NMHSCA Executive Directors
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2025- present)
ANGEL@NMHSCA.COM
PH: 505-205-6322
Follow the NMHSCA on Instagram @nmhsca
ANGEL E. CASTILLO III
Angel E. Castillo III is a true product of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA), embodying the values of dedication, mentorship, and service to the coaching community. He has experienced the organization from every angle—first as an All-Star athlete, then as an All-Star coach, later as a Sports Director, and now, as the Executive Director of the NMHSCA.
A native of Silver City, Angel grew up immersed in the values of teamwork, discipline, and mentorship—principles that would later define his coaching and leadership career.
After graduating from Silver High School, Angel attended Western New Mexico University, where he pursued his passion for education and athletics. He returned to his alma mater as a history teacher, assistant softball coach and assistant football coach, working under his former coach and mentor, Henry Carrillo. His time at Silver High instilled in him a deep appreciation for the role of coaches in shaping young lives.
In 2000, Angel and his family moved to Las Cruces, where he joined the legendary Jim Bradley’s football staff at Mayfield High School. During his tenure, he contributed to four football state championships and numerous district titles.
Angel’s leadership took a new turn in 2008 when he was selected as the first-ever head football coach at Atrisco Heritage Academy. In addition to building a football program from the ground up, he also served as the head of the Freshman Academy, helping to guide and mentor young students during a critical transition in their academic and athletic journeys.
Family has always been a central part of Angel’s life, and in pursuit of being closer to his growing children, he accepted a coaching and teaching position at V. Sue Cleveland High School. In 2011, he was named head coach of the girls’ softball program while continuing to serve as a varsity assistant football coach. Under his leadership, Cleveland Softball finished as state runner-up in 2016, before capturing the state championship in 2021.
Beyond coaching, Angel has been deeply involved with the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) for nearly three decades. Since 2016, he has played a crucial role in organizing the NMHSCA Softball All-Star events and assisting with the Annual Coaches Clinic. Recognizing his unwavering commitment, Buster Mabrey officially named him a Sports Director in 2024, entrusting him with overseeing various All-Star sports.
In November 2024, when Buster fell ill, Angel stepped in to ensure the smooth execution of Fall Sports All-Star events and All-State selections, demonstrating his dedication to the coaches and athletes of New Mexico. Following Buster’s passing in December, the NMHSCA Board of Directors unanimously selected Angel as the new Executive Director, carrying forward the vision and legacy of his mentor.
As the NMHSCA moves forward, Angel remains steadfast in his mission to uphold tradition while embracing progress, ensuring that New Mexico’s coaches and student-athletes continue to receive the support, advocacy, and recognition they deserve.
Executive Director (2008 - 2024)
Thomas "Buster" Mabrey
Dr. Thomas “Buster” Mabrey was a lifelong advocate for New Mexico high school athletics. Throughout his remarkable career, he championed the growth of education-based sports, supporting coaches and student-athletes with unwavering passion and dedication. His sudden passing on December 30, 2024, marked the end of a 16-year tenure as the Executive Director of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA)—a role in which he transformed the organization and touched countless lives.
Raised in Hobbs, New Mexico, Buster graduated from Hobbs High School in 1985 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Aspro, a nuclear-powered submarine stationed in Hawaii. After his military service, he returned home and worked in the oilfields while staying close to high school sports by officiating basketball.
In 1992, Buster moved to Las Cruces to attend New Mexico State University and began his coaching career at Mayfield High School under the legendary Mike Draper and Jim Bradley. During his time at Mayfield, he was part of three football state championships and several district titles. As head track coach, he led the team to a district championship.
His commitment to high school athletics continued to grow. In 2001, Buster officiated the New Mexico Boys State Basketball Championships—an honor reflecting his deep knowledge and respect for the game. That same year, he accepted a coaching position in Snyder, Texas, before returning to New Mexico to serve as an assistant director with the New Mexico Activities Association, where he oversaw multiple state championships. In 2006, he became the athletic director at Piedra Vista High School, where he helped establish a proud culture of excellence, often referring to the school as “PV – The Place to Be!”
In 2008, Buster embraced his most influential role as Executive Director of the NMHSCA. Over 16 years, he led the association with unmatched energy and heart. He oversaw 18 high school All-Star events, coordinated the annual Coaches Clinic, managed membership services, fostered corporate partnerships, and upheld the NMHSCA’s tradition of honoring coaching excellence. His leadership laid a strong foundation that continues to support New Mexico’s coaching community today.
But Buster was more than an administrator. He was a mentor, a friend, and a tireless advocate for coaches across the state. His humor, generosity, and fierce commitment to service shaped the NMHSCA into a thriving and supportive organization.
Buster’s vision, legacy, and passion live on in the hearts of those he served—and in the continued work of the NMHSCA. That legacy is carried forward by his loving wife, Lori Mabrey, who remains a devoted member of the NMHSCA Board of Directors. Lori was not only Buster’s life partner but also his constant supporter in every step of his journey. Her continued presence on the board ensures that his values—service, strength, and heart—remain deeply rooted in the association's future.
We honor Buster’s life, his leadership, and the legacy he leaves behind. His impact will never be forgotten.
"Once a Coach, Always a Coach."
Bobby Gibbs
Bobby was born in the little mining town of Madrid, New Mexico and has been a life long resident of the State. Educated in Albuquerque, he graduated from St. Mary's accepted an athletic scholarship to play basketball from the College of St. Joseph's in Albuquerque where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1960. In 1963, he received his master's degree from the University of New Mexico.
Coach Gibbs joined the Highland High School faculty in 1961, where he taught history and served as an assistant coach in football and basketball. While at Highland, the football team won two AAAA State Championships and the basketball team was State AAAA runner- up's twice.
In 1970 Bobby became the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albuquerque, which has three branches and serves over 4,000 youth each year. He accepted the additional responsibility in 1975 of serving as the Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association. He has been the driving force behind the growth and development of both organizations. Bobby left the Boys and Girls clubs after twenty-eight years, in the fall of 1999. Fortunately, he has remained as the Executive Secretary of the NMHSCA.
For his devotion and contributions to youth and sports in the City and State, he was inducted into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He has also been inducted into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor (2002). In 1996, the Notre Dame Club of New Mexico presented him with their Community Service Award.
Bobby and his wife, Ginny, have two children; Lesly and Rob, and three granddaughters, Taylor, Alexandra, and Kassidy.
Chester "Doc" Ledbetter
Chester "Doc" Ledbetter was one of the founders of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association and Officials Association, the annual Coaches School and the All-Star Basketball Games. Later, he was one of the original incorporators of the NMHSCA. Doc served as the Executive Secretary of the Coaches Association for 30 years. from 1944 to 1974.
He was born in Arkansas anbd received both his bachelors and masters degree from the University of Arkansas. Doc began his coaching career as the football and baseball coach at Paris, Arkansas, High School. He then came to New Mexico as the coach at Hagerman High School where he spent five years. His career with the Albuquerque Public Schools System began in 1944 where he coaches at Washington Junior High. Following hes coaching career he held various administrative positions with A.P.S. The last twelve as athletic coordinator for the system from where he retired in 1974. He served a total of 39 years in education in New Mexico.
At one time, he was a member of the National Federation Basketball Rules Committee. In 1974 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, presented to him in New Haven, Connecticut. The New Mexico High School Coaches Association recognized Doc in 1976 for his long, dedicated and devoted service by inducting him intor their Hall of Honor.
The NMHSCA will be forever indebted to Doc Ledbetter for his outstanding achievements and contribution to the coaching professioin and high school athletics.
