New coach hired for THS football

If Tucumcari High School's new football coach doesn't succeed, it probably won't be because of a lack of effort.

Tarik Embrack, who was informed on June 8 he got the job as the Rattlers' gridiron coach, repeatedly used the words "hard work" during a phone interview last week. He said he'll wake up early each day to prepare his players for practices and games.

"I expect the kids to give the same energy," he said. "Over time, you develop those habits, you outwork your opponent, study film, doing extra lifts, doing the extra training ... If you put in the extra time, I do believe you can become what's you expect to be and win a championship.

"You want to leave a legacy behind that you gave 100% in everything you did," he added. "I know not everyone's going to be the best football player out there. I know there's a lot of work to do. If you come out and give 100%, that's going to be better for you in the long term as a man. Make them better for Tucumcari and the community."

Embrack replaced Donnie Garcia, who was not rehired as Rattlers head coach after an 0-10 season.

Garcia said the administration informed him in late 2022 he would not return for a second season and did not give a reason.

"I wish him the best, and I hope the kids go out and show the talent that they have," Garcia said of his successor. "We started the progress; I hope they continue with the new coach and get better."

Embrack last season was head football coach at Mescalero Apache High School, finishing with a 2-8 record.

He said he had the option of returning to the Chiefs for a second season but was attracted by Tucumcari's "better tradition" in football, citing its state championships in 2002 and 1959. He said he also liked the competitiveness of Tucumcari's district, which includes Dexter, Ruidoso and New Mexico Military Institute.

"I think it's more of a challenge, and I want to be somewhere we I see myself growing. And Tucumcari is more than adequately equipped to rise to that challenge," he said.

Embrack said he saw Tucumcari play at Loving last season and was impressed by running back Daymion Urioste and quarterback Kameron Apodaca, who also played at receiver last season. He saw the Rattlers squad contained a lot of freshman and sophomore talent.

"I think I can build them where I think we can compete," he said.

Embrack was head football coach in Newcomb for one season in 2021, also with a 2-8 record. Before that, he was an offensive coordinator and baseball coach at Gallup.

At his alma mater of New Mexico Highlands University, he helped with the football team's offense and recruiting as graduate assistant.

As a player at Highlands, the New York native was recruited from Winter Park, Florida, as a receiver and defensive back. During his tenure with the Cowboys, he switched to running back and on special teams.

"I was a Swiss Army knife; I basically could do anything," Embrack explained. "That's what want to tell the kids: Don't be stuck on one thing. I'm not saying you have to be a hero and play every single position, but it's good to know how to play multiple positions. You've got to do whatever it takes to be successful. You've got to get out of your comfort zone."

At Highlands, Embrack's offensive coordinator was New Mexico State quarterback legend Chase Holbrook, from where he learned the "air raid" offense. Embrack said he wants to eventually bring that style of offense to Tucumcari.

"In the long term, I want to get to the air raid, but I think the best way to start right now is the (run-pass option) - get them to understand coverages and try to run the ball," he said. "I think when we get a little more comfortable with coverages with our receivers, we can move to the air raid.

"But right now, I just want to take it slow. I want to see how much they know when I get there and see how much I can put on their plate. I don't think we'll be able to throw it 40 times a game right off the bat, but three or four years down the line, that's when I think we'll see the full potential of the offense."

Embrack said he'll probably meet his players sometime this week while he and his fiancee, Samantha, and his 2-year-old daughter Taylynn look for a place to live.

He said he'll impress on his players that hard work is paramount.

"Hard work doesn't guarantee success, but I do think you work hard, or you don't do anything," he said. "I've always been raised that nothing is given; you have to go get it. You have to work harder than the next person. That's what I want the kids to take from me. Not that I'm a cool, fun coach; I want them to earn something.

"This program has a lot of people in the community that expects more," Embrack added. "These kids, based on my intensity and how much I want it, it won't take us long."

Embrack didn't waste time trying to assess his football team and get it ready for the season. He announced that mandatory off-season practices for high-schoolers would begin the morning of July 5. He stated in a social media post the first half of the month would be used for strength testing and conditioning, then the last half of the month will be used to build football skills.

Embrack elaborated on his life philosophy.

"For me, there's three main things There's faith, because without God, none of this would have been possible, especially with the timing, this school, this situation.

"Then there's family; it's about my last name, my legacy I'm trying to create. When I wake up every morning, I'm trying to be the man my daughter is proud of. I have purpose.

"The last thing is football. It got me from New York to Florida to college in New Mexico, then coaching three different schools as a head coach. Football can take you a lot of places; you've got to let it, though. You have to meet it halfway."