup Results

Class AAAAA

First Place La Cueva

Second Place Cleveland

Third Place Volcano Vista

Fourth Place Centennial

Fifth Place Rio Rancho

Class AAAA

First Place Albuquerque Academy

Second Place Los Alamos

Third Place Artesia

Fourth Place Silver

Fifth Place St. Pius X

Class AAA

First Place St. Michael’s

Second Place Robertson

Third Place Sandia Prep

Fourth Place Santa Fe Prep

Fifth Place Socorro

Class AA

First Place Santa Rosa

Second Place Texico

Third Place Laguna Acoma

Fourth Place Rehoboth Christian

Fifth Place Loving

Class A

First Place Melrose

Second Place Gateway Christian

Third Place (Tie) Logan

Madgalena

Fifth Place Fort Sumner

Previous Winners

2021-22

Class A - Gateway Christian

Class AA - Pecos

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

CLASS AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2020-21

Class A - Melrose

Class AA - Rehoboth

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - Rio Rancho

2019-20

Class A - Melrose

Class AA - Pecos

Class AAA - Sandia Prep

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - Volcano Vista

2018-19

Class A - Melrose

Class AA - Pecos

Class AAA - Sandia Prep

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - Cleveland

2017-18

Class A - Melrose

Class AA - Fort Sumner

Class AAA - Pecos

Class AAAA - Hope Christian

Class AAAA - Artesia

Class AAAAAA - La Cueva

2016-17

Class A - Melrose

Class AA - Lordsburg

Class AAA - Pecos & Texico

Class AAAA - Hope Christian

Class AAAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAAA - Cleveland

2015-16

Class A - Elida

Class AA - Melrose

Class AAA - Pecos

Class AAAA - Hope Christian

Class AAAAA - Los Alamos

Class AAAAAA - Cleveland

2014-15

Class A - Cimarron

Class AA - Melrose

Class AAA - Clayton

Class AAAA - Hope Christian

Class AAAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAAA - Cleveland

2013-14

Class B - Carrizozo

Class A - Cimarron

Class AA - Cobre

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

Previous Winners

2012-13

Class B - Hondo Valley

Class A - Cliff

Class AA - Cobre

Class AAA - Hope Christian

Class AAAA - Piedra Vista

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2011-12

Class B - Elida

Class A - Fort Sumner

Class AA - Texico

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - Eldorado

2010-11

Class B - Elida

Class A - Fort Sumner

Class AA - Texico

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2009-10

Class A - Tatum

Class AA - Texico

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2008-09

Class A - Fort Sumner

Class AA - Texico

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Alb. Academy & Los Alamos

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2007-08

Class A - Animas

Class AA - Peñasco

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2006-07

Class A - Fort Sumner

Class AA - Peñasco

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Los Alamos

Class AAAAA - Rio Rancho

2005-06

Class A - Fort Sumner

Class AA - Hope Christian

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

2004-05

Class A - Fort Sumner

Class AA - Sandia Prep

Class AAA - St. Michael’s

Class AAAA - Albuquerque Academy

Class AAAAA - La Cueva

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners...

Corporate involvement is vital for most non-profit organizations, and the NMAA is no exception. Our corporate partners are supporting the NMAA and the 88,000 students participating in 15 sports and 23 activities each school year. By participating in education-based athletics and activities, these young people are learning life skills that cannot be taught in the classroom, such as self-discipline, sportsmanship, time management and teamwork. These skills will help our youth become more well-rounded adults who, in turn, will be productive employees and more responsible citizens. When companies invest in high school athletics and activities, they invest not only in New Mexico High Schools, but also in the communities in which our students reside. On behalf of the NMAA’s over 160 member high schools, more than 200 middle schools, their coaches and administrators, and the thousands of students who participate in athletics and activities, we want to thank to all of our corporate partners.

Gold Level

Silver Level

2022-23 State Champions

Every high school sports season ends with the crowning of a champion. Although the journey has never been easy, and is becoming more difficult every year, the NMAA does all it can to ensure that every team and student-athlete has a fair and equal opportunity to compete for a state championship and coveted BLUE TROPHY.

We congratulate all 82 state champions from the 2022-23 school year. We also want to take this opportunity to recognize those teams and individuals that won district titles; set a state, school, or personal record; hoisted a state championship trophy for the first time in school history or had their best season ever. More importantly, we salute those student-athletes for their time, dedication, and courage to compete not only for themsleves but their schools, teammates and communities. In the end, they are all winners.

