'Come to State, find out for yourself': Storm, Rams set for swim and dive state championship

“I want to win.”

Rio Rancho sophomore Kendal Moody’s message may sound a bit different from what the Rio and Cleveland coaches said before the season, but it is now the reality for the local programs.

After an impressive season in the pool, the Rams and Storm are gearing up for one last showcase at the NMAA swim and dive state championships.

When talking to head coaches Patrick Dorman and Jeremiah Stanton in the fall, the two emphasized the importance of growing the program and finding depth. Both coaches officially took over in the 2024-25 season, as they are still in the early stages of their tenures.

But despite the infancy of the Dorman-Stanton run between the two programs, the schools aren’t just “rebuilding.” Routine podium finishes and individual winners, including an early-season win for Rio Rancho at the Hobbs Invite and the Cleveland boys relay victory at the APS Metros, showed that program growth is moving faster than anyone could’ve expected.

Anyone except the Rams and Storm.

“Honestly, we’re right where we expected,” Moody said. “We have been strong this whole season, and we are placed well in our events at state.”

More than 25 swimmers and divers between the two teams have qualified for state, setting up a grand opportunity for the city to come away with some individual titles in pursuit of a team state championship.

“I feel phenomenal; it’s been such a privilege to swim for Cleveland these past three years,” Cleveland senior Dylan Schluep said. “Being able to do it one more time with the boys is the best feeling. I’m excited to unleash the Storm at state and show everyone what we’re capable of.”

It will be a bittersweet closing act for two programs that remain close after years of practicing together, sharing bus rides and calling the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center home. While the emotions will be flowing, team camaraderie has been an asset for the Rams and Storm, working as a team for one goal.

“The key focus is being in the right mindset,” Schluep said. “Going in with that winner's mentality. Even just being behind the blocks with the people you’ve been swimming with for years helps.”

Names and events to watch out for are Schluep’s metro-winning 200-meter relay team, made up of Mark McLaughlin, Devin Harris and Guha Hari. For Rio, Jacob Rice will be competing in both swim and dive at state. While Moody, heading into state with an undefeated record in the 50-meter freestyle, looks to complete the perfect season. 

“I want to win; I’ve wanted to win since the first time I swam this season,” Moody said. “I've been training hard and tweaking the small things to help me. Just a few fixes can help drastically, so I've been working hard to perfect them.”

So, will the upstart local teams pull off the underdog story? And if so, which team will prevail?

“I think you’ll have to come to state to find out for yourself,” Schluep said. “We have some solid plans, and we’ve put a lot of work in to get to where we are now, so be ready to see Cleveland boys show up and show out and prove we’re a force to be reckoned with.”

“I personally feel excited that the entire team has been training hard all season,” Moody said. “This is the time to show everyone what I have and what the team has. Our Rams are strong, and I’m excited to show what tools our coaches have given us throughout the season.”