Congratulations Brayden! We’re Proud of You!

ENMU-Ruidoso Recognizes First NJCAA All-Academic Award Recipient

ENMU-Ruidoso recently recognized its very first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic Honors Recipient, Brayden Rocha.

NJCAA recently announced the 2025-2026 All-Academic Teams, recognizing student athletes across the country for their dedication in the classroom. A total of 13,723 student-athletes have been honored for achieving a grade point average (GPA) above 3.60. Student-athletes are eligible to earn academic honors by achieving an overall GPA of 3.60 or higher for the 2025-26 academic year. The criteria for the three All-Academic teams are listed below:

• NJCAA All-Academic First Team: 4.00 GPA
• NJCAA All-Academic Second Team: 3.80-3.99 GPA
• NJCAA All-Academic Third Team: 3.60-3.79 GPA

Rocha is a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, a graduate of Ruidoso High School, and is the son of Alice Tahnito. His mother is a graduate of ENMU-Ruidoso and he plans to get an Associate degree in Business and minor in Culinary Arts. He will be a sophomore this year, continuing his studies and running for the ENMU-Ruidoso Cross Country Team again this year.

“One of the first opportunities I had after stepping into the Athletic Director role was nominating Brayden Rocha for NJCAA All-Academic honors. Last week, the NJCAA announced this year’s recipients, and I am proud to share that Brayden was selected to the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team,” said ENMU-Ruidoso Athletic Coordinator Randa Clabaugh.

This is a nationwide recognition awarded to student-athletes who maintain a 3.80-3.99 GPA throughout the academic year while competing in their sport.  It is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, discipline, and commitment our student-athletes demonstrate both in the classroom and in competition.

“It was truly an honor to submit this nomination, and it was one of my favorite moments since beginning this position. Being able to celebrate the academic achievements of our student-athletes is a reminder of what collegiate athletics is all about,” said Clabaugh.

“Brayden is a very humble and hard-working young man, a combination that is sure to translate to success in many areas of his life. I couldn’t be more proud to have Brayden as part of the ENMU-Ruidoso Cross Country Team,” said ENMU-Ruidoso Cross Country Head Coach Micah Bray.

To view a full list of all student-athlete award winners, visit: NJCAA All-Academic Awards

A total of 3,799 student-athletes garnered NJCAA All-Academic First Team honors after achieving a 4.00 GPA. Another 4,593 student-athletes were named to the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team, while 5,330 student-athletes received third-team recognition.
The Cross Country Team will begin practices soon, and fall semester classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 18.

ENMU-Ruidoso Cross Country Schedule 2026

• Saturday, Sept. 5 – Art Morgan Classic at New Mexico State University, NMSU Golf Course, Las Cruces, N.M.
• Friday, Sept. 11 – New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) Dr. Steve McCleery Community College Invite, Harry McAdams Park, Hobbs, N.M.
• Friday, Sept. 18 – Texas Tech University Invitational, Lubbock Christian University (LCU) Cross Country Course, Lubbock, Texas
• Thursday, Oct. 1 – ENMU-Ruidoso Cross Country Classic, Inn of Mountain Gods, Mescalero, N.M.
• Friday, Oct. 16 – NMJC Thunderbird Open, Harry McAdams Park, Hobbs, N.M.
• Friday, Oct. 30 – Regional Tournament, Hobbs, N.M.