“It was a great tourney, and there were some great games that Coach Baca would’ve enjoyed.” Baca, a Deming native and 1995 graduate of Deming High School, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2024, at the age of 47. He volunteered with the Deming High girls’ softball program, served as junior varsity softball coach and was also an assistant football coach for the Wildcats. Beyond school athletics, Baca was well known in the softball community, where he played competitively for years and later managed the men’s team Havoc. Following his passing, the Deming community organized candlelight vigils, balloon releases and fundraising efforts that drew hundreds of residents together in remembrance of the longtime coach.