Time to kick off the rust; track season is here

RIO RANCHO — The track and field season is just around the corner, and many schools competed in the 2025 Rio Rancho Rust Buster at Rio Rancho High School March 15 to get rid of the cobwebs.

Fifteen teams attended, including Albuquerque Academy, Cibola, Clovis, Atrisco Heritage, Cottonwood Classic Prep, East Mountain, Eldorado, Gallup, La Cueva, Los Alamos, Los Lunas, Manzano, St. Pius, Zuni, and the host school, Rio Rancho High School.

“I’m proud of how we competed. We haven’t been at full strength yet this season, but we have several new faces that have made an impact,” RRHS head coach Harvey Carreathers said.

As a team, the Rams boys came in fifth place while the Rams girls squad came in fourth.

A standout during the events was RRHS senior runner Cody Sullivan, who won the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:29.52.

Rams thrower Luis Campos also had a nice day, coming in third place for the discus throw. Campos, who is only a freshman, threw 112 feet, 5 inches; he was 3 meters shy of Academy’s Caden Ross, who came in second place (114’ 10”).

On the girls side, freshman Aaliyna Gallegos ran an impressive 19.12 on the 100-meter hurdles.

However, the Rams girls found success in the mile run. The Rams girls distance runners also showed out, and snagged the top two places in the 1,600-meter run. In first place was senior Abigail Beam (5:28.69), and in second place was freshman Mariah Galbraith (5:29.99).

The Cleveland High School teams were scheduled to compete but decided to cancel due to weather. The Storm will be ready to rock and roll April 11 for their annual Storm Relays, which begin at 3 p.m.

The RRHS boys and girls track and field teams are scheduled to compete at the 2025 Richard Harper Memorial Meet hosted by Albuquerque Academy April 25.