Alamogordo High Takes State Athletic Training Challenge, Gadsden 2nd, Centennial 3rd

Alamogordo High Wins the State Athletic Training Challenge, Gadsden 2nd, Centennial 3rd in .NMAAA state event.Photo byAlamogordoTownNews.com Alamogordo Public Schools

The Nnew Mexico Athletics Association hosted it 2024 Athletic challenge and Alamogordo High School came out on top winning the state title for the second time ever.

The Athletic Training Challenge started during the 1999-2000 school year. The NMAA has joined forces with the NMATA (New Mexico Athletic Trainers’ Association) to recognize Athletic Training as a sanctioned activity within New Mexico schools. The goals of the yearly challenge are to recognize students for their studies in athletic training and to promote sports medicine careers.

The Challenge encompasses a morning symposium and an afternoon exam. Symposium presentations include various medical case studies and sports medicine related topics. Written and practical exam scores determine team and individual state champions. The exam is modeled after the National Athletic Trainers Association certification exam to prepare those students interested in pursuing a career in Athletic Training.

Alamogordo High School has participated in this program and sent several teams to the state competition over the years. The Alamogordo Tiger Team won the state championship and brought home the Blue Trophy this year of 2024. The tigers also brought home the blue having the top ranked individual Lily Amaya!

Alamogordo High Wins the State Athletic Training Challenge, Gadsden 2nd, Centennial 3rdPhoto byAlamogordoTownNews.com Alamogordo Public Schools

The results overall included Gadsden High in 2nd Place and Centennial High School in 3rd Place.

The individual results placed Jason Salopek of Las Cruces High School in 2nd Place and with Lily Martinez also of Las Cruces High School in 3rd place.

In 2023 Alamogordo High School placed 2nd place in the state in this competition with Gadsden placing first and sweeping all three places in the individuals category. Centennial ranked 3rd in 2023.

2019 was the last time that Alamogordo won the state title in this competition and is the first time it ever won a state title in this competitive event.

Rio Rancho holds the record in this event with 5 consecutive championship wins in a row from 2009 to 2013. Centennial holds 5 state title championships in this category of competition as well. Gadsden hold 4 state championships. Congratulations to all schools that compete and all the participants statewide.

To see more results from last years visit https://www.nmact.org/activities/athletic-training-challenge/

Alamogordo High School Athletic Trainers get CPR Training prior to state competition.Photo byAlamogordoTownNews.com Alamogordo Public Schools