NMOA INDUCTS THREE NEW MEMBERS INTO THE HALL OF FAME
The New Mexico Officials Association (NMOA) proudly inducted David Briseno, Danny Lujan, and Jess Martinez into the NMOA Hall of Fame, recognizing their outstanding careers and lasting contributions to education-based athletics. Through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the profession of officiating, each has played a significant role in advancing the quality and integrity of interscholastic sports across New Mexico.
David began his officiating career in 1984 when his second son was born. He was looking for a way to make a little extra money and a good friend, Mr. Joey Arguello, invited him to begin officiating basketball. As his family expanded, so did the sports he officiated. He added football in 1985, baseball in 1990 and softball in 1996. What started out as a way to make some extra money soon became a second career.
He served as the Baseball group leader/assigner, as basketball group leader, and has served as the football southeast regional assigner. He was appointed to the Official’s Commissioners Committee and was appointed to the National Federation Officials Association Board of Directors.
Most recently, he was elected to serve as President of the New Mexico Officials Association Board of Directors and also represents the NMOA Board on the NMAA Commission. He has been the recipient of several awards including the 2016 NFHS National Distinguished Official.
David has also had the good fortune of being selected to officiate six state championship football games, five state basketball tournaments, and four state baseball tournaments.
David has been married to his wife Margaret for 43 years and they have four children Abran, David Jr (Marina), Agustin aka Augi (Autumn), and Maria (Jared). Abran and Augi are active NMOA officials. They also have 8 grandchildren, Kalaya, Austin, Dara, Gloria, Alano, Jude, Adelia, and Emiliana.
Danny J. Lujan has dedicated more than 40 years to officiating high school athletics in New Mexico. Throughout his distinguished career, he officiated basketball, baseball, and football, including numerous state championship contests and over 20 years in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Beyond the field and court, Danny’s leadership has left a lasting impact. He served as both President and Vice President of the New Mexico Officials Association, helped establish official’s associations in Española and Taos, mentored countless officials through camps and clinics, and traveled statewide providing rules education and leadership.
A three-time New Mexico Official of the Year and recipient of the NFHS Section 6 Distinguished Active Official Award, Danny’s dedication to officiating excellence and service has made an enduring impact on our profession.
Jess Martínez earned his BA from the University of New Mexico and is currently wrapping up his 30th year with the City of Albuquerque, where he serves as Director of the Youth and Family Services Department.
Jess’s journey in officiating started back in college intramurals at Creighton University and continued at the University of New Mexico. It was there that Pat Donovan, the Intramural Director at UNM, finally wore him down enough to convince him to give high school officiating a shot. That “sure, why not?” moment turned into a 30+ year passion project.
Since then, Jess has spent more than three decades growing, learning, and giving back to the officiating world. He’s held leadership roles with the New Mexico Officials Association, the New Mexico Activities Association Commission, and the Albuquerque Basketball Officials Association.
Off the court, Jess is a loving husband to his wife, Rachel, a proud Papu to his granddaughter, Madeline Rose, and an even prouder dad to his son, Jordan. After a fair amount of what we call “encouragement” over the years, Jess got the best payoff yet—watching Jordan follow in his footsteps and officiate his first State Tournament this past season.
