Questa fires head basketball coach

In a surprise move, Questa Independent Schools fired Tomas Madrid as the head boys basketball coach, two weeks before the official start of the 2017-18 season, which begins Oct. 30.

The Taos News reported Questa superintendent Dr. David Albert said that the coaching position was “at-will” and no reason was necessary to remove Madrid from his post. Madrid was apparently fired from the coaching position Oct. 11, according to an email.

Hired in May 2016 to replace the late Cruz Chavez II, who at the time, opted out of his contract to continue as head coach of the Wildcats, Madrid accomplished several notable benchmarks during his short tenure.

A 1992 graduate from Robertson High School, this was Madrid’s first stint as head coach at the varsity level. Madrid led his team to victories over Mora and Escalante last year and finished the season with a 17-9 overall record — improving on an 11-16 overall record the Wildcats had in 2015-16. The boys were invited to the state tournament and traveled to Jal to play in the opening round as a number 10 seed.

Madrid had worked with Questa High School before as an assistant basketball coach under Larry King from 2014-15.

Madrid retains his teaching contract with the district but it is unknown whether he will choose to remain for the school year.