Tucumcari, New Mexico, is mourning the death of longtime Tucumcari High School coach and teacher John Span, a beloved figure who dedicated more than four decades to students, athletes and the Rattler community. Span died at his home on August 14, 2026, after a long illness. He was 66.
Known by many simply as Coach Span, he spent nearly 40 years working within Tucumcari Public Schools. During his career, he coached boys basketball, baseball and football while also serving as a teacher and mentor to generations of young people.
His influence extended far beyond the scoreboard. Former players, colleagues and community members have remembered Span as someone who challenged young people to work harder, make good decisions and believe in themselves.
A Career Built Around Tucumcari Students
Span coached the Tucumcari Rattlers boys basketball team for 21 seasons. His teams reached the state tournament championship game in 2011 and again in 2018, creating lasting memories for the school and its supporters.
His impact was formally recognized earlier this year when the Tucumcari school board approved naming the Rattler Gymnasium floor John Span Court. The dedication brought Span and his family to the gymnasium for a standing ovation.
The honor reflected the connection he had built with the community throughout his career. Even after stepping away from coaching, Span remained closely connected to Rattler athletics and continued receiving support from former players, coaches and friends.
His career was interrupted after he was diagnosed in early 2023 with a serious bile duct cancer. After surgery and treatment, Span returned to the basketball sideline for the 2024 to 2025 season, his final year coaching the Rattlers.
The team finished that season with a 10 and 18 record, but Span’s return was about more than wins and losses. His presence represented his determination to continue doing what he loved and being around the students and athletes he had mentored for years.
Remembered as a Mentor and Friend
Tributes poured in from across Tucumcari following Span’s death. City Manager Renee Hayoz described him as a cornerstone of the community and remembered his ability to influence young people both inside and outside athletics.
Former players also recalled the standards Span set for them. Luis Archuleta, who played during Span’s final season, said the coach pushed him beyond his own expectations and encouraged him to make responsible choices in the classroom and in life.
Current Tucumcari coaches have also credited Span with influencing their own careers. Adrian Jones, a former Rattler who is now the school’s head football coach, said Span played an important role in his decision to pursue coaching.
Span’s family said he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator and coach. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sundra Span, five children, grandchildren, siblings and a large extended family.
A homegoing celebration for John Span is scheduled for noon Saturday, August 22, at Rattler Gymnasium. Interment will follow at Tucumcari Memorial Cemetery.
For the Tucumcari community, Span’s legacy will remain closely tied to the students he encouraged, the athletes he coached and the Rattler tradition he supported throughout his life. His name now lives permanently on the gym floor that became a symbol of his decades of service.
