Rio Rancho woman to perform at the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic

RIO RANCHO — Alesia Duran, a Rio Rancho resident, is one of nearly 800 former Rangerettes slated to perform at the 2025 College Football Playoffs’ (CFP) Cotton Bowl Classic Jan. 10, which will send either the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Texas Longhorns to the CFP National Championship game Jan. 20.

The 2025 Cotton Bowl is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; it will mark the Rangerettes’ 75th consecutive appearance.

“It is the opportunity of a lifetime to return [to the Cotton Bowl Game] along with several generations of Rangerettes to perform in front of thousands of fans. I am looking forward to representing the state of New Mexico,” said Duran, who was a Rangerette from 1994-96.

The Rangerettes are a precision dance and drill team from Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, known for their high kicks and jump splits.

As an alumnus of the Rangerettes dance team, Duran is returning to keep the legacy going.

“I was a member of the 55th line of Rangerettes. I am part of the Kilgore College Rangerettes Forever alumni organization and was invited to return to celebrate the Rangerettes’ 75th consecutive Cotton Bowl appearance,” Duran said.

Other returning alumni represent 33 states and 275 cities. Alumni and current members’ ages range from 20 to 93.

As far as people from New Mexico go, Duran will not be alone. Joining Duran from the Land of Enchantment include Kelly Coll (Roswell) from the 39th line, Laura Lewis Edwards (Santa Fe) from the 37th line, and Mary Miller (Santa Fe) from the 58th line.

“I am inspired by how participating in extracurricular activities such as dance and drill team opens so many doors for young women. It is still opening doors for me,” Duran said.

The Rangerettes debuted in 1940 and have had only three directors: Gussie Nell Davis, Deana Bolton Covin and Dana Blair (current director).