Originally published on May 09, 2025.
Herb Stinson majored in history here to spark his dream of becoming a teacher and coach. The goal became a reality, he says, thanks to the education and experiences provided by his professors and coaches, who helped lay the foundation for his future success.
Herb’s time at what was then Southern Utah State College played a crucial role in shaping his future, providing him with great instructors, valuable lessons, and a clear path to his career.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my college years,” he says of his days here, as he shined for the school’s intercollegiate wrestling team. “I gained a strong respect for my wrestling coach Joe Lapour, and I am a big believer in the late Dr. Steve Lunt, also a great leader in my life.”
Herb’s prep coaching career in New Mexico spanned 49 years, including 33 years as a football defensive coordinator, 15 years coaching baseball, and nearly five decades in wrestling. He is one of only four coaches nationally to win his state’s championship every year during the decade of the 1990s and coached 65 individual state champions, which ranks 5th nationally all-time. Moreover, he has been named National High School Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year three times over the years.
“I cherished every moment of working with young athletes,” he says, and points to his time in the classroom as incredibly fulfilling, earning him teacher of the year plaudits at both Aztec and Bayfield high schools.
Professionally, he says, his greatest pride comes from the lasting impact he has had on the young people he taught and coached, and he revels in their success in life.
Herb has remained diligently involved in his community, including the building of a wrestling room he donated to the school district. He also started and currently runs the Aztec Wrestler Scholarship Foundation and the Aztec Municipal School’s Hall of Honor. For his contributions, he has been honored as Citizen of the Year in Aztec.
Today, Herb enjoys conducting wrestling clinics and public speaking. A member of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌà Coaching Hall of Fame, he has returned to campus on occasion as a guest lecturer.
Tags: History
