Introduction
History
Popular Culture
Rio Rancho High School was used as filming location for the TV show Breaking Bad, being portrayed in the show as J. P. Wynne High School.[1]
The campus was also used as a film location in the 2011 movie Fright Night.[2]
Notable alumni
Academics
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Engineering
Humanities
Fine Arts
Vans Custom Culture Art Competition
Rio Rancho High School was named Grand Champion of the Fifth Annual Custom Culture Art and Design Competition, a national high school art competition in which 2,000 selected schools receive four pairs of blank Vans shoes to use as a canvas, to be designed according to four different themes: Art, Music, Action Sports and 'Local Flavor'. Once a school's designs are completed, they go through a voting process to narrow down the top 50 entries. Further voting by the public narrows the selection to the top 5 that go on to compete in the final event. These schools artists are flown out to celebrate their artwork and have noted judges vote on the grand prize winning submission.
At the final event held on June 10, 2014 at New York City's Industria Superstudio, celebrity judges MKTO, Steve Caballero, Matt Shultz, Kemal Harris, Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto selected the winning custom shoe designs. Vans presented Rio Rancho High School with the grand-prize $50,000 donation to support its art program. The winning shoe design was also produced and sold in select Vans and Journeys retail stores, and online at Vans.com and Journeys.com.
RRHS artists also won the Vans contest national finals in 2010 and 2012. In 2010 the grand prize was $10,000; by 2012 it had increased to $50,000. In 2012, RRHS also won an additional $5,000 in the Journeys Local Attitude competition for the best design reflecting a community's local flavor.
Modern Languages
Athletics
Rio Rancho State Athletic Championships
Rio Rancho High School has captured 38 State Championships.[4]
State Championships
|
Season |
Sport |
Number |
State Champions |
Runner-up |
Third
|
Fall |
Cross Country, Boys |
2 |
2014, 2013 |
2015, 2010 |
2012, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005
|
Cross Country, Girls |
1 |
2008 |
2015, 2014, 2009 |
|
Football |
1 |
2014 |
|
|
Soccer, Boys |
|
|
|
Soccer, Girls |
1 |
2007 |
2014 |
|
Volleyball |
6 |
2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002 |
2014, 2008, 2004, 2001 |
2000
|
Winter |
Basketball, Boys |
2 |
2016, 2007 |
|
|
Basketball, Girls |
|
|
|
2001
|
Spirit/Dance/Drill |
|
|
|
2012, 2011, 2010, 2000, 1999
|
Spirit/Cheer |
5 |
2016, 2011, 2010, 2001, 2000 |
2015, 2009, 2005 |
2014, 2013, 2012, 2007, 1999
|
Swimming and Diving, Boys |
|
|
2009 |
2014, 2013
|
Swimming and Diving, Girls |
|
|
|
2007
|
Wrestling |
12 |
2015, 2014, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, *2004, 2004, *2003, 2003 |
2016, 2006, 2002 |
2013, 2012, *2002
|
Spring |
Baseball, Boys |
3 |
2013, 2009, 2007 |
2016, 2010 |
|
Golf, Boys |
2 |
2007, 2005 |
2006 |
2009, 2004
|
Golf, Girls |
|
|
2013, 2012 |
|
Softball |
3 |
2015, 2014, 2003 |
2010 |
2002, 2001
|
Tennis, Boys |
|
|
|
|
Tennis, Girls |
|
|
2007 |
|
Track and Field, Boys |
|
|
2015, 2008, 2004 |
2014, 2005
|
Track and Field, Girls |
|
|
|
2010, 2009, 2001
|
Total |
38
|
(State tournament consolation games are no longer played for Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball or Softball)
(*Year) - indicates Dual Meet State Champions also
Cross Country Individual State Champions and Honors
Rio Rancho High School has captured 1 individual State title through the 2015 season.
Boys State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
|
Girls State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
1997 |
Danielle Longmire |
1
|
|
All-State honors are granted for a top 10 finish in class at the New Mexico State Cross Country Championships.
