Championship Preview: Cross-country

Editor’s Note: In this series, the Observer will take a look at each of the upcoming NMAA State Championship Tournaments and give readers all of the information they will need to tune in and be informed in advance. From basic information like where to stream the games or buy tickets, to the fun stuff like who to watch for and how the Rio squads might fair, we have you covered.

2024 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico State Cross Country Championships

Date: Nov. 9, 2024

• Time: Trophies awarded immediately after each race.

- 4A Girls – 9 a.m.

- 4A Boys – 9:45 a.m.

- 5A Girls – 12:40 p.m.

- 5A Boys – 1:25 p.m.

Location: Albuquerque Academy (6400 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque)

Parking: Spectators should enter the Albuquerque Academy campus through the West Gate located off Wyoming Boulevard at the Burlison stoplight or through the South Gate located off Academy Road at the Moon stoplight.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online only via GoFan (NO CASH SALES). https://gofan.co/app/school/NMAA

Cost: Adults $12, Students/Seniors/Military $7

Streaming: www.nfhsnetwork.com

Website (results): www.nmact.org

Additional info: The NMAA’s state championship souvenir vendor Northwest Designs Ink will be on site, but merchandise is also available online at https://nwd.ink/. A concession stand will be available.

Outlook: The State Tournament is more interesting this year than one might think.

At first glance, Charlie Vause and the Rio Rancho Rams seemed poised to dominate the boys side, and Eldorado star Gianna Rahmer looks like she’ll do the same on the girls side. But there might be more than a few hiccups waiting for these presumptive state champs.

First, anything can happen, especially in cross-country where the athletes never run the exact same course twice. Sure, the general layout is the same, but things like weather conditions and erosion of the track can make for wildly varying conditions.

Second, despite the strong individual runners at Eldorado and Rio Rancho, the teams themselves are vulnerable. At the APS Metro Tournament, RRHS runner Cody Sullivan finished in first place, but his team finished in second.

Who finished first? The Cleveland Storm under the leadership of Coach Kenny Henry, who is one of the most highly decorated prep coaches in the state.

Speaking of upset wins, Gianna Rahmer met the same fate, finishing first for the girls but finishing second as a team. And who finished first for the girls? None other than the Rio Rancho Rams.

Look for Charlie Vause, Cody Sullivan and Mateo Herrera to give it all they got for the Rams. At the same time, Vince Madalena and the Storm may have something to say about that.

On the girls side, CHS’s Shahad Akasha is ready to break out after making her presence felt on the course all season long. But a young Rams’ team anchored by Mariah Galbraith will certainly be standing in the way.

Overall, both the boys and the girls — at both of the RRPS high schools — are among the favorites in this meet. Certainly, don’t be surprised if all four are on the medal stand.