Athletics

(This page continues to be updated as more information is received)

ENMU-Ruidoso will be launching their inaugural athletic teams of men’s and women’s college rodeo, cross country and golf. Student athletes will hit the arena, trails and courses in the 2025 Fall Semester.

Cross Country

Men’s and women’s teams and individuals will train and run in the beautiful open-air, high-altitude courses over natural terrain in the Lincoln National Forest and Sacramento Mountains. Additionally, access to desert terrains are available within a 45-minute drive, giving ENMU-Ruidoso athletes excellent training in multiple environments.

Head Coach: Micah Bray; micah.bray@enmu.edu

Micah Bray has a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University, in San Diego, Calif. He and his family moved to Ruidoso in 2014, looking for a slower pace of life. Micah has worked in counseling, personal training and coaching, sales and retail business. He is a co-owner of Nomad. He enjoys running, playing guitar and bass guitar, oil painting and jumping on the trampoline with his three kids. “I love helping others tap into their greatest potential,” said Micah.

 

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Golf

Student athletes will enjoy an exciting and challenging intercollegiate golf experience. Golfers have access to 6 beautiful golf courses in Lincoln County – all different and demanding. Access to desert courses 45 minutes from Ruidoso will also be available.

The team is comprised of both young men and women to compete in NJCAA Region 5. Region 5 golf is undoubtedly the most competitive in the U.S. Our student athletes will compete against some of the best young players not only in the country, but also in the world! ENMU-Ruidoso golfers will be eligible for Division I recruitment to the finest universities in the NCAA.

Head Coach: Darrell Turnipseed; darrell.turnipseed@enmu.edu

Darrell Turnipseed of El Paso, Texas has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Recreation and Management from ENMU Portales. He is retired from El Paso Independent School District, with over 25 years of coaching experience. His coaching journey includes volunteering as a recruiter for cross country at El Paso Community College, where he helped identify and develop long-distance runners. He also served as a volunteer jump coach at New Mexico State University, working closely with collegiate athletes. His career has been centered on guiding athletes to reach their full potential while promoting teamwork, dedication, and personal growth through the sport of track and field. He is a proud U.S. Army disabled veteran. “Throughout my military career, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These qualities have continued to guide me in all aspects of my life, from my career in coaching and education to my involvement with athletes worldwide,” said Darrell. In his spare time he enjoys bike riding, fishing, movies and playing golf.

 

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Rodeo

Intercollegiate Rodeo Team students have the opportunity for a unique college experience at ENMU-Ruidoso. The coeducational team will compete in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) competitions in the Grand Canyon Region – Arizona and New Mexico.

Students must meet national eligibility guidelines and be enrolled full-time in order to participate in the college rodeos throughout the region. The top athletes from the region compete in the College National Finals Rodeo in June each year.

Head Coach; Chelsea DeMott; chelsea.demott@enmu.edu

Chelsea DeMott of Bosque Farms received her bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in Marketing from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. She was a member of the rodeo team and competed in team roping, breakaway roping and goat tying. Chelsea was the NIRA Grand Canyon Regional Student Director and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in 2014 and 2015. Chelsea is a sales representative for Wrangler Jeans covering New Mexico and northwest Texas and has been managing the territory for the past nine years.

 

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Scholarship Opportunities

(more details coming soon)