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TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2024 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 notice to admin@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 Capital Printing Co 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
SHERYL HONEYCUTT sherylhoneycutt@thsca.com
Director of Hotels & Hospitality
CHELSEA MILLER chelseamiller@thsca.com
Director of Finance & Accounting
KEVIN SMITH kevinsmith@thsca.com
Director of Public Relations & Awards
TYLER WATTS tylerwatts@thsca.com
thsca OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS -
Finance: Sterling Doty, Dave Henigan, B.J. Gotte, *Kendall Miller, John Snelson, Drew Sanders
Bylaws: Chip Darden, *Chad Dunnam, Joe Hubbard, Todd Quick, Shaun McDowell, Leo Mireles
Ethics: Chris Cochran, *LaQueisha Dickerson, Clint Hartman, Don Hyde, Marvin Sedberry Jr., Fred Staugh
Policy: Jerry Carpentier, Josh Gibson, Brian Randle, *Aaron Roan, Jacob Thompson, Todd Winfrey
Magazine: Kevin Crane, Jeff Ellison, Reuben Farias, Allen Gratts, *Lance Moffett, Juan Morales
Hall of Honor: Dub Farris, Gary Joseph, *Johnny Taylor, Allen Wilson
*Denotes Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES for 2024-2025:
Director-Elects & Alternates:
DIRECTOR-ELECTS
Region 1 – Andy Cavalier, Canadian; Region 2 – Casey Pearce, Breckenridge; Region 3 – Josh Gibson, Pleasant Grove; Region 4 – Michael Pry, El Paso Coronado; Region 5 – Brian Randle, Randle; Region 6 – Don Hyde, La Vega; Region 7 – Ben Bitner, CC Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Eddie Salas, San Antonio Harlan;
1ST ALTERNATES
Region 1 – Jason Richards, Muleshoe; Region 2 – Sammy Burnett Brownwood; Region 3 – Marcus Shavers, North Forney; Region 4 – Daren Walker, El Paso Franklin; Region 5 – Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point; Region 6 – Clint Fuller, Kilgore; Region 7 – David Sanchez, Laredo United; Region 8 – Tony Salazar, Westlake;
2nd ALTERNATES
Region 1 – Aaron Dunnam, Dumas; Region 2 – Mike Reed, Gordon; Region 3 – Antonio Wiley, Coppell; Region 4 – Frank Maldonado, Midl. Legacy; Region 5 – Travis Reeve, El Campo; Region 6 – Shane Tolleson, Waxahachie; Region 7 – JC Ramirez, Jr., Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Doug Warren, Wimberley;
chip darden region 1 - lub. cooper
chad dunnam region 1 - amarillo
kendall miller past-Pres - emerson
drew sanders Pres-elect - vandegrift
john snelson President - dickinson
dave henigan region 3 - denton ryan
sterling doty region 2 - stephenville
aaron roan region 2 - abl. cooper
kevin crane region 2 - midway
todd winfrey region 1 - canyon
clint hartman region 4 - midl. legacy
fred staugh region 4 - monahans
marvin sedberry jr. region 3 - terrell
josh gibson (interim) region 3 - Pleasant Grove
allen gratts region 3 - arl. bowie
b.j. gotte (interim) region 5 - pearland
laqueisha dickerson region 5 - timberview
shaun mcdowell
brian randle (interim)
jeff ellison
jerry carpentier region
chris cochran
jacob
2024-2025 THSCA ADVISORY COMMITTEES
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe
R-2 Russell Lucas, Sweetwater
R-3 Seth Stinton, Melissa
R-4 *Jaime Boswell, Andrews
R-5 Virginia Flores, Cy-Fair
R-6 Don Drake, Ennis
R-7 Rob Davies, Harlingen
R-8 Stan Laing, Northside
ATHLETIC TRAINERS
R-1 Steven Ortiz, Midl. Legacy
R-2 Billy Abbe, Abilene
R-3 *Mike Harrison, Allen
R-4 Isaac Wimberley, Lub. Cooper
R-5 Aimee Williams, Fort Bend
R-6 Greg Goerig, Midlothian
R-7 Benjamin Garcia, Harlingen
R-8 Chad Hennessey, Georgetown
AQUATICS
R-1 OPEN
R-2 Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie
R-3 Eric Vogan, Texas High
R-4 *Michael Waldmann, Andrews
R-5 Robert Kelly, Pasadena
R-6 Daniel Gonzalez, Longview
R-7 Hector Castaneda Jr., Harl. South
R-8 Kari Brothers, Northside
BASEBALL
R-1 Thomas Brockman, Idalou
R-2 Allen McGee, Graham
R-3 Josh Wheeler, Muenster
R-4 Juan Orozco, EP Coronado
R-5 *Corey Cephus, Cy-Ranch
R-6 Matthew Anderson, Franklin
R-7 Adrian Alaniz, Sinton
R-8 Tom Alfieri, SA Churchill
BOYