If La Cueva is to chase down defending state champion Eldorado, Elizabeth Weeks will be a big part of that picture. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Now we reach the domain of the really big schools. Who will speak softly and carry the biggest stick this fall?
Boys
1. Eldorado - This pick may come as a surprise to many and comes with a little hesitancy on my part, but both the returning times from cross country last fall and the 1600 times from track this spring point to Eldorado. So, we burden Taylor Potter and friends with expectations.
2. Cleveland - Be assured, Kenny Henry's crew will not be far from the top. They know the road better than anyone else in the game.
3. La Cueva - Tom Hiett's jump from this fall to last fall may become a huge difference maker. The Bears could be capable of making some real trouble in the 5A ranks.
4. Rio Rancho - The depth seems to be there. The question concerns whether the Rams can keep pace with the front runners of the schools in front of them.
5. Hobbs - Hobbs always has a solid team, and this fall will be no exception. Can they come up and have a big meet at Rio Rancho in November?
6. Cibola - We know about Frank Scorfina and Chris Harlow. If the rest of this team comes along, the other Albuquerque area schools are going to have some serious company.
7. Volcano Vista - V Squared got rocked by graduation this spring, but this program has developed some continuity and should be heard from again.
8. Mayfield - They are the best of the Las Cruces area schools. Hopefully, they'll travel to Albuquerque a time or two to calibrate what they'll need to be competitive at state.
Girls
1. Eldorado - If the Eagles stay healthy, it's difficult to see any team heading them off at any pass. Jessie Hix changes a few things on what was already an extremely good team.
2. La Cueva - The Bears have a few weapons of their own and won't go down easily.
3. Cleveland - It's a deep program and deep in tradition well beyond its years. Don't be surprised to see this team exceeding expectations.
4. Volcano Vista - Castillo and Amershek head a team that figures to be very good this fall.
5. Rio Rancho - Rio Rancho has been strong for a long, long time, but depth could be question this fall.
6. Clovis - We should get an early look at this team this weekend, and both last fall and track season this spring say they will be solid.
7. Hobbs - Some nice numbers in track, but some question how well they will go five deep
8. Sandia - Shows some good numbers in returning cross country but was quiet in distance this spring.