Texas Coach - September 2025 - Volume LXX No. 1

INSIDE: the 2025 thsca Coaching School and convention

INSIDE: the 2025 thsca Coaching School and convention

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TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2025 Texas High School Coaches’ Association, Inc.

PUBLISHER

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION, INC.

PUBLISHING/EDITORIAL OFFICES:

2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD

SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924

web: www.thsca.com

Subscriptions: Annual subscription to TEXAS COACH for members of the Texas High School Coaches Association is $20.00, which is included in the THSCA membership dues. For non-members, digital versions of the magazine may be accessed for free at www.thsca.com. Single copies are $5.00 per current volume. TEXAS COACH is published monthly except in June, July, and August and is dated the first of the publication month, although it is mailed around the 10th of the publication month.

Change of address: Request for change of address must reach us 30 days before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate copies cannot be sent to replace those undelivered through failure to send advance notice. Email change of address to info@thsca.com or members can go online and make the change in your member portal profile at www.thsca.com.

Periodicals Postage Paid at San Marcos, TX & additional entries. “All rights reserved”. (USPS 540-600).

POSTMASTER Send address change to:

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION P.O. DRAWER 1138

SAN MARCOS, TX 78667-1138

Printed by Integ in Austin, Texas.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOE MARTIN joemartin@thsca.com

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GLEN WEST glenwest@thsca.com

Chief Operating Officer of THSCA BRIAN POLK brianpolk@thsca.com

Chief Operating Officer of THSCEF

LIBBY PACHECO libbypacheco@thsca.com

Director of Publications & Technology

BECKY ADAMS beckyadams@thsca.com

Director of Administration

MARGARET BEYER margaretbeyer@thsca.com

Director of Media & Marketing

ANNA BUCKALEW annabuckalew@thsca.com

Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships MOLLY FLY mollyfly@thsca.com

Director of Membership ALLIE HERRMANN allieherrmann@thsca.com

Director of Finance & Accounting

KEVIN SMITH kevinsmith@thsca.com

Director of Hotels & Hospitality

CHELSEA MILLER chelseamiller@thsca.com

Director of Public Relations & Awards

TYLER WATTS tylerwatts@thsca.com

thsca OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 2025-26

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES for 2025-2026:

Finance: Brent Davis, Chip Darden, Sterling Doty, Clint Hartman, Marvin Sedberry Jr., *John Snelson, Drew Sanders

Bylaws: Chris Cochran, *B.J. Gotte, Joe Hubbard, Shaun McDowell, Leo Mireles, Rachel Torvik

Ethics: *LaQueisha Dickerson, Clint Fuller, Don Hyde, Casey Pearce, Marcus Shavers

Policy: Ben Bitner, Josh Gibson, Brian Randle, *Aaron Roan, Todd Winfrey, Heather Woodman

Magazine: Andy Cavalier, *Jeff Ellison, Reuben Farias, Juan Morales, Mike Pry, Eddie Salas

Hall of Honor: *Dub Farris, Charlie Johnston, Gary Joseph, Allen Wilson

Director-Elects & Alternates:

DIRECTOR-ELECTS

R1 – Jason Richards, Frenship Memorial; R2 – Mike Reed, Gordon; 3 – Marcus Shavers, North Forney; R4 – Frank Maldonado, Midland Legacy; R5 – Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point; R6 – Clint Fuller, Kilgore; R7 – David Sanchez, Laredo United; R8 – Tony Salazar, Westlake

1ST ALTERNATES

R1 – Aaron Dunnam, Dumas; R2 – Mitch Ables, Hawley; R3 – Antonio Wiley, Coppell; R4 – Vance Washington, Permian; R5 – Travis Reeve, El Campo; R6 – Shane Tolleson, Waxahachie; R7 – JC Ramirez Jr., Veterans Memorial; R8 – Amanda Wolf-Schramm, Smithson Valley

2nd ALTERNATES

R1 – Rodney Vincent, Shallowater; R2 – Jake Escobar, Comanche; R3 – Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll; R4 – Thad Fortune, Midland High; R5 – Kevin Berneathy, La Porte; R6 – Doug Wendel, Midlothian; R7 – Mark Chester, Gregory Portland; R8 – Galen Zimmerman, Dripping Springs

todd winfrey region 1 - canyon

chip darden region 1 - lub. cooper

john snelson past-Pres - dickinson

brent davis Pres-elect - Gregory portland

drew sanders President - vandegrift

marcus shavers (interim) region 3 - north forney

Casey Pearce region 2 - Breckenridge

sterling doty region 2 - stephenville

aaron roan region

andy cavalier region 1 - canadian

jeff ellison region 4 - permian

clint hartman region 4 - midl. legacy

heather woodman region 3 - arl. lamar

josh gibson region 3 - Pleasant Grove

marvin sedberry jr.

brian randle

laqueisha dickerson region 5 - timberview shaun mcdowell region 5 - grand oaks Michael Pry region 4

coronado

reuben farias region 7

leo mireles

chris cochran

clint fuller (interim)

rachel torvik

joe hubbard

juan morales region

*Denotes Chair

2025-2026 THSCA ADVISORY COMMITTEES

ATHLETIC DIRECTORS

R-1 Mike Meeks, Lubbock

R-2 Jake Escobar, Comanche

R-3 Jeff Smith, Prosper

R-4 Jaime Boswell, Andrews

R-5 Lance Carter, Katy

R-6 Don Drake, Ennis

R-7 Mike Troutman, Sinton

R-8 Becky Craig, Leander

ATHLETIC TRAINERS

R-1 Isaac Wimberley, Lubbock Cooper

R-2 Billy Abbe, Abilene

R-3 *Mike Harrison, Allen

R-4 Steven Ortiz, Midland Lee

R-5 Aimee Williams, Fort Bend

R-6 Greg Goerig, Midlothian

R-7 Benjamin Garcia, Harlingen

R-8 Chad Hennessey, Georgetown

At-Large Ally Furey, Dell Children's

AQUATICS

R-1 Dakota Tefertiller, Lubbock

R-2 Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie

R-3 Tony Arbogast, Flower Mound

R-4 Jessica Minjarez, Pecos

R-5 Ty Halford, Clear Creek

R-6 Dan Marlin, Waco Midway

R-7 Yvonne Moran, Harlingen CISD

R-8 Kari Brothers, Northside

At-Large *Michael Waldmann, Andrews

BASEBALL

R-1 Jed Anderson, Canyon

R-2 Allen McGee, Graham

R-3 Mike Smith, Lake Ridge

R-4 *Juan Orozco, EP Coronado

R-5 Jacob Hooker, El Campo

R-6 Matthew Anderson, Franklin

R-7 Adrian Alaniz, Sinton

R-8 Tom Alfieri, SA Churchill

BOYS BASKETBALL

R-1 Tony Wagner, Estacado

R-2 Justin Reese, Abilene

R-4 Jason Archibald, Wink

R-5 David Montano, Stafford

R-6 Colten Gober, Venus

R-7 Brandon Bourg, Flour Bluff

R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights

At-Large Samuel Benitez, North Shore

GIRLS BASKETBALL

R-1 Tate Lombard, Canyon

R-2 *Kenni Patton, Electra

R-3 Monesha Allen, Denton Ryan

R-4 Cynthia Hernandez, Burges

R-5 Christy Westbrooks, Atascocita

R-6 Marcus Willis, La Vega

R-7 Ashley McHugh, Sinton

R-8 Christina Camacho, Antonian

At-Large Brooke Brittain, Mansfield

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

R-1 Jarrod Thomas, Littlefield

R-2 Glenn Griffin, Holliday

R-3 Landon Wren, Coppell

R-4 Alonzo Samaniego, Presidio

R-6 John Capron, Midway

R-7 John (Eric) Miller, CC Veterans Mem.

R-8 *Kelly Thompson, Leander Rouse

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

R-1 Luke Buckner, Shallowater

R-2 Loy Triana, Burkburnet

R-3 Zach Morgan, Rock Hill

R-4 Corina Marrufo, Del Valle

R-5 Josh Hill, Cy-Fair

R-6 Edward DeLaCruz, Waxahachie

R-7 Daniel De La Rosa, McAllen

R-8 *Rachel Freeman, SA Reagan

FOOTBALL

6-Man Josh Stanaland, Jayton

R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe

R-2 Kyle Atwood, Holliday

R-3 *Joe Castillo, Frisco Centennial

R-4 Thad Fortune, Midland

R-5 Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point

R-6 Sam Wells, Troup

R-7 Travis Chrisman, Ingleside

R-8 Brad Molder, New Braunfels

BOYS GOLF

R-1 Justin Wilborn, Lubbock Cooper

R-2 Mitch Aston, Abilene Cooper

R-4 Mark Burgen, Andrews

R-5 *Mike Martin, Memorial

R-7 Celso Gonzalez, McAllen Mem.

R-8 Michael Rome, Westlake

At-Large Paige Martin, Southlake

GIRLS GOLF

R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus

R-4 Shelbye Hill, Odessa

R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood Park

R-6 Liz Gray, Springhill

R-7 Jennifer Rangel, McAllen

R-8 Rusty Aki, SA Reagan

At-Large Brent McCuiston, Alamo Heights

BOYS SOCCER

R-2 Tony Vu, San Angleo Central

R-3 Alexis Upton, Royce City

R-5 *Ben Powell, Bellville

R-6 Hector Peralez, Kilgore

R-7 Julian Robles, Harl. South

At-Large Jason Meekins, Katy Jordan

GIRLS SOCCER

R-2 Alexis Mosqueda-Walker, Brownwood

R-3 Kelly Thompson, Allen

R-5 *Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point

R-6 Andrew Procell, Corsicana

R-7 Matthew Kaiser, McAllen Memorial

R-8 Corey Elrod, Leander Rouse

At-Large Aaron McGough, Highland Park

SOFTBALL

R-1

Styler Haddock, Canyon

R-2 Jenna Aguirre, Abilene

R-3 *Kathy Schoettle, Allen

R-4 Carol Vaughn, Andrews

R-5 Katie Roberts, Brenham

R-6 Jordan Williams, Midway

R-7 Audra Troutman, Sinton

R-8 Maggi Welham, East Central

At-Large Jason Keller, Shiner

TENNIS

R-1 Darby Norman, Canyon Randall

R-2 *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon

R-3 Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage

R-4 Ray Perez, Midland Lee

R-5 Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.

