Coming in at #8 on our New Mexico Cross Country Countdown are perhaps 5A best-kept secret, the La Cueva Bears. The Bears return a solid group including a pair of runners who missed out on last year's state race. Leading the charge is Ariana Thiel-Hadjilambrinos who placed 17th in 2021 as La Cueva's top scorer. Other returning state runners include Ainslee Heffelfinger (49th in 2021), Lexi Sandoval (58th in 2021), Rowaina Alaini (55th in 2021), and Caitlin Ray (74th in 2021). The 7th place team finish from last season was not indicative of what the Bears possessed at the time. Not only is that group potentially worthy of another top ten finish among 5A but they also get the benefit of bringing back some standout performers. Runners who missed out on that race that can be expected to play a role in the Bears' success include Kendall Downing (27th in 2020), and Savannah Ames (11th in 2020). This La Cueva squad just may be the team to bring La Cueva back into title contention as they will seek to take on district rival Eldorado for the crown of 2-5A. If they are able to get the better of Eldorado, the sky is the limit as they set their sights on the 5A's most recent challenges residing in District 1-5A ( Sue Cleveland, Rio Rancho, Volcano Vista).  Expect a rebuilt La Cueva team that could find themselves landing on the podium in November if they can return to full strength from years past. 

Check out 5A Rankings

5A Boys Rankings I 5A Girls Rankings

State Titles: 1987, 1994,1995, 2013, 2014

Individual State Champions: Laura Lavezo (2007) Natasha Bernal (2014)

Watch the 2021 5A State Championships Races