New Mexico Cross Country Countdown Series

The New Mexico Cross Country Countdown breaks down the top 25 New Mexico boys and girls teams returning this fall. These rankings will include projected top runners and weighing how each team may do in their respective districts and state competitions. Changes to class alignments and adaptions to the state championship format have been taken into consideration. These rankings are based on past two seasons of performances and do not include teams that did not compete last year due to a lack of athletes and team information. All top returning runners are only projections and may include athletes no longer on the team due to transfer or out-of-state relocation.

#8 Sue Cleveland Storm

Cleveland will seek to return to the podium after a changing of the guards in the 2020 season. Standout and 2019 individual 5A state champion Leah Futey returns to lead a Storm team that now has some championship experience. Jackie Crump (37th), Marina Weideman (40th), and Elise Toya (42nd) are the upperclassmen tasked with seeing Storm return to state contention. While we expect these athletes to play a role in the success this season knowing the depth that Cleveland brings to any given season ensures that the varsity seven will truly be the top runners toeing the line. They will also need to catch up to defending champions and crosstown rival Rio Rancho. Both schools have an ample supply of athletes and it was the Rams finding the key pieces last season but the Storm has a chance to come back likewise. Even if the stars of this upcoming season aren't even on our radar at the moment Cleveland will always remain a force among 5A.

5A Girls

2020 State Finish: 6th

State Titles: 2011, 2015, 2017

Individual State Titles: Malia Gonzales (2011, 2012) Amanda Mayoral (2015, 2016, 2017) Leah Futey (2019)

2021 Cleveland Rankings

New Mexico Ranking	8th
5A Ranking	4th
District 1-5A Ranking	2nd

Top Returning Runners

Name	Grade	Personal Best (5K)	Best State Finish
Leah Futey	Jr	17:48	1st (2019)
Jackie Crump	Sr	22:12	37th
Marina Weideman	Jr	21:22	40th
Elise Toya	Sr	21:00	42nd