R-7 Eddie Marquez, Roma

R-8 Andrew Duong, Comal Canyon

At-Large David DeLeon, Canyon

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

R-1 Jon Murphy, Stratford

R-2 Levi Keith, Abilene Cooper

R-3 *Janson Head, Denton Ryan

R-4 Brien Burchett, Greenwood

R-5 Jason Haddock, Wharton

R-6 Josh Rankin, Longview

R-7 Bob Bechtold, McAllen

R-8 Daryl Jones, Taylor

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

R-1 Crista Jones, Lub. Monterey

R-2 *Jeremiah Butchee, Stephenville

R-3 Ashley Broom, Sunnyvale

R-4 Robert Ontiveroz, Monahans

R-5 Shelton Ervin, Summer Creek

R-6 Jordan Johnson, Midway

R-7 Stacy Zamzow, Goliad

R-8 Jen McHugh, SA Reagan

VOLLEYBALL

R-1 Kelly Lozada, Lubbock Monterey

R-2 Shay Douglas, Stephenville

R-3 Jennifer Chandler, Northwest

R-4 Heather Archibald, Wink

R-5 *Jenny Adcock, Stratford

R-6 Arden Johnson, Troup

R-7 Ariana Bermea-Mendoze, Alexander

R-8 Kayla Allen, Anderson

BOYS WRESTLING

R-1 Dalton Clear, Canyon

R-2 Brock Payne, Vernon

R-3 *Kyle Stevens, Anna

R-4 Oscar Norez, EP Montwood

R-5 Vinnie Lowe, Katy

R-6 Collin Stroner, Midlothian Heritage

R-7 Donald "Ed" Arvin, CC Veterans Mem.

R-8 David Burdick, Vista Ridge

GIRLS WRESTLING

R-1 Tyler Frausto, Canyon

R-3 Tiffany Mangini, Flower Mound

R-4 Stephen Scott, EP Franklin

R-5 *Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods

R-7 Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City

*DENOTES CHAIR

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

September 2025 THSCA Coaches,

I’m still humbled and honored to lead this outstanding organization for the 2025–2026 school year. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and will do my best to represent coaches from every corner of Texas. When I share what THSCA accomplishes with coaches across the country, their reactions say it all—people are genuinely astonished by the scope of what we do; and honestly, so am I.

A heartfelt thanks to Coach Kendall Miller for your leadership and best wishes this year with Plano ISD. Thank you, Coach John Snelson, for your guidance and support this past year—I know “Gator Land” will have another strong season. Congratulations as well to Coach Brent Davis— your family’s legacy in Texas high school coaching is unmatched, and I’m excited to serve alongside you.

Our 93rd Annual Coaching School in San Antonio was the second-largest ever, with 18,561 attendees. That kind of turnout—especially during a year of statewide budget cuts—shows just how much value this event holds. Behind the scenes, the effort to coordinate such a massive gathering is extraordinary. Kudos to Coach Joe Martin, Coach Glen West, Coach Brian Polk, Coach Libby Pacheco, and the entire THSCA staff for their dedication. If you haven’t already, download your THSCA membership card from the Member Portal—either print it or save a screenshot for quick access (instructions on page 16).

Congratulations to our 2025 Hall of Honor inductees: Don Brooks, Jeff Traylor, Brad Davis, Steve Warren, and Rodney Webb. This 65th class represents the very best of our profession—each inductee models what it means to be a coach; and each inductee was very deserving of this prestigious honor. Nominations for the 2026 class are due by October 15th (see page eight of this issue for details).

Thank you for participating in “Our Day to Shine.” I encourage every sport to incorporate it into scrimmages—these donations strengthen our Benevolence Fund to help coaches and athletes in difficult times. Likewise, I invite you to take part in Officials Appreciation at your first home district game (resources are available on the THSCA website). Small gestures like this make a lasting impact. Of course, make sure you are promoting the “Texas Way.” It’s been a big part of improving the treatment of our officials and we need to keep moving forward on this initiative.

As we begin the fall season, I know the mix of anticipation and pressure all too well—even in my 20th year as a head coach. My advice: focus on improving today rather than stressing about tomorrow. That shift alone can relieve pressure and help your team grow. Take five minutes each day to connect with one of your athletes—you’ll be reminded why we do what we do.

Honored to represent this prestigious organization and all of you. Let’s go make a difference in a kid's life today.

Drew Sanders, THSCA President

HALL of HONOR NOMINEES

AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2025

Below is a current list of nominees for the THSCA Hall of Honor. Deadline for nominating a coach for the Hall of Honor is

OCTOBER 15, 2025. For guidelines on nominating candidates for consideration and the criteria for entrance into the Hall of Honor please see rules on THE adjoining page. Once a candidate is nominated they will remain on the list and are considered every year and do not have to be “re-nominated”. For those already nominated, we advise sending letters of recommendation.

ACREE, JIM

ADAMS, JOHN R. "Sparky"

AGNEW, CRAIG

ALLEN, BILL

ANDERSON, HENRY

ANDERSON, JAMES BARLOW

ASHMORE, LEE ROY

BACA, EDDIE

BAKER, DALE

BALDRIDGE, HARLAN W.

BARBAY, CURTIS

BARRETT, HAROLD

BARRON, BILL

BATEMAN, JIM

BATES, DEAN

BATES, MARION CLIFFORD "Bull"

BAUCOM, JACK

BAUGH, DAVID

BENSON, CARROLL "Skip"

BICKHAM, RONALD

BIRKELBACK, BERNARD

BLOOMER, BEN

BLUDAU, TOMMY

BOOMER, LEWIS

BORCHERT, MELVIN

BORTH, NORMAN

BOTTOMS, SHERRILL

BOURQUIN, DAVID

BOYD, BOB

BOYD, LEONARD RAY

BROOKS, WILLIE

BROWN, BOB

BROWN, ROBERT

BRYAN, JOHN D.

BRYANT, BLAKE

BURCH, TROY DON

BURLESON, EDD

BYRD, ROBIN

CAMPBELL, DEAN

CAMPBELL, GID

CAMPBELL, JUDY

CAMPBELL, STEVE

CANTER, JIM

CAPELLO, ROBERT

CARPENTER, RICK

CARTER, BILL

CARTWRIGHT, JOE G.

CAVALIER, DENNIS

COBB, NORMAN

CODY, JEFF

COOK, MAURICE

COURTNEY, RONNIE

COURVILLE, KERMIT

CRAWFORD, JOHN

CRON, TERRY

CUMMINGS, JESSE L.

CURRY, W. E. "Doc"

CURTIS, CHARLES

DAVENPORT, GARY

DAVIS, BILL

DAVIS, JOHN THOMAS (J.T.)

DAVIS, KEN AUTRY

DAVIS, RALPH (BEN)

DAVIS, THOMAS (Tommy) WILLIAM

DAWS, BILL

DENBOW, DONNIE

DETMER, HUBERT “SONNY”

DERRICK, WALTER

DOEGE, RANDY

DOWLING, RUSTY

DOZIER, BROOKS, JR.

DRENNAN, W. B. "Pappy"

DUBOSE, WILLIAM T.

EDDINS, JIM

EDWARDS, JOEL

EDWARDS, RANDALL

ELZA, SUSAN DR. EMLER, BUFORD

EMMONS, WOODROW "Red"

ETHEREDGE, BOBBY

EUDY, QUINN

EVANS, JOE

FAITH, DENNEY

FARDA, MIKE

FARRINGTON, BILL

FAWCETT, LEONARD J. FEDORA, LEE

FEWELL, VERNON

FILOTEO JR., JOE

FINLEY, MICKEY

FLANAGAN, ROBERT

FLEENER, MARSHALL

FORD, BUTCH

FORD, TIM

FOWLER, MALVIN

FOX, JOE BILL

FRANKIE, JOHNNIE

FROMAN, BILL

GAMBILL, TERRY

GANDY, DAN

GARDNER, WAYNE A.

GARRISON, JOHN

GAYLOR, LONNIE

GEORGE, LEONARD

GIBSON, JACK

GIESE, JAMES GIPS, PAUL E. GONZALEZ, J B GOODE, TERRY

GRANGER, DON E.

GRAY, DWAYNE

GROSECLOSE, BOB

GUICE, JOHN E.

GUSTAFSON, CLIFF

HARPER, SAM

HARPER, WILLIAM “BILL HEATH, TONY

HECKATHORN, MIKE

HEISER, JAMES E. HENDERSON, BUTCH

HENDERSON, JOHNNIE

HESS, JIM HESS, ROD

HICKMAN, FRED W. HILL, F. L. “Smitty” HILL, GLENN HILL, HAROLD HODGES, W. C.

HOOKS, DAN

HOOKS, WILLIAM “WAYNE” HOWETH, MARK HUDDLESTON, FIELDING HUDSON, RODNEY

HUSEMAN, BRYAN HUNTER, BILL

HUTCHINS, ROY A INGRAM, BILL

IRLBECK, CARL WAYNE IVES, JERRY

JACKSON, KENT

JOHANSON, DALE

JOHNSON, FRED JOHNSON, GLENN

JOHNSON, LES

JORDAN, THOMAS E. KENNEDY, TROY KETTLER, ELWOOD

KIRCHHOFF, MARK KOCH, GARY

KRUEGER, BILL

LAMBERT, HAL

LAPRADE, BENNIE JOE LAURENCE, DONNIE

LEACH, DON

LEBBY, MIKE

LEECH, STAN

LE FEVRE, GEOFFREY

LEHNHOFF, FRITZ

LEHNHOFF, ROBERT LITTLETON, BILL

LONGHOFER, JESSIE

LUCAS, RUSSELL

MALESKY, GARY

MARTIN, ROBERT L. "Bob" MARTINEZ, HOMER MASSEY, JR., HUGH

MAYO, J.D.

