For the first time in history, the MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard visited the state of New Mexico and we were finally there to honor the V. Sue Cleveland High School football team. The Storm won their first ever state championship after finishing the season 13-0 after only having been in existence for 2 years! Coach Kirk Potter and the Storm finished the season ranked #112 in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings poll. The long-awaited trophy presentation took place on Friday, January 20th at a school wide assembly in the gymnasium.
The day started off with Athletic Director Larry Chavez playing the role of tour guide in his golf cart and showing off the beautiful campus of Cleveland High School. After seeing the state of the art facilities, the presentation kicked off in the gym which was packed with students, faculty, family, friends, state dignitaries, local media and many others. AD Larry Chavez introduced MaxPreps veteran Leland Gordon who spoke about what an amazing feat it was for Cleveland to be so highly ranked after only opening their doors 2 years ago. Leland then turned the microphone over to New Mexico Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel John D. Sedillo for the trophy presentation. LTC J.D. Sedillo spoke about when you are on a football team you rely on the support of your teammates, coaches, and community and how being in the Army National Guard you rely on that same support system. LTC J.D. Sedillo then presented the coveted Army National Guard national ranking trophy to Coach Kirk Potter and his players. Coach Potter accepted the trophy with a huge smile, thanked MaxPreps and the Army National Guard and then invited his team to share in the glory. The Storm took the trophy and raised it above their heads to which the Cleveland High School crowd erupted!
V. Sue Cleveland put on an amazing ceremony and the first trip to New Mexico on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions was one for the ages. Hopefully this stop will not be the last time we visit the Cleveland High School Storm and the Enchantment State.
