Top 10 2023 Sports Stories

Compiling any Top 10 list is a bit risky because often nobody agrees with it. That is part of the fun, right?  

So, drum roll please, for the Top 10 Valencia County Sports Stories of 2023. Happy New Year. 

1:  Valencia Bowl, down the drain 

The news is just sinking in, but the end of the Valencia Bowl between Belen and Los Lunas is a story 70 years in the making.  

When football season rolls around, it just won’t be the same. The rivalry has been a part of so many families’ lives for seven decades, but at this point in time, it’s probably the right decision. What will now happen to the VCNB Chile Roaster Trophy?  Stay tuned. 

2:  Strike Two, you’re out 

Perhaps the most talked about local story of 2023 was the New Mexico Activities Association’s “Two Strikes” bylaw, intended to curb poor fan and team behavior. 

Belen football and Valencia boys’ soccer were among the first to face repercussions of the new initiative. It’s seems too early to tell if “Two Strikes” is striking a chord in the athletic world. 

3:  Hitting the trail? 

The last roundup in Belen may be in store for the Baca Rodeo Series, which has brought cowboys and cowgirls to Belen for 41 years.  

C.J. Baca is unhappy with the quality of the arena, while Valencia County Sheriff’s Posse leaders don’t believe Baca pays enough rent. No decision has been made, but what a shame if the schism sinks one of the counties premier sporting events. 

4:  Eagles capture state wrestling title 

It came down to the final match, with the end-result another state wrestling championship for the Belen Eagles. BHS celebrated the half-point victory over Bloomfield with a joyous dog pile on the mat.  

Belen might make this list in 2024 because they’re good enough to win it all again. 

5 :  Not the same 

A big hole was left in Belen and beyond after the sudden death of Shawn Ammons, recreation supervisor for the City of Belen. 

His stature, in size and reputation, was large. Ammons was described as “a friend to many and  a role model” for youth in the community.  

6 : Double the fun 

It was two stories in one with Los Lunas boys’ basketball in 2023. The Tigers reached the 5A state semifinals, while star guard Jalin Holland continues to be recruited by some of the top college programs in the country. Both storylines will be worth watching into the New Year.  

7 :  Par for the course 

It is not breaking news that Belen golf is good, but two Eagle stars have made even weekend duffers applaud. Grady Cox has signed with Austin Peay State University and will shoot for his third state high school title in four years.  

Already a two-time state champion, Rylee Salome has a chance to sweep the table and win four titles. I expect a major golf program will snap her up.  

8:  Let’s play two 

College athletics don’t often come to Valencia County, so the inaugural South Central Regional Showcase at Los Lunas Sports Complex was a real treat for softball fans.  

Eight Division II programs from New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and Canada showed off an impressive brand of fastpitch softball. It was such a success, the Showcase will return in February for a second go-round with 10 teams.  

9 : Who’s on first? 

We’ve documented the girls’ basketball coaching carousel at Los Lunas Schools, a story that hit these pages periodically in 2023. No need going through all the details again. It was complicated. 

However, early results indicate the Tigers and Jaguars seem to have settled in with their new coaches.  

10: A tie goes to  the runners 

Three running events hit the tape at the same time to finish in a dead heat for the tenth spot. Yes, it is probably cheating to have a top ten list with twelve slots.  

Just call me Rosie Ruiz if you would like, but this trio deserves mention; the Memorial Day Meltdown, a USA Track and Field sponsored meet, Red vs. Green All-Star high school cross country competition and the annual King of the Hill trail run on El Cerro.