Autrey set to lead Lady Wolverines

The two-time Class 2A state champion Texico Lady Wolverines have their third coach in tow since the end of the season, and this time they think it will stick.

Assistant coach Ryan Autrey, a 2001 Texico graduate, was named to the position recently. Three-year coach Keith Durham stepped down this spring to become athletic director and principal, and former Lady Wolverines assistant Clay Stout decided to stay at Portales after originally accepting the Texico position.

“There’s no question he’s going to do a fine job,” Durham said Monday. “I feel good about it, and I’m excited for Ryan.”

Autrey, 25, joined the Texico staff in January 2006, shortly after graduating from Eastern New Mexico University. He spent the rest of that season as Durham’s assistant, then assisted boys basketball coach Richard Luscombe in 2006-07 before returning to the girls program this season.

“It’s all hit pretty quick,” Autrey said. “Being a head coach has always been my goal. The opportunity came a little sooner than I expected, but I don’t think it came too soon for me.”

Texico went 28-2 and defeated Navajo Prep 55-45 in the 2A state championship game at Albuquerque in March. The previous season, the Lady Wolverines got past Penasco 43-40 in the finals.

Autrey has been a Wolverines assistant coach in football for two seasons, and is slated to add assistant’s duties in track in 2008-09.

As for basketball, he said he doesn’t feel any particular pressure trying to repeat the title.

“I feel like it’s not pressure,” he said. “Of course, that’s the ultimate goal, but we need to realize we’re preparing our kids for life outside basketball.”