Boys All-State
|
Year
|
Name
|
Finish
|
2015 |
Mike Goke |
6th
|
Devin Paredes |
9th
|
2014 |
Devin Paredes |
2nd
|
Josh Pyeatt |
6th
|
2013 |
Devin Paredes |
3rd
|
Troy Lawton |
9th
|
2012 |
Preston Charlie |
4th
|
2011 |
Jesus Mendoza |
8th
|
2010 |
Caleb Rubalcaba |
2nd
|
Larry Rodarte |
3rd
|
2009 |
Caleb Rubalcaba |
10th
|
2007 |
Rob Selph |
10th
|
2006 |
Josh Bueno |
3rd
|
|
Girls All-State
|
Year
|
Name
|
Finish
|
2015 |
Reina Paredes |
7th
|
Molly Klein |
8th
|
2014 |
Reina Paredes |
5th
|
Andi Almodovar |
7th
|
2013 |
Sierra Delaware |
7th
|
2010 |
Tamara Lementino |
4th
|
2009 |
Jenna Padilla |
2nd
|
Tamara Lementino |
3rd
|
2008 |
Tamara Lementino |
6th
|
Alana Littleford |
8th
|
1997 |
Danielle Longmire |
1st
|
|
The New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) produces All-State Teams for New Mexico high school football.[5]
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2015 |
Josh Foley, Jr |
Runningback |
1st Team Offense
|
Grant Hermanns |
Offensive Lineman |
1st Team Offense
|
Kevin McCracken |
Defensive Line |
2nd Team Defense
|
2014 |
Angelo Lujan |
Runningback |
1st Team Offense
|
Brady Patterson |
TE/Slot Receiver |
1st Team Offense
|
Miguel Barreras |
Wide Receiver |
1st Team Offense
|
Easton Bruere |
Quarterback |
2nd Team Offense
|
Luis Torres |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Offense
|
Grant Hermanns |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Offense
|
Ikaika Waters |
Linebacker |
1st Team Defense
|
Anthony Nolan |
Linebacker |
1st Team Defense
|
Adrian Linzy |
Defensive Line |
1st Team Defense
|
Miguel Barreras |
Secondary |
1st Team Defense
|
Angelo Lujan |
Returner |
1st Team Defense
|
Cody Gallegos |
Defensive End/OLB |
2nd Team Defense
|
Marky Alverado |
Secondary |
2nd Team Defense
|
|
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2013 |
Tristen Foley |
Wide Receiver |
1st Team Offense
|
Colby Stinson |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Offense
|
Dustin Hansen |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Offense
|
Sergio Mendoza |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Defense
|
Tristen Foley |
Secondary |
2nd Team Defense
|
2012 |
Dallin Brady |
Secondary |
1st Team Defense
|
Carlos Garcia |
Kicker |
1st Team Defense
|
Devon Bennett |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Offense
|
Robert Salgado |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Offense
|
Tristen Foley |
Wide Receiver |
2nd Team Offense
|
2011 |
Josh Baggett |
Offensive Lineman |
1st Team Offense
|
Jason Fitzpatrick |
Quarterback |
1st Team Offense
|
Carlos Garcia |
Kicker |
1st Team Defense
|
Ulises Astorga |
Runningback |
2nd Team Offense
|
Austin Patterson |
TE/Slot Receiver |
2nd Team Offense
|
Ulises Astorga |
Punter |
2nd Team Offense
|
Ian Foley |
Secondary |
2nd Team Defense
|
|
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2010 |
Tim Foley |
Secondary |
1st Team Defense
|
Zack Rogers |
Kicker |
2nd Team Defense
|
Tim Foley |
Returner |
2nd Team Defense
|
2009 |
Adam Shapiro |
Wide Receiver |
1st Team Offense
|
Jeric Magnant |
Wide Receiver |
1st Team Offense
|
Tyler Baker |
Quarterback |
2nd Team Offense
|
Kevin Howerton |
Defensive End/OLB |
2nd Team Defense
|
Tim Foley |
Punt Returner |
Honorable Mention Offense
|
Kevin Howerton |
Offensive Lineman |
Honorable Mention Offense
|
Jake Pearson |
Linebacker |
Honorable Mention Defense
|
Tim Foley |
Secondary |
Honorable Mention Defense
|
2008 |
Troy Harris |
Runningback |
1st Team Offense
|
Carlos Lirosi |
Linebacker |
2nd Team Defense
|
Zach Drapeau |
Linebacker |
2nd Team Defense
|
Malcolm Butters |
Offensive Lineman |
2nd Team Defense
|
|
Volleyball Postseason Honors
The New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) produces All-State Teams for New Mexico high school volleyball.[6]
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2014 |
Erika Barbour |
Left/Right side Hitter |
1st Team
|
Ashley Cook |
Setter |
1st Team
|
2013 |
