Video: Albuquerque Coach takes Ice Bucket Challenge
The Albuquerque High Bulldogs are riding a 38-game losing streak heading into the 2014 Season (State Record), but first Year Head Coach Curtis Flakes has created a ton of positive off season vibes bringing what looks to already be a new attitude to the locker room. Yesterday, Flakes took the Ice Bucket Challenge in support of ALS and challenged the rest of the District Head Coaches. More on Flakes (who survived a near fatal motorcycle accident and a Non-Form of Hodgkins Lymphoma)
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Here is their preseason promo video for a New Team, New Energy, and New Era
Click Here is a look at their new 2014 helmet modeled after the Alabama Crimson Tide Here to view this Link.More on the Bulldogs and 1st year Head Coach Curtis Flakes
Albuquerque High School ended the 2013 season losing a New State Record 39 games in a row. Out is former Head Coach Tim Garo and in is new Head Football Coach of the Bulldogs Curtis Flakes.
His first words of the interview, "I am truly blessed." Flakes takes over a 5A football program that hasn't won in literally years. They have lost 39 games in a row, but Flakes has battled more important things than football over the last 3-years..
In June of 2011, Flakes was involved in a motorcycle accident that nearly killed him. He was put on life support, had a lacerated liver, lost a kidney, and had multiple fractures throughout his body.
He was coaching at Manzano during that time and had to take some time off to literally get back on his feet.
Then in 2012 he was diagnosed with Non-form of Hodgkins Lymphoma which nearly took his life as well. Flakes underwent chemo therapy and radiation up until this summer.
Now he takes on Albuquerque High School Football in his first Head Coaching Position.
"I am really excited to just get out there with the kids. Pass on the knowledge to the kids. True success is not based off wins and losses, I want them to give it their all and show up and compete each weekend. I want to get the teachers, students, and the community involved," commented Flakes.
In high school Flakes played at a prominent high school football program in Lufkin, Texas under legendary High School Football Coach John Outlaw who recently passed away in December of 2011.
Outlaw's coaching record was 303-87-3. Flakes also played for Rocky Long and the New Mexico Lobos from 2000-2004, where he played defensive back for three years before moving to receiver for his senior season.
"I played under Coach John Outlaw in Lufkin, Texas, Rocky Long in college, and coached under Aaron Ocampo at Manzano. All three played a huge role in my life.
Coach Ocampo is someone I look at as another father figure, he has been that influential on me. Coaching under him I learned how to be open, be patient, and most importantly be a mentor to the kids." said Flakes.
"For me personally, this has all been a blessing. The man up stairs has been so good to me. It was not me who fought through these struggles alone.
I have a great support system in my wife, my parents, and former coaches who would call and check on me daily. God is good."