Former Española Valley basketball player Isaiah Vigil lives by Ricky Bobby’s motto from the movie Talladega Nights — “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
His journey to becoming “first” and a state champion with the Sundevils started at the other school in town.
Vigil began his career at McCurdy Charter School where he excelled early on the court.
“Winning all-district honors as an eighth-grader at McCurdy (was one of my favorite moments),” Vigil said. “There were six seniors on that team, so to accomplish that meant a lot.”
His father, Eric Vigil, was the athletic director at McCurdy during that time and could tell his son was not always happy.
Despite the early success, Isaiah Vigil knew in his heart that he wanted to be apart of the Española basketball family.
“He was pretty successful as an eighth-grader there, but he just wasn’t happy,” Eric Vigil said. “We told him, ‘it’s your decision and you’re going to have to make an adult decision.’”
Isaiah Vigil made the choice to transfer to Española after that season, knowing he would have to sit out his freshman year to regain eligibility starting in 2015-16.
“All my friends that I grew up playing basketball with all were at Española already, so it was an easy decision for me to make and finish with the guys I started with.”
Eric Vigil explained that his son grew up playing with the likes of Azaziah Salazar, J.P. Sena and Christian Fernandez, who also transferred to Española after starting at Peñasco High School.
Growing up, Isaiah Vigil was introduced to the athletic scene early. His father coached football and held athletic director duties at McCurdy from 2001-13, while his mother was the head cheerleading coach for the Bobcats.
“I was always in the gym or on a field,” Isaiah Vigil said. “Me and my brother just fell in love with sports.”
Like so many other children in the Valley, Isaiah Vigil’s connection to basketball came naturally.
“I think in this town, basketball is so popular because everybody grows up with a basketball in their hand,” he said. “When you combine that with a consistent and prestigious program (Española) home to the biggest gym in the state, there’s a lot to play for and represent — and people love being a part of that.”
Two professional players Isaiah Vigil looked up to were Reggie Miller and Allen Iverson.
“Me and my brother made our mom buy us headbands and shooting sleeves just so we could look like him (Iverson) when we played,” he said. “I always tried to combine their games and put it into mine to be the best player I could.”
After taking part in the state championship run his sophomore year, Isaiah Vigil was ready to push forward but said his junior year was his toughest obstacle.
“I had a couple opportunities to prove I belong (ed) and I failed,” he said. “We had a decent chance to repeat at state and we blew it at home in the first round. Being on the bench, fouled out, with two points and towel over my head was all the motivation I needed going into my senior season.”
The Sundevils returned to the state championship in his senior season but again fell short, losing to Belen High School. Isaiah Vigil was proud of the improvements he made for his last go-round.
“I was in the weight room more that summer probably than I was my whole life,” he said. “My strength, skill, and confidence level coming into my senior season made my role a lot more important. The hard work had officially paid off.”
Isaiah Vigil will study at the University of New Mexico in the fall to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
The memories made on the court will never be forgotten.
“I’m going to miss morning breakfasts on game days and bus rides where I could never sleep peacefully,” Isaiah Vigil said. “I’m going to miss being able to see all of my best friends every single day, all doing what we love and winning together.”