Erika Barbour |
Left/Right side Hitter |
1st Team
|
Ashley Cook |
Setter |
2nd Team
|
2012 |
Erika Boling |
Left/Right side Hitter |
2nd Team
|
Haley Ng |
Setter |
2nd Team
|
2011 |
Haley Ng |
Setter |
2nd Team
|
2010 |
Mackenzie Clark |
Left/Right side Hitter |
1st Team
|
Jayla Trombley |
Left/Right side Hitter |
1st Team
|
|
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2009 |
Darian Mullen |
Left/Right side Hitter |
1st Team
|
Taylor Calloway |
Setter |
1st Team
|
Jayla Trombley |
Middle Hitter |
1st Team
|
Brooklyn Boughter |
Left/Right side Hitter |
2nd Team
|
Mackenzie Clark |
Middle Hitter |
2nd Team
|
Letisha Spencer |
Left/Right side Hitter |
Honorable Mention
|
2008 |
Darian Mullen |
Left/Right side Hitter |
1st Team
|
Jocelyn Hamilton |
Setter |
1st Team
|
Vanessa Leal |
Middle Hitter |
1st Team
|
Jacklyn Rodriguez |
Libero |
1st Team
|
|
Basketball Postseason Honors
The New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) produces All-State Teams for New Mexico high school basketball.[7]
[8]
Boys All-State
|
Year
|
Name
|
Honor
|
2016 |
Clay Patterson |
1st Team
|
Juan Hurt |
2nd Team
|
2015 |
Brady Patterson |
1st Team
|
2014 |
Brady Patterson |
2nd Team
|
2010 |
Lucas Archuleta |
2nd Team
|
2009 |
Jorel Johnson |
Honorable Mention
|
|
Girls All-State
|
Year
|
Name
|
Honor
|
2009 |
Megan Muniz |
1st Team
|
|
Swimming and Diving Individual State Champions
Rio Rancho High School has captured 3 individual State titles through the 2016 season.
Boys State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Event
|
Number of Championships
|
2014 |
Luis Felipe Conejo |
500 Meter Freestyle |
2
|
2013 |
Luis Felipe Conejo |
500 Meter Freestyle |
|
2010 |
Tim Zoltowski |
50 Yard Freestyle |
|
|
Girls State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Event
|
Number of Championships
|
|
Wrestling Individual State Champions
Rio Rancho High School has captured 62 individual State titles through the 2016 season.
Boys State Champions
|
Year
|
Weight
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
2016 |
113 |
Tyler Deen |
|
145 |
Ryan Rochford |
2
|
285 |
Grant Hermanns |
|
2015 |
126 |
Brandon Leyba |
|
132 |
Ryan Rochford |
|
152 |
Orlando Gutierrez |
3
|
182 |
Miguel Barreras |
3
|
2014 |
138 |
Orlando Gutierrez |
|
160 |
Miguel Barreras |
|
2013 |
132 |
Orlando Gutierrez |
|
152 |
Miguel Barreras |
|
160 |
Jordan Lara |
2
|
2012 |
160 |
Jordan Lara |
|
2011 |
135 |
Matt Nunez |
3
|
160 |
Zack Rogers |
2
|
215 |
Shea Nolan |
3
|
|
Year
|
Weight
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
2010 |
125 |
Matt Nunez |
|
130 |
Luis Trujillo |
4
|
135 |
Nathaniel Lujan |
|
152 |
Zack Rogers |
|
189 |
Anthony Garcia |
|
215 |
Shea Nolan |
|
2009 |
103 |
Jake Williams |
|
119 |
Matt Nunez |
|
130 |
Luis Trujillo |
|
135 |
Chris Rubalcaba |
2
|
140 |
Max Ortega |
5
|
171 |
Chris Morales |
|
215 |
Shea Nolan |
|
2008 |
125 |
Luis Trujillo |
|
130 |
Chris Rubalcaba |
|
140 |
Max Ortega |
|
171 |
Paul Cabbage |
2
|
|
Year
|
Weight
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
2007 |
119 |
Luis Trujillo |
|
125 |
Matt Ortega |
4
|
130 |
Max Ortega |
|
135 |
Vicente Varela |
4
|
171 |
Paul Cabbage |
|
2006 |
112 |
Max Ortega |
|
119 |
Matt Ortega |
|
125 |
Dominic Valencia |
2
|
130 |
Vicente Varela |
|
2005 |
103 |
Max Ortega |
|
112 |
Matt Ortega |
|
119 |
Dak Adamson |
|
125 |
Nick Ramirez |
3
|
130 |
Vicente Varela |
|
|
Year
|
Weight
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
2004 |
103 |
Matt Ortega |
|
112 |
Vicente Varela |
|
119 |
Dominic Valencia |
|
125 |
Nick Ramirez |
|
135 |
Ace Adamson |
|
145 |
Lionel Sierra |
2
|
152 |
Josh Wenze |
2
|
2003 |
125 |
Bryan Tice |
2
|
140 |
Lionel Sierra |
|
2002 |
103 |
Nick Ramirez |
|
112 |
Paul Tice |
|
119 |
Bryan Tice |
|
2001 |
125 |
Brian Pitts |
2
|
160 |
Nathaniel Augustson |
|
2000 |
119 |
Brian Pitts
|
|
Golf Individual State Champions
Rio Rancho High School has captured 2 individual State titles through the 2015 season.
