Onate High School Class of 1993

Posted 4.21.05
It’s been a very long time since we graduated from Oñate High School. Since then, we have all wandered along our own chosen paths to seek out our fortunes in life. Who among us has not wondered how our classmates have done on their adventures? How many times have you asked yourself... Where are they now?

Back in 1993, RIAN ZIMMERMAN found inspiration working hard in the classrooms at OHS and fighting hard on the football field to win for the Knights. These days, this AlumKnight is inspiring a whole new generation of student athletes at Rowe High School in McAllen , Texas .

What can you tell us about your life right now?
	I'm an Athletic Trainer at Rowe High School in McAllen, Texas. As some of you out there may know, I basically treat and evaluate all injured athletes at my high school. The remainder of time is spent with my wife, Wendy and two kids, Aalok 3, and Crysania 9mo.
How did you get from Oñate High School to where you are now?
	From Oñate I went right into the Athletic Training Education Program at NMSU. I received my BS in 1997 with an Honors certificate. From there I moved NE to Clovis, NM where I spent two years as the Head Trainer at Clovis High School and earned my Master of Science in Sport Science. While I was in Clovis , I married Wendy Vance, from Maine by way of Alamogordo (her dad was in the Air Force) in 1999. In 2000 I moved to deep-South Texas, or as one coach put it, "from New Mexico to REAL Mexico." Had a couple of kids along the way and had a great time doing my job.
What were your goals when you were at OHS? Have they changed along the way?
	While at OHS I really wanted to play college football, but that was screwed up before December of ‘92 when I had surgery. Then, I just wanted to graduate and get into graduate school. I had thought about becoming a trainer as I was in high school and went after it. It was my declared major from my very acceptance into college. One of my lifelong goals was to earn my Masters degree, which I did in 2000 from Eastern New Mexico University . I guess my goals were always to have a fun job and a nice family. And I cashed in on both of those.
What are your goals for the future?
	My biggest goal is to be a good father for my kids. I see too many kids at my high school with little to no parental direction. That has to be any parents’ first priority; TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS. They need guidance and proper direction.
Do you feel that you have achieved “success”? What is your idea of “success”?
	I achieved all the success I'll ever need in stages. It started with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1997, followed by marrying a wonderful wife in 1999, and earning an MS in 2000. Then I started a great job in 2000, and completed as much as I can for now with two little babies, the first born in 2001, and the second born in 2004. Success is all about being happy with your life and who you are. You can't be successful if you hate yourself.
If you could to do one thing different in your life, what would that be?
	I don't think I'd change anything in my life. You are a sum total of all you have done, good and bad. I wouldn't be where I'm at without all of my good choices as well as the bad. You can never change the past, so learn from actions and accept ALL the consequences.
Was there anyone at OHS who inspired you?
	Inspiration from OHS? Mmmmm… no one person stands out. The group of friends I had, a few wonderful teachers, some good and bad coaches all inspired me in some way. I wasn't the best friend to many of you and yet you still put up with me, and that is really inspiring. Mrs. Hayes gave me some unbelievable direction on where life should take me. All my coaches, especially Coach Essex and Coach Goad made me aspire to be better than I was, and taught me that nothing comes without hard work. All of them were inspiring. My friends were an intelligent group and I didn't want to be left behind. My teachers showed me the path, and my coaches made me walk whether I wanted to or not.
What advice would you give to a new generation of Oñate High School students who will graduate into the “real world” soon?
	The real world is nothing like high school. Nobody will be there to bail your ass out when you mess up. Don't be afraid of confrontation and difficulty. Nothing worth having is easy. As I tell the kids at my high school, there are no “re-tests” in life. When you fall off the horse, get back up. Don't be so stupid as to get right back on. Know what your mistake was and correct before you saddle up again. Above all, don't be afraid of change and the unknown. Some of the greatest things you will ever experience in life are a change from your routine or unknown to you at some time, so go out and experience them.
What is your most cherished recollection of your time at OHS?
	I really loved the camaraderie at our little school. I have never been able to be so pleasant with SO many people at one time in my life. We really acted like a family, and like most families we had our differences, but we didn't let that destroy us.
What do you miss about OHS or your years as a high school student?
	I don't miss high school. I was glad to graduate because it meant new challenges to face. If we are not moving forward we are regressing. Life never stands still, nor should it.
When was the last time you were in Las Cruces ?
	I return home at least once a year. My Mom and Dad still live in town. I always visit at least for a week or so every summer and try to get back at Christmas as well. I was just there for Christmas 04 and missed a once in a lifetime event as it snowed in McAllen (it rarely even gets anywhere near freezing here).
Do you plan to attend the proposed 15-year reunion in 2008?
	I'd love to attend the reunion, but there are times of the year I can't get away. If it’s not at one of those times I wouldn't miss it.