#15 Sandia Matadors 

Despite graduation hitting the Sandia Matadors coming off a 5th place finish in the 2021 5A state meet, they remain a force among the classification and within New Mexico. It helps to remain a presence when you return the defending state champion Steven West who boasts a 15:00 personal best and is arguably one of the best runners in the Class of 2023 nationwide. Along with West, Thomas Winder (44th in 2021), Ivan Watchman (48th in 2021), and Taylor Vance (79th in 2021) all return to make their scoring five nearly complete with plenty of varsity experience. They will have tough competition among district 2-5A rivals in La Cueva and Eldorado as they return plenty of talent as well. They may see a dip this season after graduating an all-state runner in Issac Tucker Scott was 5th in that state championship last season. If they can emerge this season with the rest of their varsity seven gaining more sub-18:00 performances to hopefully close the gap between themselves and West they return to a top-five team in November. 

Check out 5A Rankings

5A Boys Rankings I 5A Girls Rankings

5A Boys

2021 State Finish: 5th

State Titles: 2000

Individual State Titles: Chuck Schuck (1964), Cameron Clarke (2000)