Category: Mesilla Valley Sports Show

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: NMSU Hall of Fame Baseball Player Mark Aranda

12/11/2025

Former Aggie Baseball standout and NMSU Hall of Famer Mark Aranda joins Mike for a conversation that traces his journey from a rough neighborhood in Albuquerque to becoming one of the most productive hitters in Aggie history - and later a Las Cruces firefighter and respected local hitting instructor. Aranda reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the work ethic behind elite hitting, and the life-changing lessons of junior college ball, Division I baseball, and a humbling stint in the minor leagues. He also talks about coaching area youth, including future stars Steven “Monster” Milam and Zakai Hawkins, and shares what his Hall of Fame induction means after two decades of supporting NMSU athletics.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Inside Equipment Operations with Paulina Mihelich

12/4/2025

Mike and Brian talk with Paulina Mihelich, NMSU’s Assistant Athletics Director for Equipment Operations, about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Aggie athletics running. Paulina shares how she entered the equipment profession, her path to NMSU, and what it takes to outfit and support a Division I football program - from helmet safety and uniforms to road-game logistics and the new equipment facility.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Rus Bradburd (Part 1)

11/20/2025

Mike and Brian welcome author, former coach, and NMSU color analyst Rus Bradburd for the first of two conversations. Rus shares stories from his early years growing up in Chicago, his time learning under Don Haskins at UTEP, and the discovery of future NBA star Tim Hardaway. He reflects on NCAA rule changes, recruiting strategies, and how his deep Chicago connections shaped his coaching path. The hosts also discuss Aggie athletics, honor the legacy of Al “Speedy” Gonzalez, and celebrate the accomplishments of local youth athlete Tripp Everett.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Behind the Mic with Adam Young

11/13/2025

Mike and Brian sit down with Adam Young, the voice of Aggie sports and Director of Broadcasting for NMSU, for an in-depth look at the fast-paced world of collegiate sports media.

Adam shares how he prepares for the dozens of football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball games he broadcasts each year - balancing radio and TV duties, traveling with teams, and switching between play-by-play and hosting roles. He also reflects on his early days as a student broadcaster at NMSU, his experience in minor league baseball, and the preparation it takes to “paint the picture” for listeners when working solo on radio.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Roy Gerela Returns

11/6/2025

Back by popular demand, NMSU Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion Roy Gerela returns for another deep and personal conversation with Mike and Brian. In this episode, Roy opens up about his early life in Canada, the influence of his athletic siblings, and how a teacher’s dismissive remark in eighth grade lit the fire that launched his pro career. He talks about the transition to soccer-style kicking, adjusting to American football after moving to the U.S., and the pivotal moment when Coach Warren Woodson discovered his potential at NMSU.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Brenda Bongetta’s Road to Recovery

10/30/2025

Brenda Bongetta was a collegiate athlete and marathon trainee when, at just 26, she suffered a stroke that changed the course of her life. In this powerful conversation, Brenda shares her story - from growing up in Brazil and playing tennis at NMSU, to the moment everything shifted, and the long journey back.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Keith Roberts on NMSU Men's Basketball

10/23/2025

Keith Roberts, NMSU’s Director of Basketball Operations and former Mayfield coach, joins Mike and Brian to talk about his journey from high school coaching to the college ranks. He shares what goes into running a Division I program, reflects on his coaching path, and previews the Aggie men’s basketball team as they gear up for the new season.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: NFL Kicker Roy Gerela

10/16/2025

Mike and Brian are joined by Roy Gerela - NMSU Hall of Famer, three-time Super Bowl champion, and former kicker for the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. Roy shares his remarkable journey from a childhood in rural Canada to becoming one of the first soccer-style kickers in college football. He talks about learning the game, being drafted in the fourth round, his early NFL experiences (including a terrifying kickoff to Gale Sayers), and life with the Steelers during the dynasty years. Along the way, he reflects on self-discipline, finding mentors, the science of kicking, and the fan club that named itself Gerela's Gorillas.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Connie Limon & Mari Sanchez-Galaz

10/9/2025

Connie (Val) Limon and Mari Sanchez-Galaz - two NMSU Hall of Fame basketball players - join Mike and Brian for a conversation filled with heart, humor, and hometown pride. They talk about getting started in sports and some influential coaches, their transition to college and a few of their favorite memories from the Pan Am days. Along the way, they reflect on mental toughness, coaching today’s youth, and the enduring power of sports to transform lives.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Frank Holguin on Handball in Southern New Mexico

10/2/2025

Frank Holguin, a top local handball player and Regional Director with the U.S. Handball Association, joined Mike and Brian to talk about the sport’s long history, its many forms, and its surprising presence in Las Cruces. He discussed his own journey from competitive player to coach and organizer, and shared details about the upcoming Las Cruces Junior Invitational Handball Tournament on October 18 at Lions Park.

Plus: updates on a busy weekend ahead for Las Cruces sports, including tournaments, rivalry games, and the hiring of new NMSU Athletics Director Joe Fields.

<<Previous