Rams coach Eric Jack wins NMHSCA award

ALBUQUERQUE — Rio Rancho High School girls basketball assistant coach Eric Jack was awarded the Ralph Bowyer “Coaching for Character Award” by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association at the Albuquerque Convention Center July 20.

“It means a lot to be recognized and honored for your hard work, dedication and commitment to the youth in the community,” Jack said. “Instilling character integrity and discipline have always been at the top of my teachings. I was amongst some of the great men and women being honored here in New Mexico for their work, and it was a thrill to be in the same room with them.”

Jack spent the past season handling the majority of head coaching duties for the Rams as their head coach, Lori Mabrey, tended to her late husband, Buster Mabrey.

“He is so deserving of the award. He stepped in for me and did an amazing job with loads of integrity during a very tough time for me,” said Mabrey, who presented the award to Jack.

Buster, who was the executive director of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association, was in the hospital for weeks and died Dec. 30.

“I will always be grateful for his servant leadership to our team. He is a great coach; he is an even better friend,” Mabrey added.

Jack helped the Rams to a 21-11 record, (9-5 in district play). The Rams also had five All-District players and District Defensive Player of the Year Daysia Jack.

“One thing for sure about Rio Rancho girls basketball is that we are going to be ferocious on defense with tons of energy and enthusiasm,” Jack said.

The Ram girls also had a state playoff berth, winning their first game against Los Lunas, but lost in the second round to the eventual champions of Sandia High School.

“Our girls are working harder than I’ve ever seen them; it’s like they want something more than what they had last year. It’s going to be a very interesting year,” Jack said.

The first game of the RRHS girls basketball season is Nov. 25 against West Mesa.