Big college signing day for 12 RRPS student-athletes

Rio Rancho High SchoolRIO RANCHO — “It’s really the best part of this job,” said Rams head football coach Nate Pino, who was all smiles as he watched four of his athletes sign their college commitment letters in a ceremony at the RRHS gymnasium Feb. 5. In addition, one Rams golfer signed as well.

Star wide receiver Jace Pitt signed with Western New Mexico University (WNMU). Pitt is a long-ball specialist who made his career with splashy, high-yardage catches, and the Mustangs will need him, having gone 2-9 last season.

Pitt will be joined at WNMU by offensive lineman Jack Warble. Listed at 6 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing in at 290 pounds, the impressive tackle will help allow Pitt the time he needs to pull off those long-bomb plays.

Rams starting quarterback JJ Arellano has led the Rams since coming onto the team as a sophomore. Now the star Ram is taking his talents to New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The Cowboys also went 2-9 last season with inconsistent offensive output. Arellano will get a chance to bring the NMHU Cowboys back to glory.

“[Arellano’s] been a leader in our locker room for three years, so it’s really great to get see him go on to the next level,” said Pino.

Kai Bradford is a dual athlete, taking on both football and basketball. His breakout senior season on the gridiron got him some notice, and he’ll be heading to the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell.

“It’s exciting,” said Pino. “Getting to see these guys pursue their dreams, and all the hard work these players put in, to be able to get to see them move forward with it [is amazing.]”

In addition to the four football players, Payton Black will be heading to Montana State University-Billings (MSUB) to play for the Yellowjackets’ golf program.

MSUB has a nationally renowned collegiate golf program. Last season, the men’s team finished the GNAC Championships with a team score of 848, a record high for that tournament.

“The facilities are really good up there,” said RRHS golf head coach Jason Black. “Right now, I think he’s the number-one ranked senior in the state. And he’s going to get a chance to play right away, and he really likes the coach, so I’m happy for him.”

All signings are special for a coach, but Coach Black says this one was particularly important. That’s to be expected considering Payton is his own flesh-and-blood.

“It’s weird seeing your son,” said Coach Black, after taking off his “coach hat” and putting on his “dad hat.” “You got all these people, and it’s hard not to be emotional, but it’s an emotional thing, seeing your son signing to go to college.”

Cleveland High SchoolRIO RANCHO — The following day, Feb. 5, Cleveland hosted its own winter signing day.

Five football players, one baseball player and a soccer player all signed their college commitment letters.

Two Storm football players will be joining RRHS signees Pitt and Warble at WNMU.

Micah Hoffman puts the “strong” in strong safety, dominating opponents throughout his senior year and leading his team to the state championship.

Joining Hoffman will be breakout tight end and outside linebacker Jon Baca. In his senior year, Baca destroyed his opponents, grabbing 20 total tackles, including eight solo tackles.

Juan Munoz is an “ironman,” able to contribute on both sides of the ball, and proving to be one of the main factors in the Storm’s recent state championship. The offensive/defensive weapon will be joining Rams QB Arellano at NMHU.

While he was disruptive on defense, Munoz did his real damage on offense. As a running back, he had 183 total carries for 1,827 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Angel Gallegos-Azpeitia is heading out of state to play for the Ottawa University-Arizona Spirit, which went an impressive 8-2 last season in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Gallegos-Azpeitia had 793 rushing yards and eight touchdowns over two seasons with the Rams.

AJ Manning was arguably the “heart and soul” of the all-but-unstoppable Storm defense last season. He will be heading north to play for the Colorado State University Pueblo (CSUP) TimberWolves. The T-Wolves went 10-2 last season, including 9-0 in the (Division II) Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Despite a few setbacks last season, right-handed pitcher Jarren Villa signed his commitment letter with Pima Community College (PCC) in Tucson, Arizona. The Aztecs went 11-1 last season and will look to immediately add the talented pitcher to their lineup next year.

On the soccer pitch, star defensive midfielder Taylor Williamson signed her intent to play for St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, after starting for the Storm varsity team for five years (she joined the squad as an eighth grader.)

“I think [Williamson] might be my first five-year player to sign, and I’m so proud of her,” said girls soccer head coach Gregory Rust. “She has always been a leader in the locker room and on the field.”

After each athlete made a brief statement, they put pen to paper and the photo opportunities began.

“We are so proud of all these athletes and their hard work,” said CHS athletic Director Matt Martinez said.

Both schools hosted signing days in November and have a third planned for April.