SW New Mexico News

Jack Nixon, known for decades as the “Voice of the Aggies,” is concluding his nearly 45-year career at New Mexico State University Athletics. Nixon announced in August that the 2024-25 season will be his last calling Aggie games.

Nixon has decided to donate his collection of audio tapes, which date back to 1976, to the NMSU Library’s Archives and Special Collections department. These tapes document men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball games over the years.

“I’ve been accumulating these tapes, along with hundreds on digital, and I wondered if the NMSU Library would want these,” Nixon said. “I wasn’t sure and thought this might be too trivial.”

Dennis Daily, department head of NMSU Library’s Archives and Special Collections, expressed gratitude for the donation.

“That made me feel really good and, in some way, it validated that whatever I had done had value to some people at NMSU,” Nixon said. “The fact that I was able to donate that and that it would be a more secure place – I was eager to do it.”

Reflecting on memorable moments during his career, Nixon highlighted three significant games: Indiana State vs. NM State in February 1978 featuring Larry Bird; a victory against UNLV in 1990; and a rivalry game against Grand Canyon University in 2019.

“The first one would be when Indiana State basketball and Larry Bird came to the Pan Am Center in February of 1978,” he recalled.

He described a tense final shot scenario where NM State secured a lead before making a crucial defensive stand.

Another notable game for Nixon was against UNLV in 1990. At that time, NM State had never defeated UNLV in any sport. The Aggies’ win was fueled by strong fan support.

“There was a pregame ritual where students would hang a piñata in the form of the other school's mascot... That started that night and set the tone for the rest of the season,” Nixon shared.

The final minute saw NM State securing a narrow victory by defending their one-point lead against UNLV.

In 2019, another significant moment occurred during an intense match against Grand Canyon University at home.

“The Aggies were up by five... However, Grand Canyon turned the Aggies over... So at this point, GCU is up by one... One player was shooting a free throw...the rebound comes to Johnny McCants...” he recounted.

Throughout his career spanning four decades, Nixon has worked with numerous coaches across different sports conferences for NM State Athletics.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know new people… It’s a valuable lesson I did learn,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for fan support over years of games held at Pan American Center:

“One of things that has made this job so fun is... fans are so loving of Aggie team… You understand how hard they work… you can’t help but get caught up.”

As he prepares for his final season:

“You travel with team… Another thing I’ve really enjoyed about this is preparation…I like studying about team…”

For NM State Athletics schedules and ticket information visit nmstatesports.com.