MCCANLIES, GENE MCCOLLUM, JOHN MCGALLION, RAYMOND MCGEHEE, RONNIE

MCGONAGLE, BILL

MERCER, M. K. METCALF, EDDIE MICKLER, JR., ROBERT MILLSAPPS, JERRY MOFFATT, JAMES MONZINGO, MATT MOODY, RICHARD MOSLEY, SAM MOUSER, JIM MURPHY, MIKE MYERS, J. FENNER “SONNY" NARRELL, WILLIAM NEILL, MARION NELMS, WELDON NELSON, CLARK “CORKY” NEPTUNE, EVERETT “Ebbie” NEUMANN, LARRY NEWCOMB, BILL NIX, C. L. NOKES, CALLAN NOLEN, TOM NORMAN, JIM ODOM, JAMES D. OWENS, MICKEY OZEE, KEN

PADRON, DANNY

PARKER, LAWRENCE “Ace” PARR, STEVE

PATTERSON, JOHN "Jay"

PATTERSON, PAT

PEARCE, BILL

PEARCE, JOHN PENSE, PETE

PEOPLES, JOHNNY

PEVETO, ED

PHILLIPS, SCOTT

POE, DON

POOLE, KENNETH

PRIDGEON, KEN

PRICE, JOE WILLIE SR.

PRIEST, H. O. "HOP"

PROFFITT, GARY

PUFAL, JIM

PURCELL, KEN

PURSER, BILL

PURSER, BOB

QUARLES, JACK D.

RAPP, RAYMOND

RAFFIELD, DAVID

RAVEN, TRAVIS

RAY, REX G.

REDDELL, JOHN C.

REID, DOUG

REYNOLDS, EVERETT “Sleepy”

RHOADES, RICK

RICHARD, JOSEPH

RINGO, JOHNNY

ROBERTS, TOMMY

ROBINSON, EDWARD

ROBINSON, MARSHALL "Cotton"

ROTEN, WILLIAM “WILLIE”

SALAZAR, VIC

SAMPLES, REGINALD

SANCHEZ, DAVID

SANDERS, REX

SANDS, JACK

SAN MIGUEL, ARMANDO

SCHULTZ, CARROLL

SCOTT, GEORGE W.

SHAFFER, JERRY

SHARP, EUGENE

SHAVER, A. D.

SHEFFY, JOE

SIMMONDS, LEW

SIMMONS, T. J. "Dusty"

SKIDMORE, KENNETH

SKINNER, JIM

SMITH, BROWN L.

SMITH, DRU

SMITH, HULEN "HOOT"

SMITH, MARK

SNEED, MIKE

SNELSON, JOHN

SNOW, PAUL W.

SPRADLIN, MIKE

STARNES, RALPH

STEWART, BILLY

STUECKLER, PAUL

SWANN, HOWARD HUGH

TAYLOR, RADFORD

TEYKL, TIM

THOMPSON, ELMER M.

THOMPSON, MIKE

THOMPSON, PRESTON

TIMMONS, RAYMOND

TRAHAN, WARREN

TUCKER, CALVIN

TURNER, CHARLIE

TUSA, JOHNNY VANCE, JERRY

VICTORIC, DONNIE

VILLASENOR, OSCAR “OKI”

WAGGONER, JACK WALKER, JESSE

WALKER, THOMAS E.

WALLACE, JEWELL

WARREN, JIM

WASSERMANN, LLOYD

WASSON, HAL WATSON, JIMMY

WEATHERSPOON, LLOYD“SPOON”

WEIR, BOB

WELCH, JACK WEST, GRADY

WETZEL, DAVID

WHATLEY, VAN TOM

WHITEHURST, DAYLON WIGINTON, KEN WILLIAMS, LEE

WILLIAMSON, AL

WILLINGHAM, JAMES L.

WILLS, JOHN C. WILSON, TOM WINSTON, HENRY

WINTERS, ALLEN

WOOD, STEVE

WOODARD, CHARLIE

WOOLLS, CLAYTON "Butch" YENZER, CRAIG

YORK, TOBY

YORK, TODD

THSCA HALL OF HONOR RULES OF ENTRANCE

1. Anyone considered for the Hall of Honor shall have been an active member of the THSCA in the following brackets:

A. 1930-35 - must have been a member for any one year.

B. 1936-45 - must have been a member for any five years

C. 1946-present - must have been a member for a min. of 15 years.

2. Should have contributed to the association.

3. Should have contributed to the coaching profession.

4. Any coach who is a member of the THSCA or retired coach who is an exmember of the THSCA may submit a coach for consideration by sending a letter to the Texas High School Coaches Association.

Once an individual is nominated, their name will remain on the list with the committee for consideration. The committee will meet in December. All letters should be sent to the THSCA by October 15th. Send your letter of nomination plus a short biography of the nominee (Please provide as much information on your nominee as possible) to:

THSCA (ATTN: CHELSEA MILLER)

P.O. Drawer 1138 San Marcos TX 78667-1138

NOW HEAR THIS

Obituaries

JUDY DANIEL

Judy Terrell Daniel passed July 14, 2025. Judy was born on June 19, 1940, in Plainview, Texas.

She was raised on a farm and attended school in Lockney, Texas. As a child she accepted Christ as her Savior. Her family moved to Plainview when she was in the eighth grade. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1958, then attended West Texas State and Sam Houston State College before locating in Austin, Texas. Robert and Judy fell in love and married November 2, 1963.

She went to work in 1962 for the Texas High School Coaches Association in Austin, and spent 35 years on staff before retiring in 1997. They relocated to Highland Haven on Lake LBJ shortly after retirement. Robert and she enjoyed traveling and had fun times with family and friends at their cabin just outside of San Saba. They were always dreaming of how they could do more before age caught up with them.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church and the H.O.P.E. Class in Marble Falls. It is a church filled with God’s love.

COACH MONTE JACK DRISKELL

Monte Jack Driskell, age 90, of Lovelady passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, at his home. Monte Jack was born September 29, 1934, in Lovelady to parents, Joe Judson Driskell and Ople Irene Monzingo Driskell. He was raised in Lovelady and graduated from Lovelady High School in 1952. Monte received a basketball scholarship from Wharton County Junior College, where he played basketball and met the love of his life, Janet. He transferred to Sam Houston State University, played basketball for three more years before receiving his Bachelor Degree in 1957, and Master's Degree in 1961.

Monte got his first coaching job in Groveton in 1957, became head coach and Athletic Director in 1961, and coached there until 1966. He then moved to Crockett in 1966 to be the head coach and athletic director of the Crockett Bulldogs until 1971.

Coach Driskell wanted to try the college ranks and took a coaching job at Sam Houston State from 1971-1974. Because he wanted to go back home and coach high school, he returned to become the head coach and athletic director in Lovelady from 1974-1981.

He went back to Crockett High School as head coach and athletic director from 1981-1999 and had great success. In 1988, Monte Jack was inducted into the Sam Houston Hall of Fame, as well as the THSCA Hall of Honor in 1998. Coach Driskell's record as head coach is 292-82-9. On October 1, 2010, he had the honor of the Bulldog Stadium being named after him, Monte Jack Driskell Stadium.

COACH DON RICHARD KEMBLE

On February 15, 2025, Don Richard Kemble passed away at home at the age of 89 in Georgetown, Texas. Don was many things: an educator, coach, salesman, mentor, and, above all, a devoted family man. He was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 12, 1935, to Elva Killingsworth Kemble and Franklin Gregory Kemble, Sr. Don attended Dallas Sunset HS, where he stayed busy with baseball, cheerleading, and serving as sports editor of the Sunset Stampede. After graduation, he attended North Texas State Teachers College, joining the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity where he served as an officer. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and returned to Dallas, following in the footsteps of his beloved brothers, Frank Jr., and Horace "Sonny" Kemble, as an educator and coach in Dallas ISD.

Though he eventually left teaching, Don never truly stopped coaching. He spent 25 years as a Regional Manager for Magnavox before his so-called "retirement" in 1994. Not one to sit still for long, he then went to work for STI International, before retiring (for real this time) in 2005. But Don wasn't defined by his career-he was defined by his enthusiasm for life and love for his ever-growing family. He was the proud patriarch of six children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Obituaries

COACH GARY LEE LUTTRELL

Gary Lee Luttrell, better known as “Tuffy”, of Cookville, Texas, passed away on June 17, 2025, in Daingerfield, Texas. He was born on January 6, 1949, in Naples, Texas to Herman & Nancy Luttrell.

He spent a 30-year career primarily as a football coach where he forever impacted the lives of many of the young men under his charge. He held high expectations while offering respect, discipline, and his own special tuff-love encouragement. Gary was an avid hunter whether it be deer or squirrel. He enjoyed fishing, followed by a good fish fry. Gary enjoyed weekend trips to the golf course and was a legendary putter. During the summer, he and Sandi enjoyed playing the courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Spending time with his grandkids became one of his greatest joys.

COACH TRAVIS LEE PRIDE

Travis Pride, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, was lovingly received into the arms of Jesus on May 28, 2025. Travis was born on June 3, 1968, in Durango, Colorado to Wayne and Sara Pride. He will be forever remembered by his devoted wife Kristi, his sons, Colt and Brody, and his daughter, Raelee.

Known affectionately as Coach Pride, Travis was a shining light in every space he entered. His journey was one of purpose-marked by his love, servant leadership, and unwavering faith in God. Whether on the football field or in the community, Coach Pride inspired those around him to strive for excellence and live with humility. His servant heart, deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and tireless commitment to uplifting others were the foundations of his life. Those who knew Travis will remember not only how he coached, but how he lived - with love, kindness, and an infectious passion for people.

COACH RONALD LEE RODGERS

Ronald Lee Rodgers, age 67, passed away February 14, 2025. He was born on September 13, 1957, to Wayne and Mary Rodgers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was raised in Albuquerque, and graduated high school from Highlands High School in Albuquerque; he then went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree from Eastern New Mexico University, in Portales, New Mexico.

He was employed at Flour Bluff ISD, coaching and teaching for over 47 years. Ronald was a loving father, brother, uncle, coach and teacher to so many.

Ronald enjoyed coaching, fishing, playing games, and watching his daughter and granddaughter play sports. He also enjoyed his favorite eating establishments, Island Italian and Padre Pizzeria.

He will always be remembered for his passion, commitment for coaching, and mentoring young lives. He was a devoted loving father to Taryn Usher and grandfather (Cappy) to Tenlee Usher.

NOW HEAR THIS

Obituaries

COACH MATT YOUNG

Matthew Young was born on March 19, 1975, to Tom and Debbie Young. He married Jamie McGraw on June 16, 2001. Matt graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1993, and from The University of Texas in 1997.

