New Mexico Boys Cross Country Countdown: #9 Hope Christian


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.


#9 Hope Christian Huskies 

Two Seasons removed from their first state title in program history, Hope Christian remains a force among 4A as they head into the 2022 season. The Huskies return all of their state runners from last season including the two-time defending 4A champion Rendon Kuykendall. Returning the best runner in the state of New Mexico and nationally ranked prospect sure boasts well for a team still seeking to capitalize on the momentum. Other returners include Isaac Montano (36th in 2021), Brady McGahie (29th in 2021), Abel Steinfeldt (39th in 2021), Kidus Tekle (73rd in 2021), Elijah Saiz (103rd in 2021), and Samuel Lee (105th in 2021). Hope may see themselves close the gap between ABQ Academy and Los Alamos who will see some newcomers to their varsity squads. This fall will be a test all year long as these teams go at it searching for a true scoring fifth member to make the difference in how these teams land on the podium. The Huskies have more depth for experienced runners than most returning teams and will utilize all of them including the double hurdle champion Kidus Tekle who sits at the moment as their fifth man. Tekle becoming a sub 18:00 minute runner will be vital for the Huskies as they seek to add more trophies to their collection while they have a true star with Kuykendall. 

Check out 4A Rankings

4A Boys

2021 State Finish: 3rd

State Titles: 2020

Individual State Titles: Rendon Kuykendall (2020-2021)

Last Cross Country Countdown Ranking: #5 (2021)

2022 Hope Christian Rankings

New Mexico Ranking #9
4A Ranking#3
District 6-4A Ranking#2

Top Returning Runners

NameGradePersonal Best (5K)Best State Finish

Rendon Kuykendall

Sr14:25State Champion (2020,2021)

Isaac Montano

Sr17:4236th (2021)

Brady McGahie

So17:4424th (2020)

Abel Steinfeldt

So17:5839th (2021)

Kidus Tekle

Sr18:1473rd (2021)

Elijah Saiz

Jr19:58103rd (2021)

Samuel Lee

So20:07105th (2021)

Watch the 2021 4A State Championships Races