Episode 20: Building a Standard-The Aaron Ocampo Story
In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy sit down with Centennial High School Head Football Coach Aaron Ocampo to discuss his incredible coaching journey, from playing at New Mexico Highlands and earning a scholarship as a walk-on at the University of New Mexico to building Centennial High School into one of New Mexico's premier football programs.
Coach Ocampo shares stories from his playing days under legendary coaches, the challenges of starting a brand-new high school football program, building a championship culture, developing young leaders, and preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the field. Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or football fan, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, culture, and the future of New Mexico high school football.
🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Aaron Ocampo (0:00)
🏈 Growing Up Around Football & Playing at New Mexico Highlands (0:50)
🐺 Walking On at UNM & Earning a Scholarship (6:30)
🏟️ Playing Under Dennis Franchione & Learning from Great Coaches (13:00)
👨🏫 Beginning His Coaching Career at Socorro & Manzano (17:30)
📈 Becoming a Head Coach at Just 24 Years Old (19:15)
🏫 Building Centennial High School Football from the Ground Up (30:15)
💪 Establishing Culture, Leadership & Accountability (36:20)
🎓 Developing Student-Athletes On and Off the Field (39:00)
📱 Coaching Today's Generation of Players (42:40)
🌆 Albuquerque vs. Las Cruces Football Culture (49:45)
🧠 What Fans Don't See Behind the Scenes of High School Coaching (52:15)
🏆 Previewing Centennial's Upcoming Football Season (55:00)
🎤 Final Thoughts & Advice for Coaches and Players (58:45)
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💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Aaron Ocampo's coaching philosophy? Let us know in the comments below!
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🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast
Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations celebrating the game of football.
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