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Widner inducted into NMAA Hall of Fame

ALBUQUERQUE — Jamie Widner, speaking as a New Mexico Activities Association Hall of Fame inductee Wednesday, credited the Melrose community for putting him there.

“Our little community has 700 people in it; it’s dynamic, it’s moving all the time,” Widner said. “I’m sure there’s more deserving people than me. I didn’t do a lot. I fought for the school, and I fought the state a lot when I was a superintendent.”

Widner was one of three people inducted into the 2022 NMAA Hall of Fame class, which was introduced in a Wednesday afternoon press conference The News covered virtually.

J.P. Murrieta, sports information director for the NMAA, said the Hall of Fame was established in 1976 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to athletics and activities in the state. Inductees must show support of the NMAA’s philosophy and objectives and at least 25 years of service with at least 20 in New Mexico. A selection committee can recommend up to four inductees annually.

Widner, a 1979 Melrose High grad, spent 34 years in education, with time in Roswell, Corona and House before coming back home. He retired following the 2018-19 school year after nine years as superintendent and 25 years with the district.

Widner said he was particularly proud that he was the only Melrose alumni to serve as superintendent, but largely credited his success to his staff, students and the families and community at large. Melrose, he said, provided his wife Robin a banking career and set a foundation for his children.

“Melrose offered my four kids a tremendous opportunity,” Widner said. “They took advantage. All four of them graduated from Melrose, all four of them graduated from college. They all have tremendous spouses I consider my own, and all four of them are college graduates.”

Inducted with Widner were former Rio Rancho district athletic director Larry Chavez and Gallup-McKinley Athletic Coordinator Larry Schuster.

• Chavez, who received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at ENMU, moved to Rio Rancho in 1997 when the only things he knew about the community were Intel and Don Chalmers Ford.

Chavez spent eight years in Tucumcari, including a four-year run as head boys track coach. During his time, he coached national 3,200 meter champ Arthur Jimenez.

“I will never take it for granted.”

• Schuster, who has been a principal, official and coach as well, said his 32-plus years of service has been an easy one thanks to a large network of support.

• “Selection into the hall is the ultimate,” Schuster said. “It means to me I have run the race I want to run.”

The inductees will be honored in March at a banquet in Albuquerque. Those details, Murrieta said, are still pending.

 
 
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