Le talks coaching and off-grid dreams

 

Jason Cody Le, known as Cody by both co-workers and students, has been a key component of the Socorro sports community for several years.

What do you do here at SHS?

I’m a strength and conditioning coach. I also teach for 10-12 graders.

Do you deal with all students on campus?

Yes. I have students that come in throughout the day based on schedules as well as grade level. I mainly deal with all of the athletes here. It’s an 8-4 schedule Monday through Thursday, and I teach five classes a day.

What types of things do you teach in your classes?

We try to show the kids basic things. In the weight room, it’s all about bench press and squats, which are the big ones in here. We warm up in the gym before hitting weights. One day a week each class gets to be in the big gym to play basketball or whatever they want, just to have fun.

How much time do you spend outside of your typical work schedule with the athletes?

Coach Ocampo took the position of athletic director so they needed a gym master and I was willing to do that. I try to do all of the sports and help out wherever I can. The hours vary.

How long have you been with the program here in Socorro?

My history is kind of interesting. I’ve been here a lot. My first year in Socorro was in 2009. Coach Ocampo brought me in to do the strength stuff. Then I left and I’ve been back and forth here several times.

Were you born and raised in Socorro?

No, I was born and raised in Aztec, N.M. Growing up there was amazing. There was so much to do outdoors. Camping and fishing were my favorites. That’s why I like to help out with soccer games in particular here because it is outside.

What was the transition from Aztec to Socorro like?

It was tough because I was going through a divorce and I had to leave without my kids. Fortunately, after several years I have my son Jay and daughter Maddi with me now. A fourth and fifth grader. They love it here and hope to play for the Warriors.

What was it like getting your kids back after the divorce?

It was tough. I give all of the credit to my wife Shay whom I met three years ago in Ruidoso. We were living in Hobbs, N.M., at the time teaching before Damien called and asked if I would be interested in coming back, and so now here I am.

How did you and your wife meet?

I was coaching my son’s flag football team and we had mutual friends. She was going to all of the games, and by the end of the season we were always talking and that’s how it works I suppose.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Sandlot.” I grew up watching that movie, and baseball is a childhood pastime for me.

I always loved baseball growing up as a kid. My dad was my track coach, so I had to choose between baseball and track so I had to choose track. I did end up getting a scholarship in track to Adam State University.

 If you won the lottery, what would you do?

It would be awesome because my wife wouldn’t have to work (laughs). That would be great. I would hook my family members up with a home. I would also take care of coach “Z.” He’s always taken care of me.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

Off the grid. Maybe someplace like Alaska. Having a homestead with my wife and kids would be ideal. That is our plan. Save up our money and eventually stay in a place that is ours.

If you could change anything about Socorro County, what would it be?

Coaches and communities to support all programs as a group.

Being on the same page and everyone wanting to support each other and doing what is best for blue and white. Seeing that everybody is on board as a unit would be great to witness.