Boys State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
2007 |
Tim Madigan |
1
|
2001 |
Trent Rommann |
1
|
|
Girls State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Number of Championships
|
|
Softball Postseason Honors
The New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) produces All-State Teams for New Mexico high school softball.[9]
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2015 |
Dominique Soto |
2nd Base |
1st Team
|
Vanessa Gallegos |
3rd Base |
1st Team
|
Breonga Castaneda |
Shortstop |
1st Team
|
Jovanni Felix |
Outfield |
1st Team
|
Jordan Manno |
Catcher |
2nd Team
|
2014 |
Nicole Pendley |
Pitcher |
1st Team
|
Jessie Roane |
Catcher |
1st Team
|
Vanessa Gallegos |
2nd Base |
1st Team
|
Nicole Pendley |
Outfield |
1st Team
|
Jessie Roane |
3rd Base |
2nd Team
|
Breonna Castaneda |
Shortstop |
2nd Team
|
Vanessa Gallegos |
Outfield |
2nd Team
|
Dominique Soto |
Outfield |
2nd Team
|
|
Year
|
Name
|
Position
|
Honor
|
2012 |
Nicole Pendley |
Outfield |
1st Team
|
2011 |
Shelby Pendley |
Shortstop |
1st Team
|
Nicole Pendley |
Outfield |
1st Team
|
2010 |
Shelby Pendley |
3rd Base |
1st Team
|
Nicole Pendley |
Pitcher |
2nd Team
|
Jessie Roane |
Shortstop |
2nd Team
|
Christen Miller |
Outfield |
2nd Team
|
Brianna Chavez |
Outfield |
2nd Team
|
|
Track and Field Individual State Champions
Rio Rancho High School has captured 31 individual State titles through the 2015 season
Boys State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Event
|
Number of Championships
|
2016 |
Josh Foley |
110 M Hurdles |
|
2015 |
Josh Foley |
300 M Hurdles |
|
Matthew Jackson |
Long Jump |
2
|
2014 |
Matthew Jackson |
300 M Hurdles |
|
Matthew Jackson |
Long Jump |
|
2012 |
Alex Oluyitan |
Shot Put |
|
Jason Fitzpatrick |
Javelin |
|
2011 |
Paul Jaramillo |
Javelin |
|
2010 |
Caleb Rubalcaba |
1600 M Run |
|
Larry Dupree |
Long Jump |
|
Dave Bevins |
Pole Vault |
2
|
2009 |
Dave Bevins |
Pole Vault |
|
2008 |
Thomas Trujillo |
100 M Dash |
|
2007 |
Marcus Williams |
High Jump |
2
|
2006 |
Marcus Williams |
High Jump |
|
Kyle Walker |
Pole Vault |
|
2005 |
Chris Williams |
200 M Dash |
2
|
Chris Williams |
400 M Dash |
|
Chris Williams |
High Jump |
3
|
2004 |
Chris Williams |
200 M Dash |
|
Brandon McKinney |
*Discus |
2
|
High Jump |
Chris Williams |
|
2003 |
Brandon McKinney |
Discus |
|
Chris Williams |
High Jump |
|
|
Girls State Champions
|
Year
|
Name
|
Event
|
Number of Championships
|
2014 |
Nicole Pendley |
*Javelin |
2
|
2013 |
Nicole Pendley |
Javelin |
|
2010 |
Carol Waterman |
Javelin |
|
2007 |
Nicole Zarrella |
Discus |
2
|
Kim Frenz |
High Jump |
2
|
2006 |
Nicole Zarrella |
Discus |
|
2004 |
Christina Zarrella |
400 M Dash |
|
Christina Zarrella |
Long Jump |
|
Kim Frenz |
High Jump |
|
2003 |
Shellie Buckhanan |
Discus |
|
|
(*Event) - indicates a State Record also
In 2004 Brandon McKinney set the current New Mexico state discus record with a throw of 183' 9"
In 2014 Nicole Pendley set the current New Mexico state Javelin record with a throw of 142' 0"
In 2014 the team of Danica Gallegos, Leilani Baker, Sasha Hickox and Molly Klein set the current New Mexico state 1600 Sprint Medley record with a time of 4:07.74
Rio Rancho High School Athletics Hall of Fame
In 2014 the inaugural inductees to the Rio Rancho High School Athletics Hall of Fame were selected, immortalizing the best of Rio Rancho's athletic programs.
