Q & A: Texico's Bailey to focus on football at ENMU

CNJ file photo: Tony Bullocks Seth Bailey earned all-state honors as a quarterback and linebacker at Texico. He was the Class 2A player of the year in basketball and also earned all-state honors in baseball.

Seth Bailey hopes to own and operate a ranch after he graduates from college. Right now the former Texico High multiple-sport standout is hoping to earn playing time at linebacker for the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds.

Bailey gave it the old college try last year at Eastern New Mexico University. A three-sport standout at Texico High — he helped the Wolverines win two basketball state titles and

another in football, Bailey was on the Greyhounds’ football and basketball rosters, although he rarely played.

This year, he said he’s going to concentrate on football.

• What is your major?

I’m double majoring in agribusiness and mathematics.

• Favorite sport?

Football, but barely.

• What was the harder transition from high school to college, football or basketball?

Basketball. It was definitely more of a one-on-one game at the college level instead of a team-oriented game as it was in high school.

• Your playing time was limited at ENMU in both basketball and football after four years as a three-sport standout at Texico, What was last year like?

It was a definitely a transition year. I might have doubted myself at times, but I knew that in the long run an off year was going to benefit me.

• What caught you by surprise about playing college sports?

The difference in competition. I knew that it was going to be tougher, but it seems like it’s a struggle to compete with even the worst college athletes.

• Greatest athletic moment so far?

Stopping Santa Rosa on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line in overtime in the state quarterfinals.

• Any pre-game rituals for either sport?

In high school we always had to play the sport we were about to play on PlayStation. Play basketball before we played basketball, football before football, and baseball before baseball.

• Best high school athlete you faced?

Jesus Roybal (Santa Rosa)

• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Owning and running my own farm and ranch

• Favorite TV show?

“My Wife and Kids.”

• College or NBA player you’d like to play one-on-one?

Ha. I don’t know that I would like to play any of them one-on-one but if I had to choose one that I would enjoy playing against it would have to be Tim Duncan.

• What do you do to relax?

I enjoy laying down and trying to have short naps.

• Favorite bad for you food?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

• Favorite jam before a game?

I don’t know that I have one. Anything with a beat to get me going.

— Compiled by Rick White