Western New Mexico's Busken Resigns As Football Coach

Busken Resigns As Football Coach

by Victoria Stimac, Western New Mexico Sports Information Director

Silver City, N.M. -- Western New Mexico University head football coach Bernie Busken has resigned, the WNMU Department of Athletics announced today. Busken leaves WNMU after spending three years at the helm and a three-year stint as an assistant coach. He accumulated an 8-22 record as a head coach.

“I enjoyed my opportunity here the last six years,” says Busken. “I have nothing but good things to say about the university…”

Busken will return to Arizona where he found great success in the 1990s. Busken achieved legendary status in the prep ranks in the Grand Canyon State, where he was named "Coach of the Decade" in the 1990s. The (Mesa) Mountain View Toros won three 5A State Championships under his tutelage and earned an impressive 82-9 record. During his 82 wins, Busken tallied 40 straight wins, setting the Arizona 5A state record.

Busken helped former WNMU players reach the professional ranks. Rod Windsor, now a member of the Rio Grande Dorados (AF2 Football), had a sensational 2009 season. He set a single season all time record for regular season catches (184), points in a season (362), and touchdowns (59). He also ranks second in all-time yardage with 2364.

At WNMU, Busken also had spotlights on some of his defensive players. His defensive charges include some of WNMU's very best -- 2005 saw Valentine Chude dominate from his linebacker spot, while Christian Serena (a Busken recruit) was the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.

Busken's place kickers also were a bright spot. In 2005, Kevin Hughes finished No. 16 in Division II in field goals. In 2006, Sean Sehnem was both an RMAC and National Special Teams Player of the Week courtesy of his 43.7 punting average and being No. 1 in the nation in field goals made per game.

Busken had four players receive six RMAC Player of the Week Honors along with four RMAC All-Academic selections in 2007. A total of 16 student-athletes were selected to the All-RMAC teams at the conclusion of the season. In 2008, five players received All-RMAC Academic awards along with three all-conference players and two RMAC Player of the Week awards. Busken had four RMAC All-Academic players, three All-RMAC selections, two All-Super Region Three selection, and one All-American on his team this year.

A search for his replacement will begin immediately.