Albuquerque Public Schools
Celebrating State Champs and Important Life Lessons
In her weekly message, Superintendent Blakey congratulates APS teams that brought home state championships and highlights the invaluable lessons learned through their dedication.
We’re getting to the point in the school year where the fruits of our labor are on full display–through final projects, presentations, science fairs, performances and, yes, state championships!
One of the things I love about Albuquerque Public Schools is the many opportunities we provide for our students to engage in the things they’re passionate about – whether that’s languages, the arts, science, gaming, or countless other activities that make them want to come to school. For many of our students, that thing is sports, and as the fall season draws to a close, we’re seeing their hard work pay off.
Last Friday, Eldorado High School captured a Class 5A girls state soccer championship, defeating Rio Rancho 2-0.
On Saturday, the La Cueva High School boys soccer team walked away with a state championship, beating Rio Rancho 1-0.
Also on Saturday, the Eldorado girls cross country team won yet another 5A state championship, with Eldorado sophomore Gianna Rahmer winning her third straight individual state championship.
Congratulations to all of these athletes! And congratulations to the amazing coaches by their side every step of the way, encouraging and pushing their kids to do their absolute best.
I played softball, so I know what it means to be part of a team. Winning a state championship doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work, perseverance and a lot of heart.
Talent goes a long way, but ultimately, it comes down to being willing to go the extra mile. These young men and women have put in hundreds of hours practicing and honing their skills. They woke up early, and I’m sure went to bed late at times as they balanced their athletic pursuits with their school work and responsibilities at home. They put in the work, and that’s why the Eldorado girls soccer team is celebrating its second state championship in four years!
And they persevered.
The La Cueva boys soccer team didn’t throw in the towel after coming up short last year. And this year, after it lost to Albuquerque High in September, team members dusted themselves off and kept pushing forward.
After Saturday’s championship game, an Albuquerque Journal reporter asked La Cueva senior forward Winston Starr what separated last year’s heartbreaking loss in the championship game and this year’s victory.
“Honestly, it’s heart,” he responded.
That was on full display throughout these competitions. After winning her individual cross country championship, Gianna didn’t just go off to celebrate. She stuck around and cheered on her teammates, encouraging them to do their best.
I’m incredibly proud of these athletes who walked away with a state championship this past weekend and of all our athletes who left it all on the field this season.
The lessons these young women and men learned here will serve them well in life–that hard work always pays off, that when you suffer a setback, you pick yourself up and keep pushing forward, and that whatever it is that you decide to do in life, you should put your heart into it.
State championships are amazing, but those life lessons are priceless!
Have a great weekend, and best of luck to our teams still competing in state volleyball and state football.