Russell's NM Runners Rundown: Chapter 8

RUSSELL'S NM RUNNERS RUNDOWN: CHAPTER 8 - A Journey of Excitement

One last hurrah! We all meet again for one final game to finish the Runner's fourth season. This Saturday the Runners take on the Kansas Bandits in the final home game of the season. Looking back, it has been quite a journey of excitement, frustration, and hope. The season started out on a high with the Runners on win streak which lead many including myself to believe this could be a magical year. 

But then that injury bug hit like a tornado towards the middle of the season. The Runners found themselves in a sticky situation without a starting goalie for several games. The experience was eye opening. Oh how important a good goalie is! Good health has been the motto towards the end of the season in which the Runners have been looking for that winning mojo. 

This year has been challenging to say the least. Yet this season might be the best overall in the New Mexico Runners short history. This year we experienced the magic of Mehrshad Ahmadi as he continued to delight us with goal after goal. We also were able to see the toughness of Colton Oord, the leadership of Jaxn Rogers and Froilan Ramirez. Nate Yeager and Hector “Chuckie” Castaneda showed us how valuable good goalies are. 

Vince Aragon, Josh Garcia, and Mario Matute were all steady and consistent all season. Skylor Rose taught us how to take a hit. Nick Famiglietta sacrificed his body this season for the Runners. There is many things I could say about all the Runners. Each one contributed in a significant way. 

Head Coach Steve Famiglietta has guided this team through all the struggles this season. Adversity came and coach Steve had to take the field. And then something amazing happened. Head Coach Steve Famiglietta scored a goal and made history as the oldest goal scorer in MASL2 history. These are things that you wouldn't have expected at the beginning of the season. But we have one more game before we reminisce about this season. 

The Runners have a chance to finish this year with a bang! One final push towards the finish line of season number four. If you're a Runners fan or soon to be one. Here's a final chance to watch the Runners and send them off. After the game, autographs and pictures will be taken as when then begin the countdown towards season number five. Or as I like to call it, the “nickel season”. 

For myself, this has been a great experience. I have covered boys high school basketball for the last five years. Adding the Runners has truly been a challenge, but a rewarding one! You never really know what the future holds, but I hope to be back for season five. I would like to thank all of you for following along this season. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have. I'll see you at the final match!

You can always follow me and my journey on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Russellleegurule and subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@swerve3131