After 34 years of coaching, Tohatchi’s Jim calls it quits

TOHATCHI, N.M.

In a surprising move, longtime Tohatchi Cougars boys head basketball coach Albert Jim resigned.

Jim has been on the courtside coaching basketball for 34 years, including 33 and a half as head coach, with stops at Navajo Mission Academy (new Navajo Prep), Zuni, Navajo Pine and Tohatchi.

Jim spent one year at Navajo Mission Academy, now called Navajo Preparatory, from 1982 to 1983; three years at Zuni (1983-86); 12 years at Navajo Pine (1986-98) and 18 years at Tohatchi (1998-2016).

While coaching at Navajo Pine, Jim guided “The War Party” to the 1996 New Mexico Class 2A State Championship. The team was led by All-State and All-American Jarvis Mullahon.

Mullahon went on to play college basketball at Southern Idaho Junior College and later at University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Mullahon was recruited by the late Don “Bear” Haskins, a Hall of Fame coach.

Jim’s resignation becomes effective immediately, but will remain at the high school as a teacher.

Jim said it was a decision he made after giving it much consideration.

“I decided the time was right,” Jim said. “I weighed the options for the past two years. I finally made the choice to walk away.”

He added, “It was very difficult but there are things I put aside during those 34 years that I wish to do now. My family was the primary reason. I am in excellent health and wish to spend time with my grandchildren. They are beginning to become active in their own athletic world and I wish to be there at their side supporting their endeavors.”

After graduating from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo. in April 1982, his high school coach Al Grinslade contacted Jim in July that summer. Jim said Grinslade told him to find a coat and tie. He said Grinslade picked him up and told him that they were scheduled for a job interview at the former Navajo Mission Academy in Farmington.

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