Coach inducted into Hall of Fame

Tucumcari's Wayne Ferguson was inducted Saturday into the New Mexico High School Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association's Hall of Fame.

Ferguson, who also is Tucumcari's football coach and athletic director, was honored during a ceremony in Albuquerque.

Ferguson became Tucumcari's assistant track coach in 1994 and helped the boys team win the state title in the 800-meter relay the next year. He became head coach in 1996 and won two state titles the same season - in the 300-meter hurdles and 800-meter relay.

All told, Ferguson coached the boys team to 29 individual state titles in 23 seasons, plus team titles in 2008 and 2017. The Rattlers also have finished second once and third four times for the team state crown.

In 2004, Ferguson became the girls track coach and guided them to nine individual state championships.

Dana Benavidez, who is Tucumcari High School's volleyball coach and Ferguson's niece, gave the speech Saturday before Ferguson's induction.

"I have known Coach Wayne Ferguson in many aspects of life - from growing up having him as my fun-loving uncle to going to high school and being a student in his ninth-grade science class. From participating in sports during high school and having him as my mentor and in most recent times coaching varsity sports and him becoming my boss, as he is the athletic director for Tucumcari schools. As Coach Ferguson holds many titles, to me, he is Uncle Wayne," she said.

Benavidez said Ferguson enjoys many things, including the Dallas Cowboys, hunting, fishing, teaching and coaching.

"But the greatest loves of his life are family. Coach Ferguson is a brother, uncle and true friend to those around him. But the greatest blessings of his life are his children, daughter Meagan, her husband Jason, son Tyler, grandson Carson and his wife of 27 years, Leslie, who has been a dedicated and loving coach's wife."

Benavidez added: "I have watched and learned from him since my childhood. He is one of the greatest mentors and influencers of my life as well as the many students, athletes, teachers and coaches he has been in contact with."

Ferguson declined to make a speech after receiving his Hall of Fame plaque Saturday. However, he stated earlier on social media: "I've been smart enough to surround myself with good people and God has blessed me with great kids to coach and dedicate themselves to our program. I stand on the shoulders of their greatness as this accolade I accept today is really for the program and the success we have reached together."