Coach Ferguson honored

Recognition for winning the 3A boys track and field championship is an honor but more of a testament to the commitment of the athletes and coaches, said Wayne Ferguson, Rattlers head track and field coach.

Ferguson was recognized for winning the 3A state championship in July during the New Mexico Activities Association coaches clinic in Albuquerque.

"This would not have not been possible without the dedication of the assistant coaches to the program," Ferguson said. "The coaches work with each athlete to push them to their full potential."

Ferguson said the athletes of the Rattlers and Lady Rattlers track programs have made them contenders for several years. He said it is one of the top 3A programs to keep an eye on during the season.

“Coach Ferguson has always pushed each of us to be better,” said Zedric Henderson Greene, a 2017 graduate.

Greene said the goal is always to win a state championship, but Ferguson along with the other coaches always put the athletes health first.

“Even when we were told that we would only have a chance at second place at state,” Greene said, “Ferguson encouraged us to prove them wrong.”

Greene said when the events were over and the winner announced the team did not know how to react.

"Ferguson and the other coaches knew we had it in us the whole time,"Greene said.