The Rio Rancho Jamboree has been the largest invitational in the state of New Mexico since 2005 when the site of the NMAA State Cross Country Championships was moved from Gallup to Rio Rancho. Since 2005 the meet has grown from 32 schools to 101 schools that are participating this week. Because it is the site of the NMAA State Championships the Rio Rancho Jamboree serves as a preview for most of the class team and individual championships that will be contested in November.
The current Rio Rancho High School cross country course has been unchanged since 2013 when the solar array was installed that summer. That led to the name change of that particular hill from "Depression" to "Solar Hill". While "Solar Hill" is the new hill on the course, "Deception" (the snake-like and sandy hill just past the mile point) is probably the most memorable part of the course. The hill is 275 meters long and at about 250 it gives a false impression that it is over (hence the deception).
Returning for his senior campaign would be 2019's Championship boys race 1st place finisher Stevie Salas of La Cueva. Salas fended off the likes of a fellow class of 2021 Eric Scharton and the eventual 5A state runner up in Triston Charles. Meanwhile, Sue Cleveland captured the day in convincing fashion with Piedra Vista and Hope Christian following suit.
Jasmine Turtle-Morales and Leah Futey went head-to-head in 2019 every meet and the Jamboree was no exception. It would be Morales besting Futey in the final meters as Lorianna Piestewa of Miyamura rallied to a third-place finisher as an 8th grader. Eldorado continued their prestige on the biggest stage as they strode to victory with Sue Cleveland and Hope Christian rounding out the podium.
