Around the Hood: The NM Runners nailed it

Editor’s Note: Semi-weekly, Rio Rancho Observer sports and education reporter Taylor Hood looks at one of the main news items in sports around Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, and Sandoval County. From NM Runners soccer to prep cheer to club sports, Taylor will dive in as he takes a look, “Around the Hood.”

Well, that was fast.

It was a whirlwind weekend for the New Mexico Runners, Rio Rancho’s favorite Arena Soccer League squad.

On Friday (Jan. 17) the team announced on their site that longtime head coach Steve Famiglietta was stepping down, effectively immediately.

While they didn’t give a specific reason, it isn’t all that hard to figure out. The Runners are 0-5 this season (0-4 at the time of the announcement), having allowed 77 goals in that span, and scoring just 24.

It was a tough start to the season, but that shouldn’t erase Coach Famiglietta’s legacy. He is the first and only coach the team has had and the organization and fans owe him a lot.

So, allow me to formally say, on behalf of myself and the Rio Rancho Observer, thank you Coach Famiglietta.

Now then, on Friday the coach leaves. On Saturday, the team flies to Wichita with their new head coach to face an old rival, the Wichita Wings.

Wait... new head coach? That’s right. Rio Grande Ravens head coach Brian Weems is the man of the hour.

The NM Runners announced the new hire in a news release on Monday afternoon, but the decision had already been made. According to team owner Andres Trujillo, Weems and one of his assistant coaches made the trip to Wichita with the team.

On Tuesday, the Runners held the introductory press conference at High Noon Saloon in Old Town Albuquerque.

Did you catch all of that? That alright. What’s important for this column is this question: did the Runners make the right call?

The short answer is: Yup. They sure did.

But if you need a little more than that, allow me to draw up a brief “pros and cons”.

Pros are kind of easy to come by. Weems has experience as a player and coach. He is young, with a fresh way of thinking. He is charismatic and has natural leadership ability. He loves soccer.

Maybe best of all, Weems is bringing an entire staff with him. Three of his assistants from Rio Grande are coming along for the ride, as is Ryan Sanchez, the Sandia boys’ soccer head coach.

So, while Weems is an offensive-minded coach, he has already brought in help for the other phases of the game.

Cons are not so easy. Let me think...

Here’s a con (I guess): he’s a high school coach.

That’s pretty much it, and I’d personally argue that that isn’t much of a con at all. I see how hard these coaches work. In fact, it’s kind of my job to notice these things. I know they have complex tactics and proven methods.

I hear people say, “high school coach” like it means the person is just a glorified babysitter or something; an I9 dad wrangling toddlers at the public park every Saturday morning. (No shade to all the I9 dads out there. Thank you for all you do! I honestly don’t know how you manage it.)

Have we all forgotten Coach Eric Taylor of “Friday Night Lights” fame? “High School coach” is not an easy job. It takes hard work, and dedication, and time, and Weems has shown he has what it takes to do that successfully... even if his successes aren’t celebrated on ESPN.

The move to the Arena League is certainly a step up for the longtime coach, but the gap is not as big as some might think. Especially when you are talking about Weems’ Ravens program.

Here’s some quick background. Under Weems, last season, the Ravens went 17-4-1 and took their first district title in team history. At the front of it all was Leo Bencomo Zarate, arguably the best soccer player in the state. Leo, as he is called, is going to get paid to play soccer. He just is. And sooner rather than later.

Yes, it’s easier to turn a program around when you have a talent like Leo. But being able to utilize that talent to maximum effect is not a given for a coach. But Weems did it. He took a good team with a great player and made it a great team.

So, I for one am excited to see where the Runners go from here. I’d urge patience from the fan base, but I know I don’t need to; the real ones know the turnaround will take time, but now, hopefully, they also know progress is on the way.

Editor’s Note: Semi-weekly, Rio Rancho Observer sports and education reporter Taylor Hood looks at one of the main news items in sports around Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, and Sandoval County. From NM Runners soccer to prep cheer to club sports, Taylor will dive in as he takes a look, “Around the Hood.”