Episode 17: Coaching Interviews and NMSU Upgrades

Episode 22: The Changing Game- Recruiting, Revenue Sharing & the Future of Small School Football

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy return to a traditional episode after wrapping up their coaching interview series. They reflect on what they learned from interviewing coaches across New Mexico, discuss the growth of local high school football programs, and share why building relationships with coaches and athletes has become one of the most rewarding parts of the podcast. The conversation then shifts to recruiting, college football camps, NIL, revenue sharing, conference realignment, and the future of college football. Chris and Troy also provide advice for high school athletes navigating the recruiting process before wrapping up the episode with another entertaining LSU vs. Texas debate. 🎙️ Welcome Back & Coaching Series Reflection (0:00) 🏈 Lessons Learned from Interviewing New Mexico Coaches (1:15) 🏫 New Mexico High School Football Season Preview (7:35) 📈 College Recruiting Advice & Building Your Recruiting Profile (13:40) 🎓 Choosing the Right College Football Camps (21:00) 📋 Recruiting Questionnaires & Getting Recruited (32:50) 🎤 Upcoming Player Interviews & Future Podcast Plans (34:45) 💰 NIL, Revenue Sharing & Salary Caps (37:40) 🏆 Conference Realignment & The Future of College Football (41:45) 🌟 Opportunities at FCS, Division II & Division III Programs (48:45) 🎰 Sports Betting, NIL & Player Responsibility (53:30) 😂 LSU vs. Texas Debate (1:02:00) 👍 Join the Conversation If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. 💬 Which topic did you enjoy the most? Do you agree with our thoughts on NIL, recruiting, and conference realignment? Let us know in the comments! 🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa [https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa] 📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/?hl=en] 🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from the biggest stories in college football to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you football news, coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the sport we love. #ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #NIL #LSU #OrganMountainKnightFootball

Episode 21: From Juco Champion to College Coach- The Gage Guardiola Journey

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy are joined by New Mexico Highlands University assistant coach Gage Guardiola to discuss his football journey from Ruidoso High School to New Mexico Military Institute, where he helped win a NJCAA National Championship, before continuing his playing career at New Mexico Highlands. Coach Guardiola shares what he learned from playing college football, transitioning into coaching, recruiting high school athletes, developing players, and building a winning culture at Highlands. Whether you're a player hoping to compete at the next level, a coach, or simply a college football fan, this episode is packed with valuable insight and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Gage Guardiola (0:00) 🏈 Growing Up in Ruidoso & Multi-Sport Athletics (1:45) 🎓 Choosing New Mexico Military Institute (4:00) 🪖 Life at NMMI & Balancing Military School with Football (5:35) 🏆 Winning the NJCAA National Championship (10:20) 🚍 JUCO Football Experiences & Transitioning to Highlands (18:55) 🐺 Playing Quarterback at New Mexico Highlands (20:45) 👨‍👩‍👧 Family, Fatherhood & Finishing His Playing Career (25:20) 🎤 Transitioning from Player to College Football Coach (27:35) 📚 Offensive Philosophy & Coaching Influences (31:15) 📈 Recruiting High School & Transfer Portal Athletes (33:05) 🌄 Why New Mexico High School Football Matters (36:45) 🤝 Building Relationships & Developing Student-Athletes (38:25) 🏈 Expectations for the Upcoming Highlands Season (40:50) ⭐ Recruiting Advice for High School Football Players (41:55) 🔥 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead (46:10) 👍 Join the Conversation If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. 💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Guardiola's football journey? Let us know in the comments below! 🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa [https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa] 📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/ [https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/] 🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations celebrating the game of football. #ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #NMMIFootball #NewMexicoHighlandsFootball

Episode 20: Building a Standard-The Aaron Ocampo Story

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy sit down with Centennial High School Head Football Coach Aaron Ocampo to discuss his incredible coaching journey, from playing at New Mexico Highlands and earning a scholarship as a walk-on at the University of New Mexico to building Centennial High School into one of New Mexico's premier football programs. Coach Ocampo shares stories from his playing days under legendary coaches, the challenges of starting a brand-new high school football program, building a championship culture, developing young leaders, and preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the field. Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or football fan, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, culture, and the future of New Mexico high school football. 🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Aaron Ocampo (0:00) 🏈 Growing Up Around Football & Playing at New Mexico Highlands (0:50) 🐺 Walking On at UNM & Earning a Scholarship (6:30) 🏟️ Playing Under Dennis Franchione & Learning from Great Coaches (13:00) 👨‍🏫 Beginning His Coaching Career at Socorro & Manzano (17:30) 📈 Becoming a Head Coach at Just 24 Years Old (19:15) 🏫 Building Centennial High School Football from the Ground Up (30:15) 💪 Establishing Culture, Leadership & Accountability (36:20) 🎓 Developing Student-Athletes On and Off the Field (39:00) 📱 Coaching Today's Generation of Players (42:40) 🌆 Albuquerque vs. Las Cruces Football Culture (49:45) 🧠 What Fans Don't See Behind the Scenes of High School Coaching (52:15) 🏆 Previewing Centennial's Upcoming Football Season (55:00) 🎤 Final Thoughts & Advice for Coaches and Players (58:45) 👍 Join the Conversation If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. 💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Aaron Ocampo's coaching philosophy? Let us know in the comments below! 🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa [https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa] 📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/ [https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/] 🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations celebrating the game of football. #ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #AaronOcampo #CentennialHawkFootball #NewMexicoHighSchoolFootball

