Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
The New Mexico Military Institute family has deep, strong roots.
One individual that understands the strong bond of the NMMI family is Ralph Davis.
He enjoyed a nine-year career at the Institute as an assistant/head coach on the Bronco basketball staff from Aug. 2009 to July 2015.
Davis, a former cadet, later took the helm of the program during the summer of 2015 before moving on to his current position as the director of operations for the University of New Mexico men's basketball team under head coach Paul Weir.
While attending NMMI, Davis earned honorable mention Western Junior College Athletic Conference honors under former head coach Reggie Franklin.
Davis later attended Texas A&M-Kingsville where he earned two degrees after graduating with a masters in 2009.
NMMI played an important role in shaping Davis as an individual.
"I just got better at life, more disciplined, more focused, more driven," Davis said. "I know these are all cliché things to say but I think the school really enhances the good in people.
"It makes you see things for what they are and puts things in perspective and allows you to focus on what's important to you."
After a stint as an assistant coach at Texas A&M-Kingsville from 2007-2009 and an appearance in the NCAA Division II tourney in 2009, Davis got an opportunity to coach at NMMI under current head coach Sean Schooley.
One of Davis's main goals was making sure his players left with a full scholarship opportunity.
Forty Broncos ended up receiving opportunities to play at the next level whether it was at the NCAA Division I, II or NAIA levels.
"Whatever the level is that is kind of up to them and their abilities and opportunities, but at the end of the day as long as they leave there with a full scholarship and continue and progress in life then we did our job," Davis said.
There were plenty of talented basketball players that came through NMMI and got opportunities to play at the four-year level.
Some include Andre Berry, Royce Williams, Chancellor Ellis, AJ Peralta, and Tyler Gaskins.
Peralta, a Roswell High grad, attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas and later Northern New Mexico College in Española after a two-year career at NMMI.
Moving players on to four-year schools is a big honor, but after it's all said and done there's more to the bigger picture.
"Obviously, we praise those things, we appreciate those things, but as long as at the end of the day they made something out of themselves that could make their family proud, their spouse proud, themselves proud — that's all we really care about. To this day I still talk to a good majority of the guys I coached. I feel a special connection with those that went to that place as well," Davis added.
One of the biggest highlights of Davis's coaching career at NMMI was the 2014-2015 season when the Broncos went 15-12 and landed in the Region V tourney for the first time since 2002.
Six players on that roster ended up signing Division I scholarships. One player included current Bronco assistant coach Will Joyce who attended Southern Utah University.
"That year was collectively the best year," Davis said. "It was my last year working with my mentor coach Schooley. Of course, that was special.
"Region V is probably the toughest junior college region in the country and the WJCAC is the toughest conference, hands down."
An individual does not have to graduate from the high school or junior college to be a part of the ever-growing family.
The NMMI family has a list that includes staff, faculty, and coaches as well.
"I would go even further to include teachers, coaches and administrators," Davis said. "I wouldn't discount those that may not have attended but those that are still a part of the NMMI family.
"It's more than just those that attended. They understand how special the place is, they understand the work they do and value they bring to young people's lives."