Beloved Rio Rancho AD Sal Gonzales resigns

Sal Gonzales is beloved among the coaches who work for him at Rio Rancho High School.

And so it was with great sadness last week that Gonzales was forced to resign as the Rams’ athletic director.

Gonzales, who has been involved in a long battle with cancer, is leaving the position in order to focus on his health.

“Sal’s a fighter and will keep battling. Hard to hear … He’s a great friend and is loved by his coaching staff. We will always be here for him and his family,” Rio Rancho boys golf coach Jason Black said.

That he is leaving in the midst of the current school year is troubling news; Rio Rancho announced it was going to begin a search for a new AD immediately.

“His passion for athletics, commitment to excellence, and unwavering support of coaches and athletes have played a vital role in strengthening the school’s athletic programs and fostering a culture of teamwork, integrity and sportsmanship,” the district said in a release.

Gonzales, before moving up the chain, was a successful cross country coach for the Rams, leading them to four state championships (2013, 2014, 2016, 2020).

James Yodice covers prep sports for the Journal. You can reach him at jyodice@abqjournal.com or via X at @JamesDYodice.