During his 27-year teaching career, Matt taught a variety of high school math classes and coached football and track at Cooper, Denton Ryan, Gainesville, Sulphur Springs, and Van. While at Cooper, he also coached basketball and was an assistant when the Bulldog baseball team won a state championship in 1999. He was part of the coaching staffs that led the Denton Ryan Raiders teams in 2001 and 2002, and the Sulphur Springs Wildcats in 2008, to football state championships. Matt viewed every season, no matter the record, as a gift. Over the years, when athletes needed rides or breakfast, a handshake or a hug, there was Coach Young. Without fanfare or publicity, he was graciously serving, patiently leading, hand-rubbing-bellydrumming joyful, and always kind.

Matt and Jamie have five children: Rorie, Khira, Tate, Zack, and Kymora, for whom he modeled, "Love God, Love Others." Matt enjoyed dancing in the kitchen, hosting dinner/game nights with friends or football players, reading, traveling, and the occasional golf scramble with coaches or brothers-in-law. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Matt continued to live life to the fullest. For three more seasons, he coached and led with wit, wisdom, and grace; never letting his illness define or deter him - even attending practices and games within days of treatments or hours of appointments. His passion for the game and his team was unwavering. Matt passed away on January 5, 2025. His life, fueled by his love for Jesus, remains a powerful example to us all.

COACH REECE ZUNKER

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our beloved family in the early morning hours of July 4th, 2025, in Hunt, TX: Reece Tyler Zunker (36) and his beloved wife, Paula Joe Gerbig Zunker (35), as well as their two young children, Lyle Earl Zunker (7) and Holland Morgan Zunker (3).

Reece Tyler Zunker was born in New Braunfels, Texas, at McKenna Memorial Hospital on November 30, 1988, to Carolyn Achilles Zunker and Danny Eugene Zunker. Reece graduated from Canyon High School in 2007, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 2012 from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Reece played football and soccer throughout his childhood and high school years, which cultivated his deep passion for coaching. For 12 of his 13 years in education he devoted himself to Tivy High School where he was deeply invested in his students - not only in the classroom and on the field, but also in the Kerrville community. In 2024, Reece won Secondary School Teacher of the Year. In addition, Reece won the TASCO Boys 5A Coach of the Year two years in a row for the 2018-2019 seasons.

Reece and Paula Joe met through mutual friends in 2011. On June 14, 2014, they were married in Corpus Christi, Texas. Reece and Paula Joe's life was built around their faith in God and their love of family - perhaps their greatest joy. They were active and involved members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Kerrville, Texas. As devoted partners, they forged a relationship built on mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering support of one another. Their love story was one of partnership and adventure - a journey marked by shared dreams and steadfast devotion. In their spare time, Reece and Paula Joe loved to renovate homes, sell them, and were members of the Airbnb Host Club. As parents, they were a source of wisdom, abundant encouragement, and affection. They taught their children to greet the world with open minds and open hearts, to value perseverance over perfection, and to find joy in life's simplest moments. Their guidance was gentle yet profound, and their home was a place where their children felt seen, heard, and cherished. They believed deeply in the importance of giving back to the Kerrville community, and their steady presence could always be counted on.

wit wisdom&

“The hardest skill to acquire in this sport is the one where you compete all out, give it all you have, and still lose. Dealing with that is the hardest skill of all.”

Peggy Fleming

"Pressure is a privilege—it only comes to those who earn it.”

Billie Jean King

"Resilience

"The most valuable player is the one who makes the most players valuable.”

Peyton Manning

is built one challenge at a time."

LeBron James

“There's nothing as exciting as a comeback - seeing someone with dreams, watching them fai, and then getting a second chance.”

Rachel Griffiths

“The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.”

Swami Sivananda

“As an athlete, when you train, you train for perfection. But as a human being, you never reach perfection.”

Katarina Witt

"The interesting thing about coaching is that you have to trouble the comfortable and comfort the troubled.”

Roc Charlesworth

“There are two pains in life. There’s the pain of discipline and the pain of disappointment. If you can handle the pain of discipline, then you’ll never have to deal with the pain of disappointment.”

Nick Saban

“The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”

Vince Lombardi

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.."

J.K. Rowling

“A comeback is a setback that did its homework, learned the lesson, and moved forward.”

Anonymous

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligentlyl.”

Henry Ford

2025-2026 ACCESS TO THE THSCA MEMBER PORTAL 2025-2026 ACCESS TO THE THSCA MEMBER

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE:

1. Navigate to www.thsca.com and select the gold button at the top labeled Login.

2. The first time visiting the new portal you will be required to set up a new password, so select the Forgot your Password? option. Your initial username will be the email address we have on file for your member account.

3. The system will email a link/verification code for you to verify your account and set-up a new password. (If you have any difficulty remembering the email address you used for account set-up, or you do not receive the verification email to reset your password, please call our THSCA office 512.392.3741 and we can assist you.)

4. Click on the Round Grey User icon on the top right and select “Update Profile/View My Membership”

5. Select the blue pencil icon under “My Personal Information” to update your contact data. Choose the blue Update button at the bottom of the screen to save your changes.

6. Be sure to also check your Communication Preferences to allow for "THSCA Updates & Reminders" email alerts.

download and print/screenshot your THsCA membership card:

Your 2025-26 THSCA digital membership card is accessible through the THSCA Members Portal on our website. You can download your member card at any time and choose to either print it and carry it in your wallet, or screen shot a photo of it on your mobile device and keep it ready when you need it!

To print/screenshot your Member Card:

1. Login to the THSCA Member Portal and click on the Round Grey User icon on the top right and select “Update Profile/View My Membership”

2. Click on the Membership tab, and you will see THSCA in blue under My Membership. Click on the blue THSCA letters.

3. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen and locate the option to "Download My Membership Card" under Membership Tasks.

4. Your membership card should download as a PDF that you can print or screen shot on your mobile device for proof of membership. Please note if you do not see the download you may need to turn off your pop-up blocker first.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

WHAT THE POLICY COVERS:

COVERAGE A - LIABILITY INSURANCE

Up to $2,000,000 per insured per occurrence/$ 3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees

•Applies in the event a member is alleged to have caused injury or damage to others while performing his/her professional duties

•Errors and omissions insurance for claims for damages arising out of a member’s duties as a professional educator, including all defense cost

Note: The duty of the insurer to defend extends even to groundless, false and frivolous suits and accusations.

COVERAGE B - REIMBURSEMENT OF ATTORNEY FEES

Up to $10,000 per insured per occurrence

•The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees in a broad range of situations not included under Coverage A. This includes allegations of criminal and/or sexual misconduct and employment related actions

other professional rights and duties.

or resignation, the matter in dispute must be resolved in favor of the member to qualify for the full reimbursement of $10,000. However, $2,000 of this amount is available for initial consultation and research, whether or not the member prevails, to determine if there exists a reasonable chance of the case being resolved in the member’s favor.

COVERAGE C - BAIL BONDS

Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds

WHAT THE POLICY PAYS:

COVERAGE A: Up to $2,000,000 per insured per ccurrence/$3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees.

COVERAGE B: Up to $10,000 per claim per Insured. Coverage for criminal proceedings and /or sexual misconduct limited to $10,000 aggregate per policy term.

COVERAGE C: Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds.

COVERAGE FEATURES:

Criminal/Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees up to $10,000 under Coverage B if the educator is acting in the scope of his/her duties.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is covered under Coverage A (Liability) if administered according to the rules of the jurisdiction in which the school is located.

Outside Activity

As long as the educator is within the scope of his/her professional duties, the policy covers liability for injury to students and others while the educator is conducting visits to industrial and commercial establishments, entertainment automobile, watercraft, & aircraft exclusions

Coverage B

Reimbursement of Attorney Fees - Such reimbursement as is afforded the professional rights and duties is assured under the policy and is not contingent on the approval of a board or review committee, as might be the case where the only available assistance is from a defense fund.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE & HOW DO I PURCHASE?

The Texas High School Coaches Association offers a Coaches Professional Liability Insurance option to eligible members with coverage beginning July 1, 2025. The THSCA has chosen the John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. to provide this coverage to our members. This plan was devised to offer liability insurance and legal assistance to THSCA members. In order to be eligible for this coverage you must meet the following criteria:

•

• Your THSCA Membership must be current for the school year in which the coverage is effective – 7/1/25 - 6/30/26

•PROFESSIONAL, AFFLIATE and LIFE members are eligible only if they meet the criteria above. This insurance is not available to STUDENT or RETIRED members.

If you choose to purchase this insurance coverage and do not meet the criteria for eligibility, this coverage will not be valid. This coverage will be in effect July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Insurance purchased after July 1, 2025 will commence on the payment received date. This insurance coverage is not retroactive.

Payment should be made directly to the THSCA. The total 25/26 annual premium for the insurance coverage will be $65.00 per member.

Eligible members will be able to purchase the Coaches Professional Liability Insurance on the THSCA website, or by selecting to purchase the coverage on the THSCA membership application form and submitting it by fax, email or mail to the THSCA Office with payment NOTE: In order to be eligible to purchase the coverage your membership must be current for the same year of policy coverage. (7/1/25-6/30/26) )

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Doyouhavethefinancialabilitytodefendyourselfintheevent of claim?

Doyouhavetheexpertisetofindthebestlegalcounselforyour situation?

THIS IS NOTA CERTIFIED COPY OF THE POLICY BUTA SUMMARY AND IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ALL COVERAGE PROVIDED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS OR OCCURRENCE IS SUBJECT TO THE EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THE MASTER POLICY ON FILE WITH THE POLICYHOLDER, INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS, ENDORSEMENTS, AND ADDITIONS. QUESTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC INSURANCE POLICY COVERAGE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: The John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. 512.323 6566

THSCA Hallof honor THSCA Hallof honor

don brooks

brad davis

presented

by

jeff traylor

steve warren rodney webb

Curly Hays Award Winner van newberry

Distinguished Service Award robert brown, pvil

Putt Powell Sports Writer of the Year daniel youngblood

tom landry award winner Coach lee wiginton

jody conradt Award Winner paige hershey

athletic trainer of the year Presented by dell children's wendy svoboda - stephenville

WHAT SOCIETY NEEDS FROM COACHES NOW MORE THAN EVER!

