The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James

Will and James talk chances of transfer rule passing and rehash The New Mexican’s athlete of the year picks

The biggest sporting event in the world is nearly upon us, but it’s of little concern to Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron. Although it’s summer and prep sports are on hiatus, there’s plenty going on locally to keep them occupied. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, the guys address some of the feedback they got for their prep athlete of the year picks and discuss the proposal before the New Mexico Activities Association that could allow a “free” one-time transfer for high school athletes. James says the change isn’t a foregone conclusion and talks about the odds of it passing. In the second segment, touch a bit on the World Cup before getting into a bit of Santa Fe Fuego talk. Will also provides an update on what’s been going on with the University of New Mexico football and men’s basketball teams. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sandia Prep coach Damian Segura discusses 'free' transfer rule, 3A hoops and coaching vs NM legends

Influenced by championship-winning coaches early in his career, St. Michael’s graduate Damian Segura has built his own legacy by becoming one himself. A longtime boys basketball coach at Albuquerque St. Pius X, where he guided the Sartans to four state titles, Segura is now trying to make contenders of Sandia Prep. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Segura joins Santa Fe New Mexican sports reporters Will Webber and James Barron to discuss his coaching career and philosophy, his mentors and his thoughts on the possible “free” one-time transfer rule that’s being considered by the New Mexico Activities Association. Segura talks about his early years at St. Pius, where he went up against coaching legend Mike Brown and powerhouse Albuquerque Academy. He also talks about his decision to leave St. Pius after winning four titles, and what he learned from his time away from coaching before he returned to the sidelines to guide Sandia Prep. Segura discusses the challenge of competing in a loaded Class 3A, and what he thinks of his squad heading into next season. In the second segment, Will and James chat about the NBA Finals, where another Mike Brown will be on the sidelines. Will talks about the first-year New York Knicks head coach’s ties with the University of New Mexico men’s basketball program and the rumors that were swirling that he was going to succeed Richard Pitino as the Lobos’ coach when Pitino left for Xavier. The guys then chat about this year’s spring NorthStars and reveal who The New Mexican’s male and female athletes of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

‘It could blow up the whole system': Transfer rule could drastically alter N.M. high school sports

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A broken bus, karaoke and a blue trophy: West Las Vegas softball coach reflects on team's title run

The celebratory parade in Las Vegas, N.M., had to be put on a hold for a day when the bus of the Class 3A softball champion West Las Vegas Lady Dons broke down in the hours following their 2-1 victory over Cobre in Friday’s final. The misfortune couldn’t spoil their elation from winning their second title in three years, and the Lady Dons broke out in a karaoke session outside of a restaurant while waiting for a new bus. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, West Las Vegas coach Julie Esquibel said her players are still riding high after capturing another title. She spoke to Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron to discuss the program’s 73-13 run over the past three years, including a 24-4 record in 2026. In her second year coaching the Lady Dons, Esquibel said she prioritized building team chemistry. In addition to winning another Class 3A championship, she said it’s moments such as the impromptu karaoke session that her players will remember forever. The mother of sophomore sensation Malie “Moogie” Satete, who broke the state’s home run record as an eighth-grader, Esquibel also talks about her daughter’s drive, her busy sports schedule and the first time she blasted a home run. In the second segment, the guys touch briefly on the upcoming season for the Santa Fe Fuego and share some of their most memorable moments from the end of the 2025-26 high school sports season. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Spring sports teams vie for titles, Kiké Hernández visits ABQ and Eric Olen signs an extension

It’s the last week of spring sports and much remains to be decided, with state softball, baseball and large school track and field squads competing to lift a blue trophy. Santa Fe New Mexican sports writers Will Webber and James Barron are looking not blue but red, with the smoldering sun melting their brains and crisping their skin as they cover all the action. In the latest episode of “The Sports Den” podcast, Will reports from Isotopes Park where the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández is on a rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He got the chance to speak with Hernández before Wednesday night’s game against the Isotopes and shares what the charismatic fan favorite had to say. James then gets into the prep action he’s seen this week, starting with slow play at state golf in Elephant Butte. He then covers what he saw Wednesday at state softball, where St. Michael’s and West Las Vegas took the stage. The guys continued into state baseball, previewing some of the action ahead involving Santa Fe Indian School, St. Mike’s and West Las Vegas. In the second segment, attention turns to college sports. Will shares his thoughts on University of New Mexico men’s basketball coach Eric Olen’s big extension with the Lobos after a successful first year at the helm. Then the guys talk about the turmoil at New Mexico Highlands, which is experiencing a major shake-up with top administrators. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.