Alamogordo NM
9-20-2025 9:00pm

Alamogordo Tigers: Chasing Legacy, Defying Odds, and Rekindling a Century of Gridiron Glory

The White Sands of Alamogordo carry the echoes of football history. From the undefeated roar of 1985 to the state title triumph of 1950, the Alamogordo Tigers have long been more than a football team—they’ve been a symbol of pride, resilience, and community spirit. Now, in 2025, a new generation of Tigers is clawing its way into that storied legacy, one Friday night at a time.

A Century of Tiger Pride

Founded in 1912, Alamogordo High School football has seen its share of highs and heartbreaks.

The 1936 team went undefeated save for a single tie, laying the foundation for future dominance.

Then came 1950, when the Tigers captured the New Mexico State Championship, igniting a golden era of civic pride under Coach Rolla Buck. 

The 1951 squad followed with another winning season, proving the program’s staying power.

But it was 1985 that became legend. Under Coach Gary Hveem and assisted by Coach Bob Sepulveda, the Tigers posted a perfect 10–0 record, the only untied, undefeated season in school history.

That team wasn’t just good—they were galvanizing. “They made a personal commitment and engulfed others with enthusiasm,” Hveem recalled in the book, Coach Bob Sepulveda: the Hveem Years.

Crucially, Hveem’s success was amplified by his partnership with longtime assistant and award winning Track and Field NM Hall of Fame Coach, Bob Sepulveda. Together their steady leadership and rapport with players helped cultivate a culture of confidence and unity throughout the 1980s.

The 1979 team, often overlooked, showed flashes of brilliance and laid the groundwork in cohesive coaching leading to the 1985 juggernaut. Together, Hveem and Sepulveda built more than a team—they built belief. Present day Coach Cisco is a product of that legacy.

2025: A New Chapter Begins

Enter the 2025 Tigers. Led by quarterback Nathanael Best, running back Elijah Chavez, and defensive anchor Dominic Lopez, this team has already surpassed expectations with a 4–1 record. Their Homecoming victory over Organ Mountain (34–14) wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.

Coach AJ Cisco has instilled discipline, balance, and belief. The offense is clicking. The defense is swarming. And the community is watching—hopeful, energized, and ready to believe again.

Adding to the excitement is junior Tanner Nowaczyk, who’s quietly emerging as a versatile weapon for the future. His growth this season is giving Alamogordo depth and flexibility—and sets the stage for an even stronger 2026 campaign.

The Road Ahead: Can History Repeat?

The remaining schedule is a gauntlet, but the Tigers are no longer just surviving—they’re competing. The toughest games of the season are ahead but the Tigers have momentum and spirited fans backing them. Maxpreps and New Mexico sports rank the remaining games as difficult for the Tigers...

• Sept 26 @ Hobbs – Underdog

• Oct 2 @ Centennial – Longshot

• Oct 10 vs Carlsbad – Coin Toss

• Oct 16 vs Las Cruces – Heavy Underdog

• Oct 31 @ Clovis – Favorite

If the Tigers finish 6 and 4 or better, they’ll post their best record since 2011 and potentially earn a playoff berth. More than that, they’ll join the ranks of Alamogordo’s most memorable teams—those who didn’t just play football, but changed the conversation.

Final Word by Chris Edwards Alamogordo Sports Historian and Author

From the roar of Tiger Stadium to the quiet determination in the locker room, the 2025 Alamogordo Tigers are chasing something bigger than a scoreboard. They’re chasing history. And if they keep believing, they just might catch it.

Sources:

MaxPreps – Alamogordo Tigers Football History

NMPreps – 2025 Schedule Review & Predictions

2nd Life Media – Roots of Alamogordo Athletics

AlamogordoTownNews.org – Game Recaps & Player Spotlights

Coach Bob Sepulveda: The Hveem Years available on Amazon on independent book stores throughout New Mexico

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