Coaching changes coming at Texico

CLOVIS — The sidelines are going to look a little different in some sports next year at Texico High School.

Wolverines football and track coach Ryan Autrey has been promoted to athletic director and assistant principal. Meantime, assistant football and track coach Patrick Crowley has been named to replace him in both coaching positions.

Autrey, 34, a 2001 Texico graduate, said he’s had administration in mind for some time. He’s replacing the retiring Todd Estes in the AD’s role.

He joined the football staff in 2006 and became head coach three years later, leading the Wolverines to the Class 3A state semifinals four times. This is his seventh year as the head track coach.

“For now, I’m going to step out of the coaching thing,” said Autrey, who has taught math at the high school. “It’s hard getting away from the coaching aspect of it, but I’ll still be a part of the kids’ everyday activities.”

Crowley, 53, was as Portales High before coming to Texico three years ago and whose wife Robbie is the softball coach at PHS, said he’s looking forward to his new challenge.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “We’ve got a good group of kids coming back (for football); the linemen and most of the defense have worked with me.

“Our personnel will change, but the expectations and goals have not.”

In addition, boys basketball coach Scott Karger said he resigned his position last Thursday. His oldest son, Brannon, is at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, and Karger said he wants a chance to watch him play in college.

In four years, Karger’s teams posted a 90-28 record, including a 3A state title in 2016. He’s a high school history teacher at Texico.

“Honestly, it was just time,” said Karger, who added he’s leaving the door open for a return to coaching. “It seemed the right time to do it. I’ve been coaching basketball for 22 years and I wanted to watch my oldest son play basketball.

“The last four years have been awesome.”

Prior to Texico, Karger’s only head coaching job in the sport was in 2007-08 at Breckenridge, Texas. He came to Texico after six years as an assistant basketball coach and head golf coach at Lovington.

“(Former Texico AD Miles Mitchell) took a chance of me, and I definitely appreciated him having the confidence in me,” said Karger, who turns 48 next week.

Apodaca steps down — Clovis High volleyball coach Gabe Apodaca has resigned his position after 12 seasons with the Lady Wildcats, the last seven as head coach. He is also relinquishing his position as an assistant track coach.

Apodaca, 46, a science teacher at CHS, said he will continue teaching, but wants to spend more time with his family.

“My parents aren’t in the best of health,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put in the time in needed for next year (in volleyball). It was a tough decision to make.”

Outgoing CHS athletic director Dale Fullerton said Monday the school plans to begin interviewing for the volleyball position soon.