ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – After winning the junior college national championship in 2021, the New Mexico Military Academy football team is coming off a 6-6 season in 2023. The team is currently participating in spring practice and feels optimistic about returning to its original team. How to win next season. “You know, a standard is a standard and the standard here right now is to win a championship,” NMMI head football coach Kurt Taufaasau said.
NMMI will conclude spring practice with its annual spring game on Saturday, April 13th. New Mexico State players are looking to make their mark this spring, and their hard work will shine through. “We’re used to the grind, and at NMMI we call it the grindhouse, but they don’t call it for nothing. Here we go,” NMMI linebacker/Volcano Vista graduate Nathan Wallin said.
“It's huge that they're kind of the backbone of what we're trying to build. The coaches are excited to have more local talent coming in the fall in addition to what we already have. They've done a good job of bringing in, and that's what we want to continue to do,” coach Taufaasau said.
NMMI's local players definitely play with a chip on their shoulder, and Volcano Vista product Elliott Paskett-Bell is a prime example. The second-year QB is currently taking first-team snaps with the Broncos this spring and is excited about the new season. “It's pretty similar to the offense we ran at Volcano Vista. So I feel like I'm good right now and I'm going to show what I think I can do next season and show what the world is wrong about me. I'm really excited to prove it,” said Elliott Pasquette Bell.
Moving up to the Division I ranks is a goal for every player at the Juco level, and Taos native and NMMI tight end Noah Armijo is a guy with a big chance. The 6-5, 250-pound Armijo was named first-team all-conference in 2023 after playing in just four games due to injury. Armijo has high expectations for his upcoming season and his own future in the sport.
“Yeah, definitely a Power 5. I think you can get into any school if you put your mind to it. You just have to go out and perform and stay really healthy,” Noah Armijo said.
“You know, I back him up, he's a Power 5 talent. He's just been flying under the radar and I hope he can get someone who believes in him. , that's all we need,'' coach Taufaasau said.
