Albuquerque High School Hall of Honor: 2026 Inductees Announced

Albuquerque High School has announced the inductees for its 2026 Hall of Honor, recognizing a diverse group of former athletes, coaches, and a community service recipient for their lasting impact on the institution. The announcement was published on March 31, 2026, by the Albuquerque Journal, with the formal honorific ceremony scheduled to take place later in April 2026. The selected class spans multiple decades of the school’s history, highlighting achievements in basketball, volleyball, baseball, wrestling, soccer, and dance.

Coaching Legends Recognized

Three coaches were selected for the 2026 class, each representing different sports and eras of Bulldog athletics. Gregg Papp served as the head girls basketball coach from 1978 to 1993. During his fifteen-year tenure, Papp led the Bulldogs to three district titles. His coaching career at the school culminated in 1993 when he guided the team to the Class 4A state championship game, where Albuquerque High finished as the runner-up to Eldorado.

Lucien Starzynski, a member of the Class of 1995, was honored for his work as one of the most successful coaches in the school’s history. Starzynski led the boys soccer program to three state championships in 2015, 2017, and 2019. In addition to the state titles, his teams secured nine district titles during his leadership of the program.

Loretta Gallegos Vasquez, a member of the Class of 1982, was recognized for her long-term contribution as the AHS dance team coach. The Bulldoggies achieved significant prosperity during her 22 years leading the team. Under her guidance, the squad won four state titles and achieved a second-place finish at nationals.

Standout Athletic Performances

The 2026 inductee class includes several athletes who achieved state-level success in basketball, and baseball. Brandon Sharts, Class of 1998, played for two state championship basketball teams at Bulldog City in 1995 and 1998. Sharts was part of four district champion squads at Albuquerque High and was named an All-State player in 1998.

Monica Garcia, Class of 2000, was named the APS Female Athlete of the Year for the 1999-2000 school year. She was a three-time all-district player for the Bulldogs in both basketball and volleyball. Following her athletic career, Garcia returned to the school as the head volleyball coach, where she has continued to lead the program with success.

Ron Powdrell, Class of 1971, was recognized as a stellar basketball player who was twice an All-State first team selection. He was also twice named a Parade All-American and was part of a state champion team with the Bulldogs in 1971. George Ramirez, Class of 1984, was highlighted as a hugely important player for Albuquerque High baseball. He contributed during the 1983 season, which reached the Class 4A state title game, and was an All-State and All-District performer.

David Otero, Class of 1953, was honored for his versatility across four sports at AHS, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Otero was part of a state runner-up football team and achieved All-City and All-State status multiple years as a quarterback. He also earned All-City and All-State honors as a catcher.

Wrestling Champions and Service Award

Two members of the Santiago family were inducted for their achievements in wrestling. Dyon Santiago, Class of 2013, was a tremendous wrestler for the Bulldogs, winning a pair of individual state titles and twice earning All-American honors. He was also a standout football player for the Bulldogs and competed as a sprinter for the track team. Jordan Santiago, Class of 2010, was a two-time state champion wrestler for Albuquerque High, plus a multiple district and city champion.

In addition to the athletic and coaching inductees, the Distinguished Service Award is being presented to Miguel Tittmann. A 1995 graduate, Tittmann was a member of AHS’ state basketball championship team in 1995. Outside of his high school athletics, he serves as a firefighter and holds the rank of captain with the Albuquerque Fire Department.

The reporting on the 2026 Hall of Honor class was conducted by James Yodice, who covers prep sports for the Albuquerque Journal. The details regarding the inductees and their specific achievements were confirmed through the journal’s publication on March 31, 2026. The school intends to honor the group later in the month of April 2026.