Team remembers coach killed in crash

ALBUQUERQUE - Coach Johnny Arias was the kind of guy you wanted to be around.

Those who knew him describe him as a person with that special something that drew people in.

“He was inspirational and always believed in all of his players,” player James McNeely said.

Arias was killed in a weather-related car crash last Wednesday. The news hit the teenagers he coached in football and basketball very hard.

“He was always joking in practice, having fun, and never put down anybody,” player Derek Martinez said.

Arias had just been promoted to deputy warden at the state prison the day before his death.

He was driving home from a coworker’s funeral where he had delivered the eulogy when his car hit an icy patch and he crashed on State Road 3 in Ribera.

“Everyone was speechless and couldn't believe it,” fellow coach and coworker Andy Ray said.

The players on the Volcano Vista Junior Hawks, who he coached for five years in football and basketball, were devastated.

“Everyone is just very sad because he was a great coach and just a great guy to be around,” player Brandon Maestas said.

The team relived their memories of Arias this weekend through team photos.

“After football was over, he'd do basketball, and track. It was year round, he was always devoted to the kids,” Coach Kerry Singleton said.

Team members said Arias also gave them a boost in self esteem.

“He always had confidence in all of us in basketball and football,” Cody Luna said. “He was just a really good coach.”

Arias was known as a man with a big heart who left a hole in the hearts of his players and fellow coaches.

“He was always devoted to the kids, and he'll always have a special place,” Singleton said.

Arias’ funeral is set for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

His burial will follow at the Roy Cemetery in Roy, N.M.