MEET THE COACH
Philip Martinez, mANZANO
How did you fi rst get interested in coaching? Did you
have somebody who got you excited about coaching as a
career?
I first got interested in coaching while my little brother was playing YAFL. I
wanted to help him and his teammates learn and enjoy the game of football like
I did growing up. I had great coaches from my YAFL days in Dan Wilkinson and
my uncle Tony Ybarra, and in high school, Coach Aaron Ocampo. Those three
coaches had a major impact on me while I grew up and I wanted to give back
to kids in the Manzano community.
What would you have become professionally if not a teacher/coach? What appealed to
you about that profession?
That’s a great question. I’m not really sure, I changed my major about 3 or 4 times before I found a passion
in teaching and coaching. Maybe I’d find my way onto the Food Network somehow with my own cooking
show.
Tell us about the most memorable game you’ve ever coached. Who was it against, what
was at stake and why is it your favorite?
The most memorable game I’ve ever coached would have to be the 2017 State Championship vs La Cueva.I
was the defensive coordinator, we lost our free safety the week before, and two of our linebackers were
playing with broken hands in casts wrapped in pad - I wasn’t sure how we were going to compete. Both
teams had a great season, both had key injuries going into the game, and it was a close game when we
played earlier in the year. Our kids played so hard and competed for four quarters. We had a blocked field
goal, a goal line stand, and two interceptions that game. I was very blessed to be able to coach those kids.
They worked so hard, cared about each other, and just had a passion to be great. The last play of the game
was the play that stood out the most for me. We were up 14-7 and La Cueva threw a Hail Mary as time
expired, I saw the ball in the air, lost it, and then saw it on the turf. It felt like 5 minutes went by before I
realized the clock was at 0:00 and we were state champions.
Please name three things which you consider vital to the long-term health and success
of your program. Why those three?
We have a saying at Manzano. We EAT - Effort, Attitude, Together. If we can play with fanatical
effort, keep a positive attitude, and play together then we will find success.
Beyond the game, what is your favorite part of the week’s preparation?
Why?
My favorite part about the week’s preparation is the time the coaching staff spends together in the football
office during Sunday meetings. Those men sacrifice so much time away from their families and job to
be the best for the kids. I’m proud of our staff because we have a great bond. We work when it’s time to
work, but we also enjoy each other’s company and have built strong friendships outside of football. That’s
been my favorite part over the years, the brotherhood among coaches that is built during our Sunday
preparation.
2019 Albuquerque High Schools Football Yearbook 33
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