Questa athletics program gets a new athletic director to start 2017
Coach Paul Passino shown here addressing his football team after their home opener against the Dulce Hawks Sept. 24. Passino stepped down as Questa's head of athletics Dec. 31, but will continue to teach and coach track and field in the district in 2017.
As the calendar year came to an end, so did the short tenure of Paul Passino as head of athletics at Questa High School. The change occurred Dec. 31, with Passino resigning his position as athletic coordinator. Ray Maestas, principal at Questa High School, took over as athletic director Jan. 1.
The Questa native said that while he decided to end his semesterlong tenure as athletic coordinator, he will continue to serve as teacher and track and field coach with the district in 2017.
Passino stepped in to the athletic coordinator position and head football coach to fill the void left by the abrupt departure of Jesus Maes June 30.
Questa Independent School District Superintendent Valerie Trujillo confirmed Maestas’ new role and has stated that “it has been a smooth transition between Mr. Passino and Mr. Maestas.”
“There are no impacts to games and practices regarding his departure,” said Trujillo, who added that Maestas has served as AD before in Peñasco, Mora and Clayton. “Mr. Passino has been very helpful in getting [the] second semester started, and Mr. Maestas has shown his commitment to our students and the Questa [Independent] School District by stepping up to help in whatever capacity he can. This is one of his strengths.”
An ongoing water situation in the village of Questa has had an impact on games, causing recent cancellations and changes in venue. However, as of press time, there are no indications of future disruptions of home basketball games. Both Questa basketball teams are in action at the Northern Río Grande (NRG) basketball tournament in Jacona Jan. 5-7.
