Rio Rancho's Charlie Vause stormed to a 15:17 course record to win the boy's 5A state championship.
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It was an exciting day at the 2023 New Mexico NMAA State Championships with tons to look back on.
Let's dive into the madness!
5A
The girls 5A race was on fire to say the least.
Eighth-grader Gianna Rahmer of Eldorado (yes, eighth-grade folks) highlighted the day, setting a new monster course record with a time of 16:58.01 -- while winning by over two minutes.
This was Rahmer's first showing with the high school crowd - it's safe to say she proved her dominance and will be a star to keep an eye on.
After finishing 11th last season, senior Ariana Thiel-Hadjilambrinos of La Cueva was the runner up, clocking a season best time of 19:02.46. Mariah Galbraith took third while clocking 19:28.47, leading Rio Rancho to their overall win.
Rio Rancho scored 48 points to secure the team title. The girls of La Cueva finished runner-up with 86 points, while Cleveland finished third with 90 points.
The boy's race created another exciting watch with Charlie Vause setting another dominating course record. The junior clocked 15:17.16, shattering his prior personal record.
Vause didn't crack the 16 minute barrier last cross country season and is now leading New Mexico in his first year competing here, having competed in Ohio prior.
Teammate of Vause Mateo Herrera stayed within close contact, placing second with a time of 15:31.41. Setting a new PR, Herrera is No. 3 in New Mexico. Orion Chavez of Volcano Vista placed third, clocking 15:42.16 - another personal best.
Rio Rancho was led to their team victory by Vause and Herrera, scoring 34 points. Volcano Vista placed second with 57, while 94 points placed Cleveland third.