New Mexico Boys Cross Country Countdown: #1 Rio Rancho


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 weigh 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 the past season of performances. All top returning runners are only projections and may include athletes no longer on the team due to transfer or out-of-state relocation.


#1 Rio Rancho Rams

At last, we make our way to the#1 spot on our New Mexico Boys Cross Country Countdown with the Rio Rancho Rams. The state runner-ups from 2021 are the team that will have the targets on their backs. Mason Steel will take the lead for the Rams coming off a 12th place finish in the 5A state meet. Alongside Steel is Skyler Galbraith (20th in 2021), Cody Sullivan (21st in 2021), Collyn Tomoyose (42nd in 2021), and Kennedy Alexander (49th in 2021). The Rams are looking for their 3rd state title this season and will do so with a group that includes a pair of sub 17:00 minute runners and six sub 18:00 performers to get the job done. They should be optimistic as every returning piece is crucial when talking about the state's biggest classification. To best the defending state champions in Volcano Vista it will take some newcomers to make a name for themselves this year. Sue Cleveland will look to put their hat in the conversation as they bring back a reliable scoring group and have the prestige to show they belong. We will look forward to the season-long matchups that will ensue including the Rio Rancho Jamboree which will be the marque meet of the season prior to state championships.

Check out 5A Rankings

5A Boys Rankings I 5A Girls Rankings

5A Boys

2021 State Finish: 2nd

State Titles: 2013, 2014

Individual State Titles: None

Last Cross Country Countdown Ranking: #7 (2021)


2022 Rio Rancho Rankings

New Mexico Ranking #1
5A Ranking#1
District 1-5A Ranking#1

Top Returning Runners

NameGradePersonal Best (5K)Best State Finish

Mason Steel

Sr16:4812th (2021)

Skyler Galbraith

Jr16:4020th (2021)

Cody Sullivan

So17:1121st (2021)

Collyn Tomoyose

Jr17:1942nd (2021)

Kennedy Alexander

Jr17:5849th (2021)

Diego Francisco

Jr17:19N/A

Benjamin Miera

So18:36N/A

Watch the 2021 5A State Championship Races