Champs to College: Football seniors, Storm athletes hold signing ceremony  

RIO RANCHO — Another day, another signing ceremony for Cleveland High School athletics.

This time around, this Wednesday morning signing, in front of another packed gym, was highlighted by several football members of the back-to-back football state champions.

“These athletes have worked hard the last four years in the classroom, on the football field, softball, baseball diamonds, cross-country and track,” Cleveland Athletic Director Matt Martinez said. “I'm honored to present these athletes who are signing to move up to the next level. Congratulations, athletes, family members, coaches, teammates, teachers, staff and friends who are here today.”

Family and friends and more did indeed pack into the electric blue bleachers, along with some local media, shining a spotlight on friends and new rivals Jacob Maldonado and Jordan Hatch. 

“Best friend turned mortal enemy for the next five, six or seven years,” Storm football assistant coach Heath Ridenour said. “I don’t know how long you can play college sports now.”

Maldonado will join the Lobos in the fall, while Hatch will head down to Las Cruces with the Aggies in 2028, after his Mormon mission.

While a rivalry may be in their future, the morning was all about showing appreciation for one another. 

“Thank you to all the Storm coaches,” Maldonado said. “They spoke to my life and changed me in so many ways since I was a little boy.”

“I'd like to thank my parents,” Hatch said. “They've been my biggest supporters throughout it all. Coach Ridenour now as well. I wouldn't be here without him.”

Alongside the quarterback-wide receiver duo was Nathaniel Gutierrez, headed to New Mexico Highlands, and Noah Escudero and Connor Steele, both headed to Western New Mexico.

“It's not about the banners, it's not about the facilities, it's about the people,” Ridenour said. “People that fill the halls and our athletic facilities, and you guys are those people that have carried that on.”

Off the football field, Storm cross-country’s Derek Abate and Lucas Espinosa signed, coming off a state championship as well. Espinosa, an individual state champion this past fall, will be headed to Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, while Abate will attend Truett McConnell University in Georgia.

 “We're living in a time where earning the opportunity to keep going after high school is rarer and rarer with the transfer portal and all these things,” Storm cross-country head coach Kenny Henry said. “Especially in cross-country and track, you have to be kind of on an elite level to earn this opportunity.”

Transitioning from the race course to the diamond, four Storm baseball players and one Storm softball player also signed.

Julia Montoya will join the Firestorm of Arizona Christian University, making it official with pen to paper following her December announcement.

Treven Polanco will head to Chandler-Gilbert Community College, with Alex Larvie joining him in Arizona at Glendale Community College. Noah Segura is set for Luna Community College here in-state, while Francisco Hernandez will travel cross-country to attend York County Community College in Maine.

“You guys are amazing and represent us very well,” Storm baseball head coach Shane Shallenberger said. “I've been here since day one of the school opening, and it never ceases to amaze me what we do every day. I'm blessed to still work here after all these years.”

A couple of signing ceremonies are now in the books, and with winter sports coming to a close and the spring season on the horizon, the Class of 2026 may have more in store.