Otero Men's Basketball gives thanks...

As Thanksgiving approaches, we asked our team to reflect on the things they were thankful for in their lives. Here are their responses:

Lathan Lieb is thankful for his family, friends, and the opportunity to be a part of this team.

Dylan Fritsch is thankful for a second chance and to still be playing on a team he loves.

Anthony Johnson is thankful for his family, friends, and teammates.

Taylor Shaffer is thankful to have both of his parents and to be part of a team that not only loves the game but that also loves each other.

Lucas Archuleta is thankful for all the people in his life, the opportunity to play college basketball and for his good health.

Perryonte Smith is thankful to have a family, to be a part of the team, and to be away from the trouble that exists in the streets.

Adam Link is thankful for the second chance that Coach Reed has given him.

Andre Reider is thankful for his family, good health, and for being a part of this team which is surrounded by great teammates and coaches.

Chris Strong is thankful for his family, being able to play basketball everyday, and having a great team and coaches.

Brandon Harris is thankful for his Mom, God, Family, Friends, and life.

Yoshio Allen is thankful for his caring family,the opportunity to go to college, and the chance to play on a college basketball team.

Kallen Link is thankful for his parents and family.

Oscar Garcia is thankful for the health of himself, his family, and his team, and the opportunity to go to school and play basketball.

Wes McKenzie is thankful for his supportive family, his teammates and coaches, and Jesus Christ.

Elliott Hamdeed is thankful for his faith and family, teammates and coaches that care, and being in great health with a chance at an education. 

Dominique Arana is thankful for his family, friends, and a chance to help out with a great basketball team.

Coach O'Connor is thankful for the love and support of his family and friends, the opportunity to work for a selfless leader like Houston Reed, and the joy that comes with being around a team that plays for each other.

Coach Reed is thankful to be in love with his wife after 10 and 1/2 years of marriage, his children's health, and to have an occupation where his job isn't work.

Lastly, we'd like to thank all people that help our team. Parents, friends, faculty and staff at Otero Junior College, your support is essential to the growth of our program.
Happy Thanksgiving from Otero Men's Basketball!

My Otero Experience...from former Rattler Dan Steffensen

I am proud to say I went to Otero Junior College. Otero is great for more than the aspect of just basketball. My freshman year Coach Reed took me under his wing and helped me off of the court. This translated to the court for me, and because of this I worked as hard as I could for him. Coach Reed has built a great basketball program which is quite difficult considering the dynamics of junior college. Coach Reed taught me the game in a way that I could understand it and could then perform it in my game. Coach Reed is a great motivator and expects you to work your hardest on and off the court. He often talks about being a better man and expects you to work on yourself off the court as well. Coach Brendan O’Connor is a great asset for Coach Reed. He is knowledgeable about the game and hard working. If you needed extra work in the gym he would be there for you.

 I was also very impressed with the institution of Otero Junior College. The staff is in full support of you. Their goal is to graduate you and get you to your next institution in a good standing to graduate there as well. Otero is truly a community that cares about its students and does everything it can to see them succeed.

Coach Reed has a great basketball mind, but the attribute that impressed me the most about Coach Reed is his work ethic. Coach Reed does not forget about you once you leave.  He keeps in contact with you after you leave and really cares about how you do after you leave his program. I could not thank coach enough for everything he did and does for me and I am in his debt.  I am grateful to have played for him and blessed to be able to call him a friend. Coach Reed is what college basketball is all about.

Editor's Note: Dan Steffensen was an All-Region player for Otero from 2007-2009. He then transferred to Fort Lewis College where he was named 2011 RMAC Tournament MVP in his senior season.

High Expectations...from Sophomore Wes McKenzie

As a returning player, I’m as excited as anyone for this season. We have a great core group returning from last year. We’ve been through the grind of a full season, experienced the highs and lows, and recognize how to approach a new year. We see this new season as a chance to redeem ourselves. In a team meeting this year, Coach Reed brought up the atmosphere in the locker room after our loss to Lamar last year. That game lost us the opportunity to play in the region tournament and ended our season. Coach Reed described to us how he uses the memory, of how that locker room felt, to drive him. Personally, this was very motivational. I was reminded of how last year ended and decided we couldn’t let it happen again.

As returners, we are very excited about the group our coaches have brought together. The coaching staff has brought in a couple of transfers and recruited some hard working freshmen. Our young guys are talented and learning at a fast rate. I appreciate how eager they are to work and get things right. Our new guys all bring great energy every day. We are all excited about the potential this year’s team has. I feel a good sense of concentration and drive from everyone, which could make for a special team.  However, we still have a ton of work to do. We haven’t proven anything yet.

Our coaching staff has been great this year. Coach Snyder did an amazing job in the weight room, getting us in shape while adding a little self discipline. Coach O’Connor has done a great job with the guards. He never lets us settle and always pushes us to reach our full potential. Coach O’C always reminds us of the high level we must play at as guards. Coach Reed is the man. I’ve never respected a coach more than I respect Coach Reed. He makes an effort to build a relationship with every player and never treats any player different than another. My respect for him makes me play harder, which makes me better, which helps me reach my potential. What more could you ask for in a coach?

Lastly, our fans are OFF THE CHAIN. I guarantee our gym will be one of the toughest places to play in our entire region. Our fans make a huge difference and we really appreciate their support. I’ve never been more excited for a season of basketball than I am for this year. I feel that God has definitely blessed me in many ways. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. We can’t wait to play in front of our home crowd and represent for Otero on the road. Either way, we’ll be doing all that we can to achieve our goals. As a team, we are focused on constant, daily improvement. HIGH EXPECTATIONS.