BY D.W. RUTLEDGE

If I could advise a coach and could give only two areas of emphasis, I would pick these:

I. “Coach for the right reasons”

II. “Coach 'Em Up!”

I. COACH FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

Ask yourself this question: Why do I want to coach? What is my purpose for coaching? What is going to motivate me to get up every morning and go to work?

If as coaches, we get up each morning and come to work only to try and win a football game, or a volleyball game, or a basketball game, then our job carries with it a pretty shallow purpose. However, if we are getting up each morning and going to work because we have a chance to change a young person's life, to get that young man off the road to nowhere and on the road to somewhere, then that is something that I can get excited about. That is something that I can have a real passion for, changing a young person's life!

I believe we are in one of the greatest professions in the world, because I believe coaches can be some of the most influential people in our entire society. Think about it, we have been given the unique opportunity to work closely with hundreds of young people on almost a daily basis, with the opportunity to touch lives at a very teachable age, and develop not only physical skills, but worthy values, attitudes, and character traits. What a great purpose and what a great opportunity and what a

great responsibility our profession carries with it. There are approximately 1,080,000 junior high, high school, and college coaches in America. In a lifetime, each of us has the opportunity to impact 20,000 young men and women. We have a great opportunity, and I believe responsibility, to have a positive impact on our schools, our community, and collectively on our society.

I really believe that our young people today, more than any other time in the history of education, are desperate for love, discipline, and for direction. What we as coaches are doing with the hearts, the minds, and the souls of our young people is much more important than any physical training that we can give them, or any skills that we can teach them.

A coach has two tasks: One major – and one minor. Our major task is in the attitudes and the intangibles that we have an opportunity to teach. Our minor task is in teaching the sport and all too often we get those mixed up.

I believe that our athletic programs and our coaches can have a tremendous impact on our communities, and a major impact on the lives of our young people. It is critical to our kids and our schools that we find ways within our programs to teach winning attitudes and character traits.

I have heard coaches and teachers say, “Do we have to do it all?” “Can't we just do what we were trained to do – teach our subjects?” “Do we have to teach them and raise them too?!”

You know, the school and family are about all

our kids have; and if some families are unable to respond, then who else is gonna do it?!

You see, I believe American kids are just too precious for us to ignore the realities of our time and to just abandon them to faith!

Yes, I guess we've got to do it all if that's what it takes; there are obviously two types of education: One teaches us how to make a living, and the other teaches us how to live.

I believe that through our athletic programs, we can teach many lessons of life and fill some of that void that so many of our young people have today.

You know, we teach by example. I think it's important for us to be what we expect our kids to be. I believe that being a strong example for our athletes helps them to be strong. As leaders of young people, we must realize that sometimes what we do speaks so loudly, they can't hear what we say.

Leaders are leaders because of what they do, not what they say they're going to do.

I want to share a poem that I used to share with our coaches each year. It has a great message for coaches and teachers and parents.

“I’D RATHER WATCH A WINNER TNAN HEAR ONE ANY DAY.”

I'd rather watch a winner, than hear one any day. I'd rather have one walk with me, than merely show the way.

The eyes, a better pupil, and more willing than the ear. Fine cancel is confusing, but examples are always clear.

And the best of all the coaches are the ones who live their creeds, for to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it, if you'll let me see it done, I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true, but I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do.

For our main misunderstanding, you and the high advice you give, but there's no misunderstanding and how you act and how you live.

I’D RATHER WATCH A WINNER THAN HEAR ONE ANY DAY!

II. COACH 'EM UP!

Believe in your kids! There are many people today who say that youth are no good. Strangely enough, they said the same thing 1,000 years ago. Kids are just like all of us. They have within them, a force to do good and a force to do bad. What they need is positive leadership –someone who supports them, disciplines them and encourages them. In a society where there are so many broken homes. It is important that our young people have someone they can look to; someone who sees the good in them and brings it out.

One of the smartest definitions of leadership I have seen is from Bill McCartney. He calls it a powerful positive presence. If you are positive, your presence will be powerful. Think about it – everyone can lead under this concept. You need only to bring a healthy attitude to your squad every day you are positively influencing your team.

When you are negative and weak, you make those around you negative and weak. When you are positive and strong you make those around you positive and strong – they draw on your strength and enthusiasm!

As coaches, these are some things that we should remind ourselves of each day!

1. COACH UP! – We all respond better and stronger to positive reinforcement than negative. Find the good in your kids, expect their best, and demand their best.

“If you take a man as he is, you make him worse than he was; but if you see him as being the best person possible, then he in fact, becomes the best person possible.

2. Be what you want and expect your kids to be.

Be positive; be enthusiastic; be poised; show excitement; hustle! Try and be consistent in your attitude. What is important is not what you do, but what the athlete does as a result of what you do.

3. Have compassion! – Love your players! They need you. Love is the greatest force on earth! They know when you sincerely care for them!

Don't let your love for winning or your hatred for losing get in the way of your care and concern for your kids. Do you coach to help kids, or do you coach kids to help you?

4. Build up your players!

Give them respect – talk about them – praise them – talk about the good things they do!

One of our primary tasks is to convincingly tell the athlete, “I believe in you! You are going to make something special!

5. Our goal is to stimulate and direct the athlete’s self-activity.

Your task as a coach is to develop people who are self-directed, who are disciplined, who do what they do because they choose to do it.

The ultimate test of coaching is not what you do or how well you do it, but what and how well the athlete does.

Teaching and coaching are the ability to inspire learning!

IT TAKES WORK TO GET PEOPLE TO WORK!!

Teaming Up With Texas Since 1975

Fifty years ago, Sam Walton handpicked the town of Mount Pleasant for its first Texas-based Walmar t. It’s not just about building stores and clubs it’s about investing in associates, backing Texas manufacturing, par tnering with teachers, suppor ting local businesses and giving back to communities from El Paso to Texarkana, Amarillo to Brownsville and more than 500 other locations in between.

Learn how we’re making a difference in the Lone Star State at Walmar t.com/Texas.

Elevate Your Team Culture

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1. Sign up for sportsYou

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Join us for a powerful day and a half of networking and professional development designed specifically for athletic administrators. Connect with fellow ADs, gain practical tools, and walk away with fresh ideas to lead your program with confidence.

Sunday, October 5th

Landmark Embassy Suites 5615 Landmark Parkway, San Antonio, Texas

Monday, October 6th

Northside Sports Gym 8400 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas

President john snelson speaks at the General Meeting

FULL HOUSE IN THE hemisfair BALLROOM FOR REGION 8

erik hingst announces walmart as the official thsca academic all-state partner

region 5 MEETING packed house in the stars at night ballroom

Newly elected President-Elect

brent davis, gregory-portland HS

year two of the

recognizing our 2025 class of r.o.c.k. program mentees

tHSCA PAST PRESIDENTS BEING RECOGNIZED DURING THE 2025 GENERAL MEETING IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

texas coach Article of the Year honorees amanda wolf-schramm & marvin sedberry jr.

Stephen Mackey talks

texas way

president john snelson recognizes Past-President kendall miller

thsca past president Kendall miller, plano isd addresses the crowd to close out the general meeting

CONGRATULATions to our first ever coaching school sweepstakes $5,000 winner leland watley, summer creek HS

head coach, joe cary, tomball memorial HS, was honored with the 2024-2025 national football foundation's Texas high school academic exellence award presented by bob's steak & CHop house.

CLINIC LOCATION

Marriott Courtyard

New Braunfels

River Village

SCHEDULE

Friday January 23

• Offense Lectures

• Defense Lectures

• Evening Hospitality

Saturday January 24

• FCA Breakfast

• Middle School Lectures

• Offense Lectures

• Defense Lectures

• Special Teams Lecture

• Strength Conditioning

Check the Website

• Updated Itinerary

• Lecture topics

• Online registration www.alamocitycoachesclinic.com

Call or email with questions: 830-708-9132 (Peggy cell) alamocitycoachesclinic@live.com

January 23-24, 2026

CONFIRMED SPEAKER LINE UP

Kent Walker-Blanco

Jeff Luna-Poth

Brian Null-LaVernia

Sam Parker-Canyon Lake

Brent Davis-Gregory Portland

Clayton Elwood-Flour Bluff

Joseph Gillespie-Hewitt Midway

Drew Sanders-Vandergrift

Larry Zierlein- Retired NFL

Dr. Lindsay Stephens – SMASA

CLINIC-HOTEL HEADQUARTERS

Courtyard New Braunfels River Village

Same Great Location on the River

750 IH 35 North. New Braunfels, Texas Alamo City Clinic rate: $134 Phone: 830-626-4700

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: Name:

CLINIC RATE

$80 preregister

$90 at door

• Register by Mail

• Register Online

CLINIC DIRECTORS

Coach Jim Streety

Coach Joe Martin

SPONSORS

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• Videos are stored locally on iPads, allowing you to easily watch in the locker room and on the bus ride home

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The future of flag f tba INCLUDES the GIRLS!

As the popularity of high school girls flag football grows in the United States, the Dallas Cowboys are working with school communities across Texas to provide girls an opportunity to use the game of flag football as a fun and exciting way to be healthy, to learn values taught through sport, and potentially further their education with scholarships to collegiate intitutions now playing flag football at a higher level.

For more information or to discuss partnering with the Dallas Cowboys on this effort, contact YouthFootball@DallasCowboys.net.

Key Factors to Building a Powerlifting Program

By Fred Rodriguez, Kyle Lehman High School Offensive Line & Head Powerlifting coach

Powerlifting is a strength sport focused on three primary lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. The goal of powerlifting is simple—to lift the maximum weight possible for a single repetition in each of these lifts. Whether you're training for a competition or simply aiming to get stronger, building a solid powerlifting program is crucial to ensure consistent progress, reduce the risk of injury, and develop a well-rounded strength foundation. But in this article, we will be talking about how to build a program outside of just lifting weights and programming.

