Watters returning to coaching

After Miles Watters closed out his career at Clovis High School, he decided he’d take a one-year sabbatical and weigh decisions like future coaching options and moving.

Now, the longtime New Mexico girls coach has accepted a coaching option, and it won’t require him to move.

Watters brings a 526-105 career record and 12 state championships to Farwell High School, where he will take over the girls program from Gary Cates, who has accepted a junior high principal position in Ballinger, Texas.

Farwell Athletic Director Larry Gregory joked that Farwell would be a good place for Watters to gain some coaching experience. But he quickly added that the Lady Blue were fortunate to get somebody with his resume.

“He has more state championships than we have as a total school,” Gregory said. “We were excited we could get him.”

After Cates left, Gregory said he gave Watters a call. Watters, who said he wasn’t yet looking for a position, couldn’t turn down a chance to get back in coaching without needing any moving boxes.

“We enjoy the Clovis area and like where we’re located,” said Watters, who coached seven years at Clovis, including a 30-0 state championship season in 2004-05. “It’s a good situation for us.”

Watters likes the school, the community and the players that Farwell offer, even though the Lady Blue’s district is challenging with defending state champion Sudan in the mix.

“Coach Cates and (assistant Tracy) Reed have done an awesome job over there,” Watters said. “Those kids are very sound. They’ve developed a winning tradition. I just plan to keep that tradition going.”

Gregory said Joe Pat Wright, head track coach and an assistant in basketball and football, is also moving on, having accepted a position at Lubbock Roosevelt. Gregory added there aren’t any current openings, but he still doesn’t have many of his coaches under contract yet for the upcoming season either.