#16 La Cueva Bears

Might this be the year La Cueva once again lands on the podium of 5A after missing out for several years? The #16 Bears come in returning a good balance of upperclassmen including their leading man Spencer Gilbertson who place 23rd in the 2021 state meet. Also back includes James Stuart (25th in 2021) and Grant Vlaun (36th in 2021) together boast mid-17-minute performances and surely have sub 16:00 minutes on their sights. Other returning state performers include Cael Beckley (80th in 2021), Kai Leinweber (91st in 2021), and Matthew Lopez (92nd in 2021). The Bears will be in a tough battle for a district title as Sandia and Eldorado return strong numbers as well. Getting into a bigger matchup with metro schools they will have to take on the best of the best with District 1-5A roaming around with a trio of past state champion contenders returning talented squads. We can expect a better finish from that 7th place La Cueva team in 2021 but more interesting if this team is able to progress further over the next season, they may be going into 2023 as a 5A favorite to hoist a blue trophy. 

5A Boys

2021 State Finish: 7th

State Titles: 1995, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2010

Individual State Titles: Chris Sorenson (1996), Shadrack Kiptoo (2003)