Page Out in Ruidoso; Named Head Coach in Carrizozo/ Former Ruidoso Volleyball Coach Now Head Basketball Coach in Moriarty
by NMOTSC
After 13 seasons of roaming the sidelines at Ruidoso High School, as the head basketball coach, Billy Page will now be roaming the sidelines at Carrizozo High School. Page was not rehired as the Warriors head coach following the 2008-2009 season. Page who also served as the head baseball coach and assistant football coach said that for some unknown reason, the school just wanted to go in a different direction, “For whatever reason they decided not to bring me back as head basketball coach, but I was still allowed to continue to coach football as an assistant and baseball as the head coach. However my passion is basketball and I would have been willing to give up the other two just to get to keep coaching basketball. I know coaches all over the state come and go and that is just the nature of this job, but it would be nice to have both parties be on the same "page" (no pun intended) when it comes to leaving.”
Page’s resume includes a state runner-up in 2001, District Championship in 2001, District Runners-up in 1999, 2000, 2006, (tied) 2009 and amassed an overall record of 139-122.
So now is it on to Carrizozo, for Page where he will not only coach the boy’s hoops team, but the girls as well, “Carrizozo is small community that is very passionate about their kids and sports. They have been very competitive in all sports. Last year they lost a great group of seniors in the boys and girls programs. However we have several key players returning for both teams.” Look Kids for Daniel Hernandez and Cody Ventura for the boys and Stephanie Zamora, Alexa Borowski and Lena Reyes for the girls to make an impact for the Grizzlies in ’09-’10. Page also adds, “This gives me an opportunity to continue to work with kids and to hopefully teach some life skills through sports, such as hard work, dedication and commitment. I also close one chapter in my life and start a new one. This change will help me and my immediate family to grow as we welcome our new family of Grizzlies and Grizzly Pride.”
As the head baseball coach in Ruidoso, Page won over 47 games in his three years. Page also served as the head softball coach for four seasons, but it is basketball where the true passion lies for Page.
As for his days in Ruidoso, “Coaching in Ruidoso was a wonderful experience, for 14 years I made this my life with no intention of going anywhere. Sometimes what we want and what we get are completely different things. Someone once told me that heartbreak is just a way for hearts to develop emotionally and spiritually. I tell kids all the time that there are bigger things in life than basketball and to go out, work hard and be the best person they can be every day. That is a choice we make for ourselves. I have been given an opportunity to work with kids and to make a difference in a positive way. The students and staff that I worked with will be missed, but never be forgotten. I wish Ruidoso the best of luck. I will be rooting for them.”
NOTE: It is not known as of June 27, 2009 who will replace Page. Also let go earlier in the school year was Ruidoso head Volleyball coach Steve Brown. Brown guided the Warriors to the Class 3A State Championship in 2008. Brown has since been hired to be the head boys’ basketball coach in Moriarty and there is some speculation he will assist the Pinto volleyball program and Kim Bell.