Episode 19: Dawg Mentality - Inside the Bulldawg Culture with Coach Lopez

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy welcome Las Cruces High School Head Football Coach Mark Lopez to discuss his coaching journey, building one of New Mexico's premier football programs, and the culture that has made the Bulldogs one of the state's most successful teams. Coach Lopez shares stories about coaching alongside legendary coach Jim Miller, developing championship teams, adapting to the changing landscape of high school football, and the leadership principles that have shaped generations of student-athletes. The conversation also explores football strategy, player development, coaching philosophy, community support, and what lies ahead for Las Cruces High School football. 🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Mark Lopez (0:00) ⚾ From Coaching Youth Baseball to Las Cruces High School (1:10) 🏈 Joining Coach Jim Miller's Staff & Building a Coaching Career (3:30) 🧠 Offensive Coordinator Responsibilities & Game Planning (6:45) 🏆 Building a Championship Culture & Program Standards (11:45) 💪 Leadership, Discipline & Developing Student-Athletes (15:45) 🎯 Coaching Philosophy & Connecting with Today's Players (17:20) 🏌️ Life Outside of Football & Competing with Purpose (19:00) 🔄 Replacing a Championship Senior Class & Preparing the Next Team (21:30) 📣 Keeping Players Motivated Throughout the Season (25:15) 📈 How High School Football Has Changed Over the Years (31:35) 👨‍🏫 Advice for Young Coaches Entering the Profession (36:10) 🐶 Carrying on the Las Cruces High School Football Tradition (38:10) 🏟️ Previewing the Upcoming Bulldogs Football Season (40:00) 🏈 Growing High School Football in the Las Cruces Community (43:30) 👍 Join the Conversation If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. 💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Lopez's coaching philosophy? What do you think makes a championship football culture? Let us know in the comments! 🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa [https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa] 📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/ [https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/] 🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the game of football. #ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #MarkLopez #LasCrucesBulldawgs #NewMexicoHighSchoolFootball

Episode 18: Building the Blueprint: Coach Holguin Takes the Helm

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy sit down with Manzano High School Head Football Coach Michael Holguin to discuss his journey from Las Cruces High School standout to one of New Mexico's youngest head football coaches. Coach Holguin shares the lessons he learned as a player, assistant coach, and state champion before taking over the Monarchs football program in Albuquerque. The conversation dives into coaching philosophy, building a winning culture, developing relationships with today's athletes, the differences between New Mexico and Arizona high school football, and Coach Holguin's vision for restoring Manzano to championship contention. 🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Michael Holguin (0:00) 🏈 Playing Career at Las Cruces High School (1:45) 🏆 Favorite High School Football Memories (7:00) 🏃 Why Multi-Sport Athletes Have an Advantage (11:20) 🎓 Beginning a Coaching Career (13:15) 🏫 Coaching at Centennial & Organ Mountain High School (15:40) 🧠 Offensive Philosophy & Building an Identity (18:20) 🌵 Coaching Football in Arizona (21:40) 📈 Arizona vs. New Mexico High School Football (23:00) 👥 Building a Coaching Staff & Program Culture (28:10) 💜 Accepting the Manzano Head Coaching Position (31:30) 🏆 Expectations for the Manzano Football Program (36:45) 💪 Leadership, Relationships & Coaching Today's Players (44:00) 🚚 Transitioning Back to New Mexico (40:15) 🎯 Vision for the Future of Manzano Football (49:45) 👍 Join the Conversation If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. 💬 What do you think about Coach Holguin's vision for rebuilding Manzano High School? Can the Monarchs become a championship contender again? Let us know in the comments! 🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa [https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa] 📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/ [https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/] 🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the game we love. #ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #MichaelHolguin #ManzanoFootball #NewMexicoHighSchoolFootball