Moody breaks school record, girls post state times at Metros

ALBUQUERQUE — In a weekend focused on metro competition and state qualifiers, one Rio Rancho Ram went above and beyond.

At the Girls Metro Meet at West Mesa Aquatic Center, sophomore Kendal Moody broke the school record for the 50-yard freestyle, posting a 24.81 in her first-place finish.

“That record has been standing since 2008,” Rams head coach Jeremiah Stanton said. “She nailed every detail we wanted.”

For Moody, who has been a standout in the pool so far this season for the Rams, thE record does not come as a surprise. According to her, she has had her eyes on the record books since before she even entered Rio Rancho High School.

“Breaking the record was awesome; I have had the goal to break it since eighth grade,” Moody said. “Going into the race, I didn’t think about breaking it; I was just focused on my competition and wanting to beat the senior next to me.”

Moody didn’t just beat the senior next to her, but every senior and swimmer in the pool. Her 24.81 was the only sub-24-second time posted, taking the victory and sending the aquatic center into a celebration.

“After the race, I heard my team cheering and saw the board to see I not only got first, but I also broke that record,” Moody said. “I was excited, but it didn’t process in the first couple of seconds that I had it. It set in after, and I just felt more excited.”

Moody also took second in the 100-yard freestyle, putting together state-qualifying times in both of her solo events. 

Rio Rancho would take fourth place in what was a very competitive meet, but Rio Rancho may have been battling more than just other schools.

 “I was really impressed with how we did considering a quarter of our team was sick,” Stanton said. “They really showed grit and raced without making excuses.”

Bugs and viruses aside, the Rio girls posted several personal bests and state-qualifying times. For the boys, over at the Academy Invitational, Jacob Rice posted a 161.90 in the 1-meter dive to punch his ticket to state as well.

“He just barely started diving,” Stanton said. “He has improved so much to qualify for state by mastering the required dives.”

For Cleveland, they took home sixth on the weekend, with several state qualifiers as well. Lucia Pena qualified in the 200-yard individual medley with a top-10 finish, and Alexa Johnson qualified for the 1-meter dive.

It has been said time and time again, and it will continue to be said: The talent in the city of Rio Rancho is no joke when it comes to the pool. 

And with the boys' metros coming up, followed by the Cleveland and Rio Rancho Invites, the best may still be yet to come.

“This season so far has been great; my coaches are awesome, and they keep everyone motivated and excited for what’s to come,” Moody said. “The competition is increasing more and more, and it gets better as the season goes on.”