FALL SPORTS

Boys Cross Country A-2A Pecos

3A Zuni

4A Los Alamos

5A Rio Rancho

Girls Cross Country A-2A Penasco

3A Santa Fe Indian School

4A Los Alamos

5A Cleveland

Football

6-Man Gateway Christian

8-Man Ft.Sumner/House

2A Jal

3A Ruidoso

4A Bloomfield

5A Artesia

6A Cleveland

Boys Soccer A-3A Sandia Prep

4A Lovington

5A Cleveland

Girls Soccer A-3A Sandia Prep

4A Hope Christian

5A Eldorado

Volleyball

A Gateway Christian

2A Laguna Acoma

3A St. Michael’s

4A Goddard

5A La Cueva

2022-23 State Champions

WINTER SPORTS

2022-23 State Champions

SPRING SPORTS

2022-23 Activities

Interscholastic activities are an extension of the classroom. The NMAA encourages students to participate in as many activities as possible during their years in school. In 2022-23, the NMAA offered 24 different activities that served as a complement to the academic journey of students. We realize the importance of keeping students engaged during their interscholastic experience, and the activity offerings of the Association are diverse and wide-reaching. The goal of the NMAA is to ensure that the needs and interests of students in our membership are met through a variety of offerings in activities and athletics.

2022-23 Activity Team Champions

COMPETE WITH CLASS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS IN 2022-23

Mackenzie Echave is a senior at Los Alamos High School. She admits that she knows what it’s like to feel both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It was her empathy that drew the attention of others. In a quarterfinal playoff game against Goddard, Mackenzie’s Hilltopper squad defeated the Rockets 2-1 in overtime. Mackenzie could see that the Goddard student athlete who gave up the winning goal was upset. Mackenzie went over to console the goalie of the losing team even before celebrating with her team. It’s acts of compassion like the one Mackenzie displayed exemplify how to Compete with Class.

A matter of seconds can decide the winner of a race, and sometimes small moments that only take a few seconds can last a lifetime. Elijah Lujan is a cross country runner at Pecos High School. The senior finished fifth at the State Championships last fall. Elijah was only 17 seconds behind the first person to cross the finish line, but it was the time he took after the race was complete that mattered most. During the awards ceremony, Elijah made sure to shake everyone’s hand and congratulate every other team and runner that won before receiving his fifth-place medal. Respect for his opponents demonstrates why Elijah Lujan Competes with Class.

It takes teamwork to win in athletics and activities, and sometimes it takes an individual to bring not only one team but rivals together. Heaven Velasquez is a dancer at Atrisco Heritage Academy. Her leadership and motivational words helped remind her team, along with others, that respect, integrity, and responsibility should be the foundation of competition. She showed others how to change a negative situation into a positive outcome. Heaven Velasquez leads by example on how to Compete with Class.

Mackenzie Echave Los Alamos HS

Elijah Lujan Pecos HS

Heaven Velasquez Atrisco Heritage

NMAA FOUNDATION AWARDED $51,500 IN STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2022-23

Since 2007, nearly 350 students at approximately 120 NMAA member schools have been awarded scholarships to attend colleges or universities of their choice. he NMAA Foundation has distributed an additional $60,000 in “Together We Rise” scholarships over the last three school years. In total, $146,500 was awarded to 130 New Mexico Students over that time. The Foundation Board of Directors has decided to continue the Together We Rise program indefinitely, and a minimum of ten (10) additional $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in 20232024. With the already established annual scholarships and these additional “Together We Rise Scholarships”, the NMAA Foundation will distribute approximately $40,000 to the youth of our state this school year.

Gary Tripp NMAA Extraordinary Participation Scholarship presented by Nusenda Credit Union

Santiago Casaus – Cuba

Lauren Ocampo – Centennial

Mario Martinez Memorial NMAA Extraordinary Participation Scholarship presented by Nusenda

Chanelle Jaeger – Academy for Technology & the Classics

Hailey Apachito – Alamo Navajo

Dan and Lucille Wood/Gray Gladiator Athletic Scholarship presented by Dion’s

Ellary Battle – Alamogordo

Cayden Walton – Raton

Activities Scholarship presented by Realty One of New Mexico and the NB3 Foundation

