Pubdate: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 Source: El Defensor Chieftain (NM) Copyright: 2006 El Defensor Chieftain Contact: http://www.dchieftain.com/site/feedback.html Website: http://www.dchieftain.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2520 Author: Jason W. Brooks, El Defensor Chieftain Reporter FOOTBALL PLAYERS, COACHES SURPRISED BY ARREST Ronald Comanche Described As Gregarious, Positive By His Peers After Socorro High School teacher and coach Ronald Comanche was arrested last week on drug trafficking charges, students and coaches were asked about his nature as a person. Those who interacted with him directly gave positive reactions when given an opportunity by the Chieftain to comment on his character, and if there were any warning signs that illegal drugs might be something Comanche was or is involved with. Many seemed surprised by Comanche's arrest, saying news of his apprehension on Tuesday, April 11, was the first time they had heard his name connected with drugs. "It's kind of a shocker," said Socorro baseball coach Alan Edmondson. "(Drugs) are something we talk about at the beginning of the season, including how a career could end and how bad they are for your bodies. We try to steer them in the right direction." Socorro's head football coach Ken Stevens, who worked closely with Comanche as the head coach had Comanche helping prepare the Warrior defense each week, said Wednesday was the first he heard of any negative information related to Comanche. Stevens praised the assistant coach, who also was a boys track coach, for combining with defensive coordinator George Frederick to design a blitz package that was quite effective in a playoff game at Lovington. Socorro athletic director Randy Valles has refused repeated opportunities to comment on Comanche or the assistant coach's situation within the athletic department. Assistant track coach Hanh Nguyen said Comanche didn't make the team trip to meet in Truth or Consequences the night he was arrested, and has only attended two meets this season. Ironically, Wednesday was the day Mario Martinez was scheduled to appear to make the New Mexico Activities Association's "Victory With Honor" presentation to Socorro athletes. Martinez, an associate director of the NMAA, presented senior Scotty Crespin with a certificate for being nominated for a state sportsmanship award. The Chieftain interviewed four student-athletes under the condition of anonymity, one representing each grade level at the high school. All four worked directly under Comanche's tutelage in at least one sport. The four were asked three questions: * Did Comanche ever approach you and attempt to convince you to take any actions related to distributing, selling or transporting illegal drugs? * Has Comanche's sense of humor ever mentioned drugs, or had anything to do with drug culture humor? * Have you ever heard rumors, on or off campus, regarding the idea that Comanche might be involved in any way with illegal drugs? All four students answered "no" to each question. All spoke of Comanche in a positive way, describing him as friendly, helpful and respectful. Apparently, Comanche left in late September to attend to family property damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and seemed saddened when he spoke of that loss. However, mostly Comanche is upbeat, not discussing negative issues such as drugs. "He was all about the 'Supreme team' -- he was all about football," said one student. "Never about drugs." - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl