Mike McGaha era for Carlsbad Cavemen baseball starts Thursday in El Paso
New Carlsbad High School baseball coach Mike McGaha has spelled out his goals for the Cavemen as the season starts Thursday in El Paso.
He was named the new coach on June 13 after Cody May stepped down.
What does it mean to be a Cavemen to McGaha?
McGaha is no stranger to coaching, he has 25 years of experience, most of it in New Mexico.
He has lined out how he envisions the 2024 baseball season in an email to the Current-Argus:
C - Committed for better or worse.
A - Accountable for roles and responsibilities.
V - Value the needs of others ahead of my own.
E - Exist where my feet are, refuse to be depressed about a past that can't be changed or have anxiety about a future we can't control.
M - Maximize our opportunities by preparing well so that we are ready when our time comes.
E - Earn our keep with honor and integrity.
N - Never compare or complain because we are all different and we refuse to show weakness.
McGaha said tryouts wrapped up in early February and last week the team worked out in split squads.
Key players in 2024?
Carlsbad has claimed 12 state baseball titles and last year, the Cavemen were eliminated from the state quarterfinals by Las Cruces Centennial.
This season, McGaha has a hub of players that could help the Cavemen with another run in the state playoffs.
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Aden Quintella, Delmonico Granger-Moreno, Garrett Fuentes, Fabian Hernandez and Hazen Wright have prior experience with Carlsbad.
“That nucleus of returning varsity experience will be mixed with Tanner Collins' fast bat and Jonas Molinar's good glove and we should be headed in a good direction,” McGaha said.
He believes the most talented team does not win it all. McGaha believes in winning and losing as a team.
“My philosophy is predicated on players being selfless, confident and present where their feet are,” he said.
McGaha said the Cavemen have daily routines in place that encourage student-athletes to buy into the program.
“I am very intentional and candid when it comes to the results of their actions,” he said.
A closer look at Mike McGaha
Born in Farmington, he graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales and coached in various parts of the state and in Texas before returning to Farmington High School.
As an assistant coach he helped the Scorpions win four state titles.
McGaha then moved to cross-town rival Piedra Vista and won four state titles as head coach.
Before coming to Carlsbad last year, he spent five years as an assistant coach at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque.
McGaha said he will use a checklist that should help the Cavemen move forward as the season moves long.
He said he wants to keep himself and the players accountable this season.
More: Carlsbad Cavemen seek to remain unbeaten against Cibola during state baseball playoffs
“I hope that at some point they will realize that it's not criticism to be ‘coached’ through tough situations. We all know life is hard and this is supposed to be a platform where I can teach these young men how to be productive, honest, and responsible leaders in society,” he said.
Quick glance at the 2024 schedule
Thursday through Saturday in El Paso, Carlsbad faces three Texas schools at the Socorro Invitational.
At noon March 2 in Las Cruces, the Cavemen face Organ Mountain in a doubleheader.
At 4:30 p.m. March 5 at Carlsbad High School, the Cavemen host Centennial in a doubleheader.
March 14 through March 16, Carlsbad hosts the three-day Cavemen Classic tournament.
The Cavemen end March with tournaments in Artesia and Rio Rancho.
District 5-4A play starts April 18 at home against the Clovis Wildcats.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Carlsbad Cavemen baseball season starts with new coach Thursday