Fredrick York – Fort Sumner

Alyana Cordova – Clovis

El Richards/Frances Walsh Spirit Scholarship presented by Varsity Spirit

Reiylee Stewart – Clayton

Makayla Zamora – Centennial

Trade / Technical School Scholarship presented by Baca NVS and Por Vida Tattoo

Angel Armenta Torres – Moriarty

Celina Flowers - Mosquero

Pedro & Mateo Sandoval Strong Family Scholarship

Royal Page – Moriarty

Coach Dick Shelley St. Michael’s HS Basketball Scholarship

Morgan Crisp – Clayton

Ralph Ortiz BPOE Elks Club of Santa Fe Scholarship

Brycelyn Martinez – Escalante

Mike Mittelstaedt Memorial Scholarship

Savannah Ames – La Cueva

D’Shaun Vinyard – Magdalena

Lt. Col. Cecil Lynn Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Isabelle Sena – Melrose

Tom Drangmeister Memorial Scholarship

Cooper Beggs – Eldorado

Joey Montano Memorial Scholarship

Erica Ho – La Cueva

Torrance Burdex – West Mesa

Austin Denton Memorial Scholarship

Ava Lowe – Cleveland

Kathryn Montoya - Loving

Mike Danoff Memorial Scholarship

Kennedy Gibbons – Ramah

“Together We Rise” Scholarships

Scott Hofmann – East Mountain

*presented by the Pell Family

Sophia Marez – Moriarty

*presented by the Pell Family

Samantha Baltz – Rio Rancho

*presented by Mr. Bruce Cottrell

Lacy Lesly – Melrose

*presented by various NMAA & NMOA Hall of Fame Members

Malia Dumlao – Roswell

*presented by Zeroeyes

Yisel Palacios – Hobbs

*presented in memory of Hobbs HS student-athlete Kooper Davis

Benjamin Thieman – Mayfield

*presented in memory of 1967 Mayfield grad Robert T. Wheatley Jr.

Aaron Ortiz – Sandia

*presented in memory of 1968 Sandia grad Gary G. Dubrock

Adam Pacheco – Pojoaque Valley

*presented by Mr. Ben Lucero & Dr. Wendy Fronterhouse

Andres Madrid – Santa Rosa

*presented by Por Vida Tattoo

Trinity Romero – Rio Rancho

McKenna Sahd – Cimarron

*presented by New Mexico Sol

Ian Sanchez – La Cueva

Jacquelyn Gorman – St. Michael’s

Jasmine Kennedy – Capitan

Leah Tapia – Las Cruces

Matthew Romero – Moriarty

Park Strong - Logan

NMAA Student Leadership Advisory Council

The New Mexico Activities Association Student Leadership Advisory Council is comprised of students representing the NMAA’s member high schools, and its structure mirrors that of the NMAA Board of Directors. The NMAA’s SLAC gives high school students a hands-on experience with the Association and provides them both a direct line of communication to the staff. In addition, the SLAC is a vehicle for the promotion of the Compete with Class initiative on a peer-to-peer level.

The SLAC meets twice a year: once at the NMAA/NMADA Fall Conference and Annual Meeting and once during the month of January. Other functions of the SLAC include the development and maintenance of an NMAA Student Leader Handbook, which is currently posted on the NMAA website; as well as assisting with the creation of public service announcements addressing the core values of Compete with Class, which will be utilized during NMAA State Championship events. In addition, the SLAC will assist the NMAA with the promotion of the Association and its events through social media outlets and other mechanisms.

The SLAC is the voice of students from their respective regions within the NMAA governance, structure and its members will offer input and sug

gestions to NMAA staff relative to current issues facing students. The SLAC promotes a positive image of students participating in interscholastic competitions and assists in the development of campaigns to promote Compete with Class, Life of an Athlete, and other NMAA and NMAA-related initiatives.

Alexa Ordonez West Mesa HS

Lincoln Alcon Mora HS

Charles Carreathers Rio Rancho HS

Brandon Baca Hot Springs HS

Joshua Patchell Bosque School

Brody Brazil Mountainair HS

Jorianne Mirabal Magdalena HS

Brock Burns Logan HS

Rochelle Lopez Penasco HS

Nora Encinas Estancia HS

Miller Millea Est Mountain HS

Christopher Nevarez Cottonwood Classical

Ibree McCorvey Hobbs HS

Brennan Shock Cliff HS

Kylie Adams Cloudcroft HS

Benjamin Thieman Mayfield HS

Caylee Benavidez Tucumcari HS

Kodah Chapman Rehoboth Christian

Avery Thieman Mayfield HS

ALL SPORTS & ACTIVITIES 2022-23*

2022-2023 ALL SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

* Does not include operational income and expenses

The 2022-2023 State Championship ticket sales were down 10% from the previous school year. The State Basketball Tournament continues to be the main high school attraction in the state, followed by Football and Volleyball. Seven out of 12 championships for which the NMAA charges admissions saw ticket sales increase from the previous year.

