By J.T. Keith
Artesia Daily Press Sports Editor
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Ty Houghtaling was heading to Brazil on a mission Monday after watching his son, Cael Houghtaling, win a state title, 55-48, over the Highland Hornets on Saturday.

Houghtaling was a travel coach for his boys, Clay and Cael Houghtaling, until he felt a higher calling. Now, his purpose as pastor of First Baptist Church in Artesia is to serve God and man.

Ty and Cael are the first father-son duo to win state titles for Artesia basketball. In 1995, Ty was a forward on the Artesia team that defeated Albuquerque Academy 82-73.

And Cael, a 6-foot-2 junior guard, scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds to help Artesia defeat Highlands in the March 15 championship game.

“I got to watch these kids (Cael and Artesia teammates) play when they were younger,” Ty Houghtaling said. “I got to do some travel stuff with them, so I am close to them. As is the case with most parents and their kids.”

Ty said the 1995 championship team has a text thread, and the ‘95 team was impressed with how unselfish the 2025 team was and how many players could score in double digits and rebound.

“That was how my team was,” Ty said. “We were under control and played fast. The teams are similar in that way.”

Ty had to come back to Artesia Saturday night after the game to give his sermon at church Sunday morning – while Cael stayed in Albuquerque to visit his brother Clay.

Ty FaceTimed Cael on Sunday night and said his son was smiling.

“It’s been pretty cool to see this group win it,” Ty said. “It’s pretty neat that I have won a state championship. And my son has one as well.”

J.T. Keith can be reached at jtkeith@elritomedia.com.