Coach Joe Bailey has been a dedicated advocate for student-athletes in New Mexico for over 40 years. Beginning his career with Moriarty Municipal Schools in 1984, his passion for coaching and teaching has made a lasting impact on the community. At Moriarty High School, Coach Bailey served as an Assistant Coach for both football and boys' basketball before transitioning to Head Girls’ Basketball Coach and Head Track & Field Coach, as well as Athletic Director
His record speaks volumes for his dedication and expertise. As an assistant football coach, Coach Bailey contributed to 7 District Championships and 2 semi-final appearances. In basketball, he was part of a state championship team in 1997, a second-place finish in 2003, and three district championships. As Head Girls’ Basketball Coach, he led his team to 3 District Championships (2007, 2009, 2016), a state runner-up finish in 2018, 2 additional semi-final appearances, and became the winningest coach in the program's history with 203 wins. In track and field, he achieved 8 District Championships, 5 third place finishes at the State Track Meet, 2 state runners-up (1998, 2007), 2 state championships (1999, 2001), coached 39 individual state champions, and founded the community’s Twilight Track Meets in 2011.
Coach Bailey has received numerous accolades throughout his career. These include District Track Coach of the Year (2013), District Girls Basketball Coach of the Year (2007, 2009, 2016), New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coach of the Year (1999, 2000), Southwest Girls Track and Field Region Coach of the Year (2000), New Mexico Athletic Director of the Year (2019), induction into the New Mexico Cross Country & Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2013), and the Moriarty High School Athletic Hall of Fame (2023).
Beyond coaching in Moriarty, Coach Bailey has contributed significantly to New Mexico high school sports. He served on the NMAA Middle School Committee, the NMAA Executive Committee, and was Secretary-Treasurer for the NMTCCCA from 1999 to 2009. He has also been a member of the NMAA Track and Field Sports Specific Committee. In addition, Coach Bailey has been a 35+ year member of the NMHSCA all the while advocating for the organization.
Coach Bailey’s influence extends far beyond his impressive coaching record. He is renowned for his unwavering belief in his athletes and his positive coaching style. His philosophy emphasizes encouragement and optimism, always seeing the glass half full. A notable example of his inclusive approach is his integration of a special education student who participated in the Special Olympics into the track team, demonstrating his commitment to teamwork and inclusivity. This student's involvement became a season highlight, celebrated by all.
It is with great pleasure that the NMHSCA inducts Coach Joe Bailey into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. His career and dedication to student-athletes exemplify the highest standards of education-based coaching, characterized by integrity, pride, passion, and character. Coach Bailey’s legacy is defined not just by his coaching achievements but by the life lessons imparted to generations of students. His commitment to his students and community makes him a true Hall of Fame coach. His lifelong commitment to excellence in coaching and education has made a lasting impact, embodying the spirit of this prestigious recognition.
Adam Kedge is a distinguished track and field coach renowned for his innovative training methods, strategic approach to coaching, and unwavering dedication to athlete development. With a career spanning several decades, Kedge has left an indelible mark on the track and field community, consistently demonstrating his coaching prowess and commitment to excellence. His coaching philosophy, grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, emphasizes self-growth and compassion for others.
Throughout his career, Kedge has successfully coached athletes at all levels, from aspiring beginners to elite competitors. He has guided numerous athletes to success on regional, national, and international stages, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge across various track and field disciplines.
As a lifelong educator, Kedge inspires both his students and athletes to reach their full potential while instilling values of hard work, perseverance, and determination. His contributions include 33 years of coaching interscholastic sports, with 63 seasons as a head coach, including 26 seasons in boys' track and field, 28 in boys' cross country, and 9 in girls' cross country. Under his leadership at Albuquerque Academy High School, Kedge's athletes have achieved remarkable success, producing 99 individual track and field state champions and 13 individual cross country state champions. His teams have earned 32 state team titles and maintained a streak of 59 consecutive seasons finishing with a state trophy.
Kedge's excellence has been recognized through numerous accolades, including induction into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame (2016), NHSACA National Coach of the Year (Track and Field, 2018), and NHSCA National Coach of the Year (Cross Country, 2011).
Adam Kedge's dedication to his athletes is mirrored in the success of his own family. He has coached his three children—Lauren (31), Aric (25), and AJ (24)—who embody the same values of hard work and perseverance that define Coach Kedge’s career. Additionally, he has collaborated closely with his wife, Lisa, who has served as his assistant coach in recent years.
Adam Kedge is not only a proud and loving father and husband but also a driven coach and a valued member of his community. His legacy is defined by his profound impact on his athletes' lives and his steadfast commitment to fostering excellence on and off the track.
Jim Miller, hailing from Roswell, NM, made a remarkable impact on the field at Roswell High School under the guidance of Coach Jim Bradley. One of the few players to start as a freshman, Jim excelled at both free safety and quarterback positions. His outstanding performance earned him the distinction of Bally National High School Football All-America in 1983 by the National High School Athletics Coaches Association. Jim graduated from Roswell High School in 1984, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in football.
Jim continued his athletic journey at New Mexico State University (NMSU) on a full football scholarship. As the starting quarterback from 1984 to 1986, he established himself as a leader, ranking among the career leaders in three different passing categories. In his senior year, Jim transitioned to playing free safety, leading the team with four interceptions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with minors in Physical Science and Physical Education. Following his college career, Jim signed a free agent contract with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.
After his stint with the Cowboys, Jim embarked on his coaching career at Las Cruces High School, serving as an assistant coach under Don Rezak. He took a brief hiatus from coaching to further his education, earning a Master of Arts in Administration from NMSU in 1994. Jim's contributions to athletics were recognized in 2002 when he was inducted into the US Bank - New Mexico State Athletics Hall of Fame.
In 1996, Coach Kirk Potter appointed Jim as the Defensive Coordinator at Las Cruces High School. By 1998, Jim had stepped into the role of Head Coach, swiftly leading the Bulldawgs to remarkable success. His tenure was highlighted by an undefeated 14-0 season and a State Championship victory in 1999. Jim’s record of excellence continued, securing six State Championships without losing a single state championship game (1999, 2000, 2002, 2008, 2012, and 2013) and numerous District Championships (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012 and a Co-District Champions in 2009) His prowess earned him the honor of representing New Mexico as a delegate at the 2008 NFL Youth Football Summit in Canton, OH, chosen by the NFL and NFL Players Association.
In 2013, Jim was awarded the Southwest Sectional Coach of the Year award for Football by the National Federation of State High School Associations. He retired in 2016 with an impressive career record of 167-53.
Jim's success on the field is matched by the support and love of his family. His team at home includes his wife, Amy, TMS Director of Operations & General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Las Cruces at NMSU, his children Taylor, Kameron, and Kaitlyn, his daughter-in-law Kasey, and his granddaughters Emmy and Karsyn. The family also includes their beloved fur-babies Belle, Blitz, and Kona.
Jim Miller's legacy in New Mexico high school football is one of dedication, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the sport and his community.