Hall of Fame
|
Year
|
Name
|
Achievement
|
2015 |
Brittany Burtner (Athlete) |
First Rio Rancho Gatorade Player of the Year (Softball 2001)
|
Stephanie Hightower (Athlete) |
Varsity letters in five different sports
|
Brandon McKinney (Athlete) |
First D1 football recruit and set the current State discus record
|
Brian Pitts (Athlete) |
2x State Wrestling Champion, 2x collegiate All-American
|
Jennifer Boyden (Coach) |
2000 State Champion Cheer Coach
|
Bob McIntyre (Coach) |
6x Girls Basketball State semifinals / 7 District titles
|
Gary Hveem (Contributor) |
Rio Rancho High School's first Athletic Director
|
2014 |
Danyel Longmire (Athlete) |
1997 Girls Cross Country State Champion
|
Trent Rommann (Athlete) |
2001 Boys State Golf Champion
|
Toby Manzanares (Coach) |
6X State Champion Volleyball Coach
|
Ron Murphy (Coach) |
3X State Champion Baseball Coach
|
Paul Kohman (Coach) |
2X State Champion Softball Coach
|
Uwe Balzis (Coach) |
State Champion Girls Soccer Coach
|
Tony Otero (Contributor) |
Rio Rancho DQ Owner and Booster
|
Activities
Rio Rancho State Activity Championships
Rio Rancho High School offers a variety of interscholastic activities also sponsored by the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) in cooperation with other outside organizations to enhance the high school experience.
Rio Rancho High School has captured 11 State Championships.[10]
State Championships
|
Activity |
Number |
State Champions |
Runner-up |
Third
|
Athletic Training Challenge |
5 |
2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 |
|
|
Bowling |
4 |
2016, 2014, 2009, 2008 |
2015, 2012, 2010 |
2013
|
Chess |
|
|
2014 |
2016, 2013
|
JROTC - Championship Results |
|
|
2016 |
|
JROTC - Overall Drill |
|
|
|
2016
|
JROTC - Female Color Guard |
|
|
|
2016
|
JROTC - Armed Drill |
|
|
|
2016
|
JROTC - Armed Inspection |
|
|
2016 |
|
JROTC - Physical Fitness |
|
|
2015 |
2016, 2014
|
JROTC - Sporter Rifle |
|
|
2015, 2014 |
2013
|
Choir |
1 |
2016 |
2015 |
|
Concert Band |
1 |
2004 |
|
|
Total |
11
|
Athletic Training Challenge
The Athletic Training Challenge was started by the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) in conjunction with the New Mexico Athletic Trainer's Association (NMATA) to recognize Athletic Training as a sanctioned activity within New Mexico Schools.
DECA Marketing Education
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. At the 2013 State Conference Rio Rancho High School was awarded the 1st place Chapter Banner.
Marching Band
Rio Rancho High School's Marching Band competes annually in the Zia Marching Band Fiesta which is essentially the New Mexico state championship, as well as a prestigious regional event for marching bands. There were 32 bands in competition in four size divisions.
Rio Rancho High School has captured 1 Grand Championship
Zia Marching Band Fiesta
|
Activity |
Number |
Grand Champions
|
Marching Band |
1 |
2004
|
Rugby
High School rugby in New Mexico is governed by New Mexico Youth Rugby (NMYR), a registered non-profit and all volunteer sports organization dedicated to the development of youth and high school rugby for both boys and girls in New Mexico.
Rio Rancho High School has captured 2 State Championships.
State Championships
|
Activity |
Number |
State Champions |
Runner-up |
Third
|
Rugby, Boys (15's) |
1 |
2016 |
|
|
Rugby, Girls (7's) |
1 |
2016 |
|
|
Ice Hockey
High School hockey in New Mexico is governed by the Land of Enchantment USA Hockey Affiliate (LOEAHA) and operated by the New Mexico Interscholastic Ice Hockey League (NMIIHL) which is comprised of eleven teams, including representatives from Colorado and Texas. The high school hockey season runs from October to March.[11]
LOEAHA has established the New Mexico Interscholastic Ice Hockey League (NMIIHL) and State Playoff to determine the State’s representative to the USA Hockey High School Playoff. Each year LOEAHA and the NMIIHL, along with the qualifying team, will evaluate the viability of sending a State High School Champion to USA Hockey Post Season Play.
The Rio Rancho High School / V. Sue Cleveland High School team has captured 3 State Championships.
State Championships
|
Activity |
Number |
State Champions |
Runner-up
|
Ice Hockey |
3 |
2006, 2007, 2008
|