Local Sports Legend–Charles Zimmerly

Charles “Chuck” Zimmerly has been a prominent figure in Socorro sports for over half a decade with no intentions of calling it quits, until winter comes around and then he gives himself a break until spring blooms and he’s back on the field with sprinters, relayers and hurdlers for the track and field season.

A recognition of Zimmerly’s life work has been recognized at the state level. During a meeting in January, Zimmerly will be formally introduced into the 2026 New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

This fall, Zimmerly could be found out on the field most days, working with the Socorro Warriors football team and lending the kind of knowledge only time can provide. 

Since his first taste of helping with coaching, Zimmerly has held roles from assistant coach to head coach during various years of freshman, JV, and varsity SHC football, basketball and track and field. 

When Zimmerly came home in 1970 from serving in Vietnam, he settled near Clark Field and lived near the 50 yard line, a move that altered the narrative of his life. 

“I started talking to the coach, and he asked if I like football,” said Zimmerly. ”I thought, ‘I love football.’ I grew up in Texas.”

After that conversation with coach Eddie Castaneda, Zimmerly was asked if he wanted to help him run some drills. He said, “yes.”

“I went under the fence and over to Clark Field and worked with Eddie a little bit, and then, you know, he just asked me to do a little more, and a little more,” said Zimmerly.

Zimmerly said his plan at the time was to finish his degree in petroleum engineering from New Mexico Tech, then go to eastern New Mexico or west Texas, make a bunch of money and just kick back. 

“But I got started coaching, then I started substitute teaching, and I liked it,” said Zimmerly. 

He said he got the coaching bug and decided his calling was to work with the schools. He landed a full time teaching job in January of 1973.

Following that title, Zimmerly became a Socorro City Council member, a position that lasted over 30 years. He also served on the NMT Board of Regents for a 6-year term. Currently, he is also the president of the Socorro County Historical Society, helping to take care of the Hammel Museum.

Zimmerly’s dedication to his community is tangible.

“Being involved in athletics is so well worth it,” he said. “You can grow so much by dedicating yourself to something that even if it seems hard, it's going to be worthwhile. You get friendships that will last you forever.” 

He has now been in the games long enough to see his former players grow up and give back to the community by becoming assistant coaches or coaches themselves. He also followed others who have gone on to successful playing and coaching careers.