Eric Roanhaus tied the New Mexico state career football record Friday with his 310th coaching victory as
Clovis (N.M.) edged Sandia (Albuquerque, N.M.), 20-14, in the first round of the Class 5A state football playoffs.
Photo courtesy of Drew Hatley
Eric Roanhaus
The record first was established by Jim Bradley, who coached at two schools.
"It was an ugly win," Roanhaus told MaxPreps. "We didn't play too well, but it's important to be ahead when time runs out. You don't think about stuff like that (when you're younger). I don't set goals like that. Basically, it means I'm really old."
There was no huge celebration.
Roanhaus said: "I went home, ate a bit, watched the high school scores on TV with my wife and just relaxed."
The 64-year-old Roanhaus, who retired from teaching government and American History six years ago, is in his 42nd year of coaching, 34th as head coach at Clovis.
He also holds the New Mexico record for most large-school state championships (10) and has had nine second-place finishes.
Born in Chicago and raised in California, he wound up in New Mexico because he played football at West Texas State University, just 88 miles from Clovis.
"Life is slower," he pointed out. "Freeway driving isn't bad here," he quipped. "The nearest freeways are about 100 miles. It's a laid-back, easier style than in California."
Roanhaus doesn't have a date set for retirement. He's going year by year. His son, Chad, is his current offensive coordinator and he may stick around to coach his grandson, Sebastian, a seventh grade quarterback.
His players definitely love him.
The team chanted "Roan, Roan, Roan" in the locker room following the milestone victory.
He noted, "They're not ready to send me to the rest home, I guess."
Ever the competitor, Roanhaus already is preparing for his next game - one that would give him the sole state record - when the Wildcats take on
Manzano (Albuquerque, N.M.).in the state quarterfinals on Saturday.
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