Western New Mexico University Athletics

Rusty Hofacket, a 1948 graduate, is remembered as a talented and versatile player who was willing to play wherever he was most needed. A four-year starter in football, he played guard, tackle, center, and quarterback. Overall, he was a three-time all-conference selection, making the first team as a center and guard and second team as quarterback. He was co-captain of the football team his junior and senior years.

A member of the Student Council and Blue Key, Hofacket was also the president of the “T” Club and voted “Most Popular Male Student” twice.

After leaving WNMU, Hofacket established himself as one of the premier football coaches in New Mexico. He spent 23 years as head coach at Deming High School. He finally retired from coaching in 1974 with a 160-61-9 record. Hofacket was named AAA Coach of the Year three times and District Coach of the Year seven times. He was inducted into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1981.

Hofacket is retired and lives in Deming, New Mexico.