To begin, some coaches may think that the key to a successful Powerlifting program is programming the best workouts. I can tell you that is not the case. Although it is a big part of success, the first and most important thing that the athletes/team needs is a great coach-athlete relationship. Without this relationship, there is no trust between the two of you and with no trust comes a lot of questioning and not too much

buy-in which can cause problems later down the road for the program. So what are some ways to build this relationship and help build the program? First, we need to know what a relationship is. It is when two people collaborate towards a shared goal. Whenever the goal is identified, then it will allow the coach to be able to connect with the athletes in a more effective way. To connect with your athletes, you don't need to sit down and have meetings with them, but if time allows you then do it. I’m sure many programs don't have athletic periods and have to practice either before or after school. Either way, to connect with the athletes, it can simply start with a small conversation about anything. Building relationships begins with showing genuine interest in others.

As the coach, it is also important to create a supportive and encouraging environment.

The coach and athletes have a role in this. By providing this, it allows the athletes to feel comfortable and confident in what they do. This can allow them to develop at a much faster rate and tap into their true potential. As athletes are developing, failures are going to happen along the way, whether that is during training or at competitions. Maybe they did not reach a goal that they set for themselves or they are comparing their performance to another athlete who may have lifted more than them. It is important to point out that there will be mistakes and failure along the journey of a young lifter and that it is a great opportunity for growth. In order to bounce back

and grow from a failure, it involves mental toughness. This is where the power of positivity comes into play. Even when the lifter fails, both the coach and athlete need to maintain a positive mindset and work to push through any negativity.

When coaching an athlete, it’s crucial to provide positive feedback. Positive feedback boosts motivation and helps improve technical skills. When athletes feel encouraged, they are more likely to continue working hard and refining their abilities. On the other hand, negative feedback or a lack of feedback can lead to unwanted behaviors, decreased motivation, and even result in athletes leaving the program. Athletes tend to repeat behaviors that are praised, so giving positive feedback can create consistency in practice and performance, which is essential. Without consistency—especially in activities like lifting weights—athletes are more likely to see a decline in their performance. Unlike skills like making three-pointers or catching a football, which can be maintained even with some time off, strength training requires continuous effort.

Taking time away from lifting can result in a loss of strength, which impacts an athlete's overall performance.

These factors will help start up any program. You may not get the physical results you want in the first year with winning meets or setting records but what you do get out of that first year is your athletes feeling valued as a person. They will appreciate your commitment, trust and cooperation that you provided to them. Once you create good relationships with your athletes, team culture can be established. This will ultimately create an environment where success and growth can flourish. The most important part of building a program is relationships. Success in any program depends heavily on relationships.

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LESS DEBT. MORE IMPACT.

PAST PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION PAST PRESIDENT’S

Clinic Highlights

 Features only high school coaches as speakers

 1 18 Lectures given by top high school football coaches from Texas

 Friday Night OL and DB Chalk Talk

 Saturday Night Small School Session

 A discount to B Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World for each coach at the clinic (Good on selected items for the duration of the clinic.)

 The Embassy Suites Hotel is located adjacent to Bass Pro Shops and in close proximity to Grapevine Mills Mall and the Toyota Music Factory

 Coaches Devotional Sunday morning

 A clinic t-shirt for the first 700 coaches in attendance (Sponsored by The Performance Course)

 Cash and Bass Pro Shops gear given away after each lecture Sunday

 $ $1000 Cash door prize after the last lecture Sunday

 “Texas Hold-Em” Tournament Friday night

 50 minute lectures and 45 minute breakout sessions

 Job Board available

Hotel Information

Clinic Headquarters:

 Embassy Suites Outdoor World at D/FW Airport 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051

Phone (972) 724-2600 or (800) EMBASSY

 To receive the special room rate of $161, make your reservation by January 4 and state you are attending the DFW Coaches Clinic. Embassy Suites Hotel provides a complimentary cooked to order breakfast and happy hour each day to every coach staying at the hotel. Each room comfortably sleeps four.

Registration

 $80 registration fee if mailed in by January 23 ($90 after January 23, no refunds after this date)

 To pre-register, please send the registration form and a check payable to:

DFW Coaches Clinic 30801 Beck Road Bulverde, Texas 78163

Check our website for clinic updates or to register online www.coachesclinic.net

E-mail — coachesclinic@yahoo.com

Largest High School Only Football Clinic in Texas!

SPEAKERS &

SPEAKERS & Live Sport Demos

OUR BEAUTIFUL ANGRY RIVER... THREE LIVES-THREE STORIES

BY TONY GALLUCCI (PUBLICATIONS@YOUTH-RANCH.ORG)

It’s dark outside when Reece Zunker awakens to water rising in the bedroom of his mother-in-law, Lucy’s, home. That house is not situated where water should be coming inside for any reason; but the home is in Hunt, Texas, and the whole world will soon know that town’s being engulfed by an angry, raging river. Reece, Kerrville Tivy’s Head Soccer Coach and Football Assistant, had gone with his wife, Paula Joe, to take their son, 7-year-old, Lyle, and 3-year-old daughter, Holland, to their grandma’s house to celebrate the Fourth of July. They’d planned on family time at the river watching some fireworks. Then catastrophe struck. At 3:46 a.m. 911 dispatch received a call from Hunt, from someone with two young children panicked over water rising in their house. The call lasts 24 minutes.

At approximately 5:00 a.m., Chris Moralez, Ingram Tom Moore High School Cross Country and Tennis Coach, called ITM Athletic Director Tate DeMasco to warn him of severe flooding in Hunt, where Chris was himself awakened by rising waters. DeMasco knew what that meant. He grew up in Kerrville and has seen many a minor flood and a big one or two. He called

up Assistant Football Coach Joel Hinton, and they went to work diverting traffic from the Old Ingram Loop where water was already rising, eventually swamping the historic shopping district. The high school has a population composed of a large number of students from Hunt, whose school educates children only to eighth grade. Tate was certainly cognizant of the lives upriver, as well as his home district. His children played sports with Hunt children. If you’re from here, you’d know that in this stretch of the river we’re all family.

Up where the hills rise to 2300 feet in far west Kerr County, the rains started about 9:00 p.m. on July 3rd By midnight, somewhere between 10 and 15 inches of rain had fallen. There are no static rain gauges out in that vast ranch country to give us an accurate reading. The best we can do is analyze radar signatures to estimate how much rain fell. There, in far southwest county, a high ridge determines whether water flows into the Frio River watershed or the Guadalupe. For a xeric county, it may be the richest in Texas for feeding such watersheds. In fact, seven different rivers trace part of their origins to Kerr County. Besides those two, portions of the county directly flow into the Nueces,

Sabinal, Llano, Pedernales, and Medina Rivers. But on July 3rd and 4th, the heaviest rains fell on rocky ranchland that fed into the Guadalupe, the only one of those seven that actually becomes a river within the county; and boy, is it a river. Treasured for nearly two centuries as a clear, cool water source for pioneers to its modern day status as a recreational mecca bejeweled with 20 summer camps, it has no equal in Texas. Lined with thousands of towering baldcypress trees, it undoubtedly was an important indigenous lifesource for millennia before settlers first found it in the mid-1800s and set up shingle-making camps and mills, thereby becoming the first to redirect the flow of the river.

Julian Ryan’s two kids and mother-in-law-tobe appeared in his bedroom before light waking him and his fiancé, Christinia Wilson, mother of the children. When they awoke and checked to see what the kids wanted, they found them standing in ankledeep water. Living not far from the Old Ingram Loop shopping district and 200 yards from the everyday channel of the Guadalupe, their home was somehow about to be swallowed up by that very river. Julian was a young man, just 27, but he knew enough about this old river to know there was no time to waste. By the time they were able to execute a move, Wilson said the water was over their hips. Frantic to get the family out of the house they tried the front door, but water came pouring in. His sister and her family live next door and from windows they shouted at each other through the rain. Connie Salas, his sister, asked Julian if he was okay. “Yes,” he shouted back, “Are you okay?”

“I’m scared,” were Connie’s next words. And his? “Me too.” Desperate, he broke a plate glass window so he could get the family and their pets to the roof of their mobile home. But in breaking through that pane a shard of glass sliced his arm open, cutting deep into an artery. Still, he followed his family out and mustered the strength to get them on the roof, and then boosted himself up. He was bleeding profusely. 911 was called.

With nowhere to go, Zunker also hoisted his mother-in-law, his wife, and two kids to the roof of the house before climbing up himself. It was a refuge from the water, but not from danger. Folks on higher ground watched as the house shifted, then detached from its foundation, no match for the force of the then nearly forty-foot high river roaring at 30 miles an hour and carrying 75-foot baldcypress trees ripped from the riverbanks. It was just too much. They were soon battered by tree limbs and debris. Reece lay across his family to protect them from whipping branches, but Paula Joe’s mother, Lucy, unable to keep her grip, slid off the roof. Miraculously she grabbed a tree above the waterline from which she was later rescued. Neighbors watched the family, Reece, Paula Joe, Lyle, and Holland bob downriver on the roof.

We now know what 10-15” of rain falling fast on the Frio Divide will do to everything downstream. Constant heavy rainfall until after 3:00 a.m., coupled with moderate rain continuing until late in the morning, was a recipe for a disaster we locals have pondered, but never really fathomed. At the last draw before you arrive high on the Frio Divide, normally just a hardly discernible low spot, drift was left on the top rung of an eight foot high game fence. The water barreling through there was likely higher. That draw? It’s 14 river miles above Camp Mystic, now a historical datapoint for the loss of 28 children and staff, including the camp’s longtime director and camp owner, Dick Eastland. That’s 14 miles of rain gathering by the acrefoot and picking up proverbial steam before hitting the River Inn Resort and Mystic.

Ground-zero of flood destruction and death, if you want some kind of narrower definition, stretches 16 river miles from River Inn just above Mystic to just below Ingram. Most all of the 119 lives lost in Kerr County came from that stretch. Some bodies were retrieved in Comfort, 37 miles and four substantial dams downstream. Mystic got massive attention from the national press; rightly so, because of the stories resulting from the loss of so many young girls. The Eastland family, who owns Mystic, have myriad connections to this story. The Eastland sons, all four of them, played sports at Tivy High School; the oldest, Richard, having played soccer on the first Tivy team to win district and advance in the playoffs. Son James, who played football for the Antlers, was a groomsman at Tate and Melissa McGehee DeMasco’s wedding. Now there are Eastland grandkids playing for Tivy. Our tiny world comes full circle.

