Rio Rancho High School Athletic Director Sal Gonzales Steps Down to Battle Cancer

Sal Gonzales built Rio Rancho High School's athletic department into a model of consistency over nearly two decades, but the Rams' coaches learned last week that their athletic director was forced to step down, not by choice, but by the demands of a long battle with cancer.

Gonzales, who has served as RRHS athletic director since 2022, resigned to focus on his health. Rio Rancho Public Schools announced the search for his replacement will begin immediately, a timeline that reflects the urgency of the departure: Gonzales is leaving in the middle of the current school year.

The news landed hard among the coaches he supervised. "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," said Jason Black, the Rio Rancho boys golf coach.

RRHS principal Millan Baca pointed to Gonzales's record from his first days at the school. "Sal Gonzales has demonstrated from Day 1 his exemplary commitment to the student-athletes, coaches, and the entire RRHS athletic community," Baca said. "His own successes as a head coach and a lifelong dedication to improving others has been vital to growing the athletic programs at RRHS. We wish him the best during this trying time."

The district's statement acknowledged the weight of the decision for Gonzales personally. "Mr. Gonzales shared that stepping away from the role was a difficult decision," Rio Rancho Public Schools wrote, "noting that it is unfortunate that his health can no longer keep up with the passion he has for sports and his service to the Rams Athletic Program, its athletes, and its coaches."

Before moving into administration, Gonzales compiled one of the stronger coaching records in New Mexico cross-country history. He led Rio Rancho's cross-country program to state championships in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2020. That run came on top of a 1999 state title he won coaching at Pecos High School, making him a five-time champion across his career.

Gonzales was hired by Rio Rancho Public Schools in 2008 to teach history and geography, building his coaching and administrative career in the district over the following 17 years. As athletic director, the district credited him with elevating the program's standards across the board. "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.

RRPS has not announced an interim arrangement or a timeline for completing the search, only that it will begin immediately.