Category: Mesilla Valley Sports Show

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Athletic Trainers Daryl Wooten, Ben Snyder & Jazzy Benavides

3/12/2026

In honor of National Athletic Training Month, host Mike O'Larey brings together three local athletic training professionals to discuss the profession — what it is, what it isn't, and why it matters. Daryl Wooten, a nearly 40-year veteran of high school athletic training in Las Cruces, reflects on the city's long legacy of strong athletic training programs and pays tribute to the late Tim "Doc" Acklin of Mayfield High School. Ben Snyder, Director of Clinical Education for NMSU's Master of Athletic Training program, talks about preparing the next generation of athletic trainers. Jazzy Benavides, Athletic Trainer Coordinator for Las Cruces Public Schools, describes her role creating district-wide consistency in athlete care. Together they cover the emotional demands of the job, the ongoing challenge of getting the profession properly recognized, and why Las Cruces has set a standard that much of the state still hasn't matched.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: NMSU Athletics Director Joe Fields

3/5/2026

Host Mike O'Larey and Brian Cox welcomes NMSU Athletics Director Joe Fields for one of his most in-depth interviews since taking the job. Fields traces his path from Houston to Syracuse - where he played quarterback before moving to the defensive side of the ball - and explains how he stumbled into sports administration after a mentor opened an unexpected door. He discusses his first four months at NMSU, his approach to building a staff and culture, and his vision for the athletics department going forward. The conversation also covers the sweeping changes reshaping college athletics and what they mean for a program like NMSU.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Compas Skateshop's Josh Sutton

2/26/2026

On this episode of the Mesilla Valley Sports Show, Mike welcomed Josh Sutton, owner of Compass Skate Shop, for a conversation about skate culture in Las Cruces and the growing community around it. Sutton shared how he discovered skateboarding as a teenager in Houston, how military service eventually brought him to southern New Mexico, and why he opened a skater-owned shop after realizing the city lacked a dedicated space for equipment and community. He discussed relocating the shop to Picacho Avenue, adding an indoor mini ramp, and creating a true gathering place for local skaters. Much of the conversation focused on his outreach efforts, all aimed at making skateboarding accessible while building confidence, resilience, and connection for young people across the community.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Former NMSU Assistant Sports information Director Brian McCann

2/12/2026

This episode of the Mesilla Valley Sports Show welcomed former NMSU assistant sports information director Brian McCann, who worked in Las Cruces from 1987 to 1995. McCann reflected on the behind-the-scenes work of a small sports information office in the pre-internet era. He revisited memorable moments including the 26–3 women’s basketball season of 1987–88, volleyball’s first “Pack the Pan Am” match, the 1988 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship, the legacy of the Troy Cox Softball Classic, and the men’s basketball tournament runs of the early 1990s. The conversation underscored how a resourceful department and dedicated student assistants helped shape a pivotal era in Aggie athletics.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: NMSU Head Cheer Coach Jessica Covington

1/22/2026

This episode of the Mesilla Valley Sports Show featured host Michael O’Leary in conversation with New Mexico State University head cheer coach Jessica Covington. Covington shared her journey from growing up in Hatch to leading the NMSU cheer program for the past 18 years, detailing how cheer has evolved into a highly competitive, year-round sport that demands elite athleticism, discipline, and teamwork. She discussed the structure of NMSU’s cheer squads, national competitions, recruiting and training expectations, the role of Pistol Pete as a campus ambassador, and the program’s emphasis on academics, community service, and leadership. The interview also highlighted the upcoming NMSU Spirit Championships at the Pan American Center and the broader strength of cheer and dance programs throughout Las Cruces and New Mexico.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: LCPS Assistant Athletic Director Bobby Campos

1/15/2026

This week on the Mesilla Valley Sports Show, host Michael O’Leary spoke with Bobby Campos, Assistant Athletic Director for Las Cruces Public Schools, about the scope and complexity of overseeing athletics across the district. Campos shared his personal path from growing up in Dexter, New Mexico, through his years as a coach and school administrator. He then walked listeners through the behind-the-scenes work required to support student athletics, including scheduling hundreds of games across four high schools and multiple sports, managing facilities and transportation, coordinating officials, overseeing safety protocols, and working closely with the New Mexico Activities Association. The conversation also highlighted long-standing rivalries, the importance of multi-sport participation, and ongoing efforts to increase student involvement while keeping athletics safe, competitive, and accessible for thousands of local students.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Jack & Theresa Jones

1/8/2026

Mike and Brian talk with Jack and Theresa Jones, a couple whose lives have been shaped by basketball from two different perspectives. Theresa shares her experiences as a college basketball player, while Jack reflects on his years refereeing at the college level, offering listeners a rare look at the game from both sides of the whistle.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Las Cruces Bulletin's Kurt Johnson

12/25/2025

Mike and Brian are joined by Kurt Johnson, General Manager, Editor, and sports writer for the Las Cruces Bulletin, for a thoughtful Christmas Day conversation about local sports and the stories behind them. Kurt reflects on his path into journalism, the importance of covering high school and community athletics, and how local sports reporting helps strengthen connections across Las Cruces. The discussion also touches on changes in sports media, the challenges of sustaining local journalism, and why telling the human side of sports matters as much as wins and losses.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Mayfield Girls’ Basketball Coach George Maya

12/18/2025

Mayfield High School girls’ basketball coach George Maya joins Mike and Brian to talk about his journey as a player, coach, and mentor in Las Cruces. He reflects on building one of the state’s most successful programs, the coaching philosophy behind multiple championship teams, and the mentors who shaped his approach.

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.

<<Previous