#7 Rio Rancho Rams

Despite graduating four seniors last season including All-State performers in Gracey Lovato, Esther Cameron, and Loryn Trujillo, Rio Rancho does not rebuild but reloads as they inch closer toward another podium finish in 2022. They do return Violet Francisco as the leading senior coming off a 19th place finish in 2021. Also back are the youngsters Luciana Martinez-Crook (30th in 2021) and Brennen Stephens (32nd in 2021) that will now be vital to ensuring the Rams stay in the mix. They are a program like their district rivals Cleveland and Volcano Vista, which find a way to transition the next group of runners to the varsity level seamlessly. Of course, anytime a team loses their front core to graduations there is expected to be a dip in production but that hasn't seemed to affect the Rams early on as they still poise themselves as a top-five team in class 5A. The entire season will be a test of how the district 1-5A schools challenge each other leading up to the district meet and precursor to state in November. 

Watch the 2021 5A State Championship Races