After a little more than four years, my time with the Rio Grande SUN has come to an end. I am very sad to say goodbye to everyone I have loved covering and chatting with for so long.
My third day here was an adventure I will never forget. It was March 11, 2020. The Sundevils were facing Gallup in the state tournament.
I walk into The Pit and am immediately stunned to see about 10,000 people in attendance to watch a high-school game. An amazing environment.
In the first half, I am trying to learn the job on the fly. I’m running around with my camera, taking pictures and taking notes.
At halftime, I finally have a chance to check my phone. And I see: approximately 1 million news alerts about the various sudden impacts of the novel coronavirus, including the suspension of the NBA season. I knew then that this might be different than I expected.
It’s been quite an adventure in my time here; moving from South Florida was quite a culture shock. But I have absorbed the culture of northern New Mexico and wouldn’t change a thing.
I have loved seeing the passion that everyone has for high-school sports. Even if, at times, it can go a bit too far (I have seen full-on brawls break out and people leave a gymnasium in handcuffs, and that’s not a pretty sight).
But connecting with the student athletes in Rio Arriba has been an amazing experience. While the region, of course, has its challenges, there are no shortage of incredible young people looking for a way to make their impact on the world. It’s been a joy to get to watch and interact with them.
I am most impressed with the way that athletes, after a tough loss, will sit through tough questions. I am so grateful for their patience.
A few teams, though, deserve a special shoutout:
Escalante
Girls Basketball (Class of 2023)
These girls were so much fun to watch and to photograph. They played with more joy and passion than I have ever seen. It was never difficult to get a fantastic reaction shot from the players or the bench. I don’t know how they never won a state championship, but the last 20 seconds of that 2022 championship game are probably the most exciting I saw in four years.
Mesa Vista
Girls Basketball
(Class of 2024)
Covering the deaths of Leonard and Leo Torrez was probably my toughest job as a reporter. These girls went through so much, losing a coach, a mentor, a parent. Yet they did more than anyone who came before, transforming what was possible at the small school in Ojo Caliente. Mesa Vista has a bright future.
Española Valley Football (and Powerlifting) (Class of 2024)
Four years as a reporter was enough time to watch the Class of 2024 grow up from their freshman year. And this group sure did a lot of growing up. From about 12 small freshmen running sprints in the summer, after losing every game they played for two years, they built a true contender. Their progress on and off the field was fantastic.
Española Valley Tennis (Class of 2024-2025)
Española is no one’s idea of a tennis hotbed. But somehow, a group of boys and girls came together and built two teams that can compete with anyone in the state. Their passion for a sport that they had not played before high school led to real success.
Pojoaque Football (Class of 2022)
They faced plenty of adversity, drama off the field, and had it all covered in the newspaper. But that never prevented them from being completely friendly and respectful.
These are just a few of the remarkable groups of athletes throughout northern New Mexico. And I will always have fond memories of them and of my time with the Rio Grande Sun, and of all the people I got to meet.
I have already heard so many thank yous from people all around Rio Arriba, and I want to return my gratitude to the fullest extent.