Episode 21: From Juco Champion to College Coach- The Gage Guardiola Journey
In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy are joined by New Mexico Highlands University assistant coach Gage Guardiola to discuss his football journey from Ruidoso High School to New Mexico Military Institute, where he helped win a NJCAA National Championship, before continuing his playing career at New Mexico Highlands.
Coach Guardiola shares what he learned from playing college football, transitioning into coaching, recruiting high school athletes, developing players, and building a winning culture at Highlands. Whether you're a player hoping to compete at the next level, a coach, or simply a college football fan, this episode is packed with valuable insight and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Gage Guardiola (0:00)
🏈 Growing Up in Ruidoso & Multi-Sport Athletics (1:45)
🎓 Choosing New Mexico Military Institute (4:00)
🪖 Life at NMMI & Balancing Military School with Football (5:35)
🏆 Winning the NJCAA National Championship (10:20)
🚍 JUCO Football Experiences & Transitioning to Highlands (18:55)
🐺 Playing Quarterback at New Mexico Highlands (20:45)
👨👩👧 Family, Fatherhood & Finishing His Playing Career (25:20)
🎤 Transitioning from Player to College Football Coach (27:35)
📚 Offensive Philosophy & Coaching Influences (31:15)
📈 Recruiting High School & Transfer Portal Athletes (33:05)
🌄 Why New Mexico High School Football Matters (36:45)
🤝 Building Relationships & Developing Student-Athletes (38:25)
🏈 Expectations for the Upcoming Highlands Season (40:50)
⭐ Recruiting Advice for High School Football Players (41:55)
🔥 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead (46:10)
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💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Guardiola's football journey? 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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