Albuquerque Academy, Cottonwood Classical Continue Title Streaks

Roman Rodriguez sets new state record in 100-yard butterfly

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Albuquerque Academy's girls and boys teams extended their state championship streaks to 10 and 2 years respectively at the state swimming and diving finals held at the Albuquerque Academy Natatorium. In the small-schools division, Cottonwood Classical continued its dynasty, winning the boys and girls team titles for the fourth straight year. Cottonwood's Roman Rodriguez set a new state record in the 100-yard butterfly.

Why it matters

The continued dominance of Albuquerque Academy and Cottonwood Classical in New Mexico high school swimming and diving underscores the strength of their programs and the competitive nature of the sport in the state. Rodriguez's record-setting performance also highlights the individual talent that contributes to these team successes.

The details

Albuquerque Academy's girls team won its 10th straight state championship, finishing with 469 points and beating out Clovis (256) and La Cueva (220). The Chargers' boys team also won its second straight title with 246 points, edging out Eldorado (224) and La Cueva (218). In the small-schools division, Cottonwood Classical swept the boys and girls team titles for the fourth consecutive year, despite only three individual event wins between the two teams.

  • The state swimming and diving finals were held on Saturday, February 22, 2026 at the Albuquerque Academy Natatorium.
  • Albuquerque Academy has now won 26 girls team titles, the longest streak in state history.
  • Albuquerque Academy has now won 26 boys team titles overall.

The players

Albuquerque Academy

A high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico that has dominated the state swimming and diving championships, winning 10 straight girls team titles and 26 overall, as well as 2 straight boys team titles and 26 overall.

Cottonwood Classical

A small-schools program in New Mexico that has won the boys and girls team titles in the state swimming and diving championships for the past four consecutive years.

Roman Rodriguez

A junior at Cottonwood Classical who won the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke events, setting a new state record in the butterfly.

Jim Van Atta

The second-year head coach of the Albuquerque Academy girls swimming and diving team.

Adrian Gonzales

The head coach of the Cottonwood Classical swimming and diving teams.

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What they’re saying

“It's exciting to just be part of that legacy. Continuing to try to fill in those shoes (of) my predecessors has been fun and important.”

— Jim Van Atta, Head Coach, Albuquerque Academy Girls Swimming and Diving (abqjournal.com)

“Them winning here for the fourth time, it's unbelievable. They really make me speechless with how talented they are. It's insane what they're capable of — I can't describe it. These guys are just so good, and the girls are so good.”

— Adrian Gonzales, Head Coach, Cottonwood Classical Swimming and Diving (abqjournal.com)

“I was fully locked in. Got it done.”

— Roman Rodriguez (abqjournal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The continued dominance of Albuquerque Academy and Cottonwood Classical in New Mexico high school swimming and diving demonstrates the strength and longevity of their programs, as well as the individual talent that contributes to these team successes. The records and streaks set by these schools highlight the competitive nature of the sport in the state.