By the evening of day one, Tate was directing helicopters to safe landings on the ITM football practice field, delivering rescued Camp Mystic campers and staff from some ten air miles upriver. DeMasco appointed folks to deal with incoming campers, liaised with staff members to insure everyone’s needs were taken care of, and then set about to find as many ways possible to make himself useful. On day two, he found his way to City West Church, and there ran into Tim Thomason, a fulltime school supporter whose daughter played sports at ITM, who admonishes everyone to love others and runs a food bank. Together they got to work with Mercy Chefs, the biggest, and now, a month later, the longest-running supplier of meals to emergency responders, victims, and volunteers. DeMasco soon had his entire coaching staff and athletes out delivering meals up and down the river in Kerr County, the entire length of which, 60 river miles, was devastated by the flood.

The river was merciless. Below Mystic next came Camp Heart O’ the Hills, which suffered the most structural damage and thankfully was not in session. Their beloved director, Jane Ragsdale, was lost trying to save her staff. Then around the bend was Crider’s Rodeo and Dancehall, where owners, the Moore family, had been working for a year preparing to celebrate the Rodeo’s 100th Anniversary. On July 4, 1925, the Crider family put on a rodeo to benefit the Hunt School PTA. They’ve never missed a year. This year’s big event was set for the evening of the 5th, but flooding wiped that out and damage cancelled the rest of the season at this cherished community gathering spot. The river slammed onward unrelenting. The vacation lodges at Casa Bonita were wiped clean off their foundations. Next to be hit hard was Hunt, sitting just above the convergence of the two upper headwaters forks of the Guadalupe. The river paid little heed to the channels there, swamping the area from both directions, with a "wall" of water that is estimated to have reached 55

to 60 feet where the canyon narrows. The Hunt Post Office disappeared, and only a couple of rock walls remain of the storied Hunt Store, the other community gathering spot in west Kerr County. The river gauge at Hunt Crossing, where the valley widens, a quarter-mile above the confluence of the forks, measured the South Fork crest at 37.52 feet, the highest ever recorded there, besting the “Big Daddy” floods of 1932 and 1987. From there the raging river ravaged homes in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood on its way to Ingram where it swept away every RV and camper parked in the HTR Campground, and many of the folks sleeping in them. Then it barreled on to River Run, where Julian Ryan’s family would soon be scrambling to safety.

By the time an ambulance crew was able to get to the park it would be to no avail. They weren’t able to reach Julian’s family for seven hours. He’d managed to say to his fiancé and kids, “I’m sorry. I’m not going to make it. I love you,” and bled out before any lifesaving interventions could be administered by medics. The rest of the family held on long enough for the waters to recede. Neighbors helped them escape to higher ground. Julian had been a star multi-purpose football player for the Ingram Tom Moore Warriors nine years earlier, helping set them up for a future trip to the playoffs. He made the team better just by his presence, but football’s not what he’ll be remembered for. Julian was one of those guys who was never, ever, without a smile or a helping hand. He ‘lit up a room’ as they say. Those kids were his life force, and his funeral was a testament to how much he loved and doted on them. He was a son, brother, father, partner, and best friend. Julian’s was the second service to take place in our community after the flood; the first having been earlier in the day for celebrated spitfire Renee Smajstrla, the only Mystic girl who was also a local child. Julian was buried in the Garden of Memories in Kerrville in the shade of a live oak with a red-tailed hawk floating overhead.

Tate was there with Mercy Chefs and Thomason’s Blind Faith Foundation working long days every single day right up until he and his staff had to drag pylons and water coolers and training tables out to the football field for the opening of football practice the first full week of August. There, they got to admire the school’s first ever artificial turf, newly installed after the flood, as well as a brand new track. ITM is Tate’s first high school head coaching job, but his resume is filled with plum coaching positions. He has tackled everything from running backs coach to offensive coordinator at San Antonio big schools Jay, Roosevelt, MacArthur, Brandeis, Madison, and Reagan before returning to his home county, where he promptly established a new culture and cultivated a legion of loyal parents and fans. His impact is not limited to football. He is the consummate all-sports AD. During the 2024-25 school year, for the first time in school history, every ITM sport made the playoffs. The football team made the playoffs for the first time since the era of Julian Ryan. And this year, on the first day of fall practice, over 80 kids suited up in shorts and helmets. Stunning for a small 3A school in the midst of an overwhelming tragedy.

It took a few weeks for all the Zunkers to be found, the children lastly so, and the finality that came with it hit the town of Kerrville hard. A memorial service was held August 4th at Schreiner University’s Event Center, filled with 1500 family, friends, and players. Tyler Krug and Rebecca Hagar, friends of Reece and Paula Joe since their hometown school days, gave testaments to the depth of friendship they engendered, the good times had, and the lasting legacy they leave. Tivy High School Principal Rick Sralla, who had once been Coach Sralla, told about the pranks he and Reece played on each other in the locker room, and the nervousness Reece navigated when asked to give a warmup speech to the varsity football team for the first time. Zunker resorted to the “Burn the Boat” speech, and in Sralla’s rendition

he nailed it. Three players from Reece’s 2019 Regional qualifiers, Jasen Zirkel, later a collegiate player, Tivy’s all-time leading scorer Alexsandro Gutierrez Resendiz, and First Team All-State defender Caleb Kissinger, gave deeply moving speeches about the mark he left on their lives, with impacts way beyond coaching: mentor, classroom teacher and inspiration, surrogate father, even giving them jobs after graduation in his construction side-gig. Each player spoke fondly of Paula Joe and the kids, as any player of Reece’s was also part of his family. Reece was named back-to-back Texas Association of Soccer Coaches Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and later named both Tivy High School’s and the Kerrville Independent School District’s Teacher of the Year. As the memorial came to a close, Kissinger told a story – a few days after the flood he was alone, ‘talking’ to the Zunkers, and he asked for a sign they were still with us. A pair of doves flew over, circled, and landed a few feet away. “From that point forward, I knew they were still here, listening . . .”

Floodwaters left debris on the chainlink fence surrounding Warrior stadium, knocked out the entrance gates, and left literal tons of wood debris and house detritus, battered cars, and boats all around. Majestic baldcypress trees lining the river loom just south of the field. Visible from the stadium stands, they now look like they’ve been mowed down. But the river itself didn’t get quite close enough to keep the upcoming football season from starting on time. It’s a rare silver lining in a community stretching from Hunt to Ingram that desperately needs to heal, and will finally begin to under the sheltering umbrella of Tate DeMasco. “We’re over ‘sad’,” Tate told Texas Football. “It’s our kids. It’s our community. We owe it to everybody who comes and watches us play games and supports our school to be there for them in a time of need.”

For those wanting to help, here are ways to contribute:

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has set up a Flood Relief Fund that has already disbursed funds to help repair damage to Ingram Tom Moore High School property, as well as to many other local funds providers dedicated to healing the community.

https://www.communityfoundation.net/

The New Braunfels Community Foundation has set up the Zunker Family Foundation to contribute to causes dear to Reece’s and Paula Joe’s hearts.

https://nbcommunityfoundation.org/communitybetterment/

Julian was celebrated across the world as a hero. Due to the incredible generosity of many donors, including some national celebrities, a GoFundMe page for his family overflowed and was closed by his family in order that funds could be diverted to other families in need. Donations may be made to other flood victims in Julian’s name.

Photos by Tony

Gallucci

Author, Tony Gallucci, coached soccer at Tivy High School from 1986 to 1997 and was elected TASCO Vice President in his final year. He has been a lifelong Tivy fan since, but was especially thankful to know Reece Zunker, whose coaching style and impact he greatly admired. They talked often about the game. During Tony’s time at Tivy, Tate DeMasco was a student-athlete there, as were five other current ITM coaches. Tate’s dad, Coach Phil DeMasco, was his supervisor. Up through 2006, his summers were spent at Camp Rio Vista in Ingram, a camp spared disaster only by virtue of having had their session closing day on July 3rd. His connection to area camps runs deep – he coached a couple of those Mystic Eastland boys.

“The people of this community are an amazing tapestry,” he said. “We’re all family.” Tony is now in charge of communications at the Hill Country Youth Ranch, an orphanage in Ingram that escaped flood damage or danger. He spends his off time as a sports photographer covering every school directly impacted by the flood: Hunt, Ingram, Harper, Tivy, Our Lady of the Hills, Center Point, and Comfort. Julian Ryan was once a constant presence in his photos. Fifteen of Tony’s friends were lost in the flood.

PROGRAM WITH FIVE CORE VALUES

CHANGING THE CULTURE: HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC

BY JUSTIN MASON ASSISTANT COACH - LINDALE

ISD

Changing the culture of a high school football program isn’t easy, nor is it about earning more wins or championships; it is about building a foundation that lasts, one that instills character, discipline, and pride. When a team embraces a new identity grounded in core values, it becomes more than a football program - it becomes a movement. Changing culture requires vision, consistency, and buy-in at every level. When these five core values are at the heart of that transformation, the results speak for themselves - not just in wins and losses but in how the program is viewed by others, and the kind of young men the program produces. Relentless effort, competitive excellence, uncommon commitment, unwavering accountability, and exceptional toughnessthese aren’t just football values, they’re life values. When these values become what your culture is rooted in, the impact lasts long after the final whistle.

Relentless Effort (4 to 6, A to B, +2): The Non-Negotiable Standard

This, above talent or intelligence, is the key to achieving great things in football and in life.

Culture starts with effort. Relentless effort means giving your best—always. It’s not about talent; it’s about work ethic. From offseason workouts to film study, every rep and every drill must be approached with the mindset that nothing less than full effort is acceptable.

4 to 6: Each football play lasts 4 to 6 seconds, make each second count.

A to B: How are you going to get from where you are to where you want to be?

+2: Don’t stop at the line, go past the line. Give a little more than what is required to be great.

When relentless effort becomes the standard, players stop looking for shortcuts and start finding ways to get better. That mindset becomes contagious, spreading beyond the field into the classroom and the community.

Competitive Excellence (The

best “gamers” are the best

“practicers”): Win Every Rep

Be at your best when your best is required. Learn to compete at a very high level!

Changing culture means refusing to settle. Competitive excellence is about striving to win in everything—whether it’s a goal-line stand or a sprint at the end of practice. It’s not about winning on Fridays; it’s about winning every moment that leads to Friday: every rep at practice, every lift in the weight room, every quiz or test you take, and every job opportunity that you want.

