Rams legends reunite for Hall of Fame induction

RIO RANCHO (Oct. 4, 2024) — Some of the best student-athletes in Rio Rancho High School history gathered earlier this month at RRHS to reunite, catch up and enter the Rio Rancho High School Hall of Fame (HoF).

The ceremony, which took place before the RRHS Homecoming football game against Cibola, was hosted by athletic director Sal Gonzalez, but it was MC’d by former Rio athletic director and 2023 HoF inductee, Vince Metzgar.

This was the 10th class to be inducted into the Rio Rancho High School Hall of Fame and inductees were introduced by family, friends, former coaches and mentors, each of whom recapped the honorees’ athletic achievements.

After the ceremony, the HoF inductees were given places of honor at the Homecoming Game, where they were recognized at midfield during halftime.

2024 Rams Hall of Fame inductees:

David Howes – Football Coach (2003-2020)

Coach Howes had a record of 90-41 in his 11 years as the Rams head coach. That includes two state titles in 2014 and 2016. He went undefeated in both of those seasons. In 2020, Howes joined the defensive coaching staff at UNM.

Chris Rubalcaba – Wrestling, Cross Country and Track and Field (Class of 2009)

Rubalcaba was a multisport athlete, but wrestling was where he made most of his waves, earning varsity letters in all four years. He won the state individual title in 2008 and 2009 and had a record of 45-2 in his senior year.

Adam Shapiro – Football (Class of 2010)

His senior year, Shapiro broke the state receiving record in football with 93 receptions (for 1,672 yards with 14 touchdowns.) He was all-state, all-district and all-metro. After graduation he played for NMSU where he averaged six yards a rush and 12.3 yards a catch.

Shae Nolan – Wrestling and Football (Class of 2011)

As one of the best wrestlers in Rio Rancho Rams history, Nolan racked up an impressive 135-30 record over four years. During that time, he won three state individual titles and finished second in the Reno tournament of Champions, the “toughest tournament in America.”

Tristan Foley – Football, Wrestling and Track & Field (Class of 2014)

A four-year letterman in track & field and football, Foley earned all-state, all-district and all-metro honors. He won five state medals and finished first in the Marilyn Sepulveda Meet of Champions.