2022-23 State Championship Ticket Sales

State Championship Ticket Sold over the Past 10 Years

Social Media Impact

Over 20,000 followers on Twitter

8.5 Million Impressions on Twitter in 2022-2023

Over 11,900 followers on Instagram

13,200 hours of watch time on YouTube content in 2022-2023

Over 425,500 Views on YouTube in 2022-2023

Over 32,000 followers on Facebook

NMAA Commission

Ben Tensay Large, Area A Bloomfield High School

Robert Arreola Large, Area B Lovington High School

Karen Nougues

Large, Area C Gadsden ISD

Ann Stewart Large, Area D Los Alamos High School

Gary Allison - Chair Small, Area A Springer High School

Dickie Roybal Small, Area B Melrose High School

Jory Mirabal

Small, Area C Magdalena High School

Robbie Robinson Small, Area D Eunice High School

Willie Owens Non-Public Schools Sandia Prep

Jess Martinez New Mexico Officials Association

Linda Montoya New Mexico School Boards Association

Mary Hahn Activities Council

Scott Affentranger - Vice Chair New Mexico Association of Secondary School Principals Rep. Cleveland High School

Adrian Pete Jr. High / Middle School Committee

Rehoboth Christian

Thomas “Buster” Mabrey New Mexico High School Coaches Association

Isaac Gamboa New Mexico Athletic Directors Association

Matt Moyer Superintendent Small, Area B Fort Sumner Municipal Schools

David Lackey Superintendent Small, Area C Quemado Schools

Dr. Kim Mizell Superintendent Large, Area A Bloomfield Schools

Travis Dempsey Board Vice President Superintendent Large, Area C Gadsden ISD

Hilario Chavez Superintendent Large, Area D Santa Fe Public Schools

Scott Elder Superintendent Large School District I Albuquerque Public Schools

Martin Madrid Superintendent At-Large Member Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools

Gary Allison NMAA Commission Representative Superintendent Springer High School

Patti Ann Ancell New Mexico School Boards Association Representative

Lee White Superintendent Small, Area D Loving Municipal Schools

Gene Strickland Superintendent Large, Area B Hobbs Municipal Schools

Anthony Casados Board President Superintendent Small, Area A Chama Valley IS

Ignacio Ruiz Superintendent

Large School District II Las Cruces Public Schools

Sports & Activities Duties

505-923-3286

TSA Officials

Jackie

Scott

Wrestling Tennis Powerlifting Athletic Training Challenge

Tammy

Volleyball Softball Educators Rising FFA

Bowling One Act Play Student Council Activities Council SLAC Officials

Sally Marquez Executive Director sally@nmact.org 505-923-3267

A.J. Bramlett NMAA Sports Properties aj@nmact.org 505-923-3271

Dusty Young Associate Director dusty@nmact.org 505-923-3268

Zac Stevenson Commissioner of Officials zac@nmact.org 505-923-3277

J.P. Murrieta Sports Information Director jp@nmact.org 505-923-3299

Tyler Dunkel Assistant Director of Sports tyler@nmact.org 505-923-3295

Tammy Richards Assistant Director of Sports NMADA tammy@nmact.org 505-923-3278

Chris Kedge Assistant Director of Sports chris@nmact.org 505-923-3276

Shari Kessler-Schwaner Business Manager shari@nmact.org 505-923-3279

Scott Owen Assistant Director of Sports s.owen@nmact.org 505-923-3273

Carl Vigil Asst. to Commissioner of Officials carl@nmact.org

Mindy Ioane Graphic Designer/Special Events Coordinator mindy@nmact.org 505-923-3280

Jackie Martinez Assistant Director of Sports jackie@nmact.org 505-923-3281

Alissa Wesbrook Assistant to the Executive Director alissa@nmact.org 505-923-3266

Sally Marquez Basketball Spirit Speech & Debate

Dusty Young Football Chess JROTC Esports NMAA Foundation

Tyler Dunkel Baseball Asst. Spirit

Chris Kedge Soccer Track & Field Science Fair Science Olympiad CTLP/CTSO SkillsUSA

Martinez Cross Country Swimming & Diving Track & Field Mock Trial Scholastic Publications English Expo

Owen

Richards

Zac Stevenson Golf Officials Choir & Concert Band

Carl Vigil Asst. Basketball

Annette Castillo Bookkeeper annette@nmact.org 505-595-3402