Those that compete, not just when the lights come on but whenever they step on a field or court and take advantage of every rep and opportunity, have the chance to compete at the highest level and be the best “gamer” because they want to be the best “practicer”.

That level of competition drives internal motivation and builds a team that pushes each other to grow. When players compete with purpose, they learn to perform under pressure—and that changes everything.

Uncommon Commitment (All In, Every Day): Choosing the Harder Path

Uncommon results require uncommon commitment. Be set apart from what the world tells us is right or normal.

The best programs don’t follow the crowd—they lead it. Being uncommon is about making the hard choices the

disciplined choices that others aren’t willing to make. It’s showing up early, staying late, watching extra film, and walking with integrity. In a culture that often celebrates shortcuts, an uncommon mindset separates the good from the great.

Choosing to go against the norm isn’t always easy, but to achieve the uncommon results that come with being a champion means making an uncommon commitment to being different than what others think/say you should be.

When a team fully commits to being uncommon, it sets a new standard not just for success, but for how success is achieved. True commitment isn’t seasonal—it’s daily. It means buying into the vision, trusting the process, and sacrificing for something greater than yourself. Whether it’s committing to your teammates, your coaches, or the mission of the program, that bond becomes the glue that holds the team together. Programs that foster deep commitment don’t fracture under adversity—they get stronger. Because when everyone’s all in, there's no room for excuses—only results.

Unwavering Accountability: Holding the Line

This is the glue that ties commitment to the result. Love your teammates enough to hold them accountable for their actions.

No great culture exists without accountability. When every player is held to a standard—and holds others to it as well—discipline becomes second nature. Unwavering accountability isn’t about punishment; it’s about pride. It’s knowing that your actions reflect the entire team, and that no one is above the mission. In a program built on accountability, finger-pointing disappears.

This comes back to “4 to 6, A to B, +2”. There is a saying among coaches that, “You are coaching it or allowing it to happen” and that is where accountability comes in. Are you coaching your kids and holding them accountable to your values and standards; or are you

letting them coast? Urban Meyer, during his time at Ohio State, asked his team after practice, “Did you push yourself to be great today? If you didn’t do it, you lost today, and we don’t have many days to lose.” High school teams are guaranteed 11 weeks. Some teams can afford to lose a day, but many cannot. Why risk it to lose a day?

Even if you aren’t a titled “Head Coach”, know that you ARE the head coach of your position group. Take ownership in all you do and who all you coach. When a coach holds their players accountable to the values and standards they have put on their program, that is showing others that they are taking ownership of what is important. Taking ownership then becomes the norm, and leadership emerges from every locker. Loving someone enough to hold them accountable is what solidifies teams and gives them the chance to play beyond the time that is guaranteed.

Exceptional Toughness: Beyond Physical

Mental, physical, and emotional toughness. Tough People Win!

Toughness isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional. Exceptional toughness is what keeps you locked in when you’re tired, focused when you're frustrated, and united when things don’t go your way. It’s the ability to respond, not react. It’s grit, resilience, and a refusal to back down.

Mental toughness is the ability to stay strong, focused, and resilient in the face of stress, pressure, or adversity. It’s what helps people push through challenges, maintain motivation when things get hard, and stay disciplined even when they don’t feel like it.

Physical toughness is the ability of the body to endure pain, fatigue, discomfort, and physical stress without breaking down. It's not just about being strong or fit— it’s about how well your body can keep going when it's pushed to its limits.

Emotional toughness is the ability to manage your emotions, stay steady under emotional stress, and

respond to difficult situations with clarity and strength. It’s about having control over your emotional reactions instead of letting them control you.

Culture changes when toughness becomes a trait, not a test. When a team is truly tough, they don’t just endure adversity—they embrace it as a chance to grow.

When looking to reshape or change your culture, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the change will be beneficial to your program, and these steps are vital to seeing the success you hope to achieve.

Steps to change your culture

1. Evaluate your current culture.

a. Change is often necessary, but not necessarily bad.

2. Lean on mentors and your staff.

a. Gather their thoughts and value their input. You may use it, and you may not.

3. Set your values and make them known.

a. Post them in multiple spots. The more they are seen, the more they are known.

4. Weed out what you need to weed out.

a. Some people will not buy in. That is fine, but you don’t need them. Your program will be better off.

5. Stick to your values, no matter what.

a. It won’t always be easy or seem to be working; but don’t give up. Keep going and see it pay off.

Changing a culture is never easy - but it is always possible with the right foundation. By embracing relentless effort, striving for competitive excellence, demonstrating uncommon commitment, holding ourselves to unwavering accountability, and showing exceptional toughness in the face of adversity, we create more than just a new standard - we ignite a movement. When Chris Cochran became the Head Football Coach at Lindale High School in 2017, he started with changing the culture. While he has compiled a record of 59-39 in his 8 seasons, and has taken the Eagles to the playoffs in 7 consecutive seasons, playing in the school’s first State Championship game in 2020, he will tell you that his biggest accomplishments are the young men that helped embody our core values. These core values do not end after the final whistle of the season, as many of our former players still emulate and contribute their successes in life to our core values. Changing a culture is never easy - but if necessary, lean into it and build a staff that will help embody it and practice it as a way of life and teaching. Culture really does shape a program. Core values shape that culture. Relentless effort, competitive excellence, uncommon commitment, unwavering accountability, and exceptional toughness - these five core values aren't just principles to live by; they’re the heartbeat of a culture built to last. When consistently applied, they don’t just change the way we operate - they transform who we are.

Justin Mason currently oversees Athletic Operations at Lindale High School and has been employed at Lindale ISD for 13 years. Entering his 14th year with the Eagles, Coach Mason coached on both sides of the ball before moving into a support-staff position in 2017. A member of both THSCA and THSADA, Coach Mason recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a Master’s degree in Sport Management. Justin and his wife, Meagan - who teaches Math at Tyler ISD and is a member of the THSCWA, live in Lindale and enjoy spending their summertime traveling and spending time with family.

Bring your wife/family for a getaway weekend in the Texas Hill Country. We will talk football thru mid-afternoon each day, while the wives enjoy everything that Fredericksburg has to offer. A discount packet has been arranged from several local shops and is available for every attendee. There will be a Social on Friday evening where only the Ladies win the Door Prizes. Updated and Expanded Live Music, Saturday Night Social.

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"THAT'S GOOD S***, MAYNARD!" A BACKWOODS PHRASE THAT BUILT A LEGACY OF INFLUENCE

BY MICHAEL MANN

Academic Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach, Sanger High School

The Power of Language in Coaching and Teaching

Every coach has their “go-to” sayings. While some are instructional or funny, others carry emotional weight and lasting impact. In the case of Coach Roger White, a single offbeat phrase—“That’s good s***, Maynard!”—left a mark that stretched across decades and shaped the lives of countless athletes.

As educators and coaches, we must consider how deeply our words affect young people. Phrases become anchors, and tone becomes the compass. What Coach White did was not accidental—it was rooted in expectation, encouragement, and excellence.

Legacy in a Phrase

In 2003, I was a short, chubby freshman lineman in West Texas. Our program was tough, and it was done so intentionally. The conditions were brutal, the expectations were sky-high, and mediocrity was not tolerated. Physicality wasn’t just practiced—it was a requirement.

I wasn’t the nastiest or the most aggressive. I had heart, but I lacked the toughness our culture demanded. That changed the day I won in the chute, and I heard Coach White yell those famous words: “That’s good s***, Maynard!”

At the time, I didn’t understand the phrase. Over time, I realized what it meant—it wasn’t about what you did, it was about who you became in that moment. It meant you did something rare, excellent, and worthy of praise. It wasn’t said often, and that’s what made it powerful. It meant you’d done something Coach White, the toughest man I knew, couldn’t let pass without praise.

Key Professional Takeaway: Precision & Purpose in Praise

Coach White was known for being tough, blunt, and fiercely loyal. He corrected constantly and held us to a standard few ever reach. But when you reached it—even for a moment—you felt it. That’s what separated him from others: he made sure his praise mattered.

Reflective Thoughts for Coaches

● What is one phrase you use consistently? What does it communicate to your players or students?

● When you give praise, is it specific and meaningful, or generic and routine?

● Are your moments of correction rooted in care and growth or in frustration?

● Do your students/athletes know what excellence looks like in your eyes, and how it feels when they reach it?

Stories of Impact: The Ripple Effect of Intentional Words

Coach White’s legacy was carried not only in wins, but in men—grown men—who now lead, parent, and coach using lessons he taught them in a chute or during a track workout. Here are a few moments that illustrate his deep influence:

● A sprinter who hated distance running later taught his children the value of hard things.

● A defensive lineman, proudest not of a trophy but of a 6th-place finish, but because of what Coach White saw in him.

● Coaches who still emulate his toughness, his loyalty, and his quiet acts of love.

● Athletes who remember the sting of his snuff-covered critiques—but more importantly, the pride of earning his praise.

● One coach compared him to the Great White Buffalo of West Texas: rare, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Application to Your Practice

Here’s how you can turn Coach White’s philosophy into actionable growth:

Area Reflection Strategy

Language What do your most repeated phrases say about your culture?

Praise Do your students know what excellence looks like to you?

Correction Are your corrections building or breaking your relationships?

Legacy What will your players say about your influence 20 years from now?

Closing Reflection

Create 1-2 signature phrases that communicate your values. Use them intentionally.

Reserve your highest praise for moments of genuine growth and excellence.

Pair high expectations with consistent encouragement. Frame correction with belief.

Think long-term. Every interaction is a brick in your legacy. Use your words wisely.

Coach White hung up his whistle for the last time in January 2025. At his memorial, players from all eras gathered—some older, some just starting their lives. They didn’t come because of wins and losses. They came because of how he made them feel—seen, valued, tough, and capable.

At the end of it all, when he entered Heaven, I like to think the Lord smiled and said: “That’s good s***, Maynard.”

You don’t have to yell like Coach White. You don’t need his exact words. But you do need his intent— to mold young people through consistency, discipline, and love. Let your words matter. Let your praise be earned; and may your legacy be felt long after the final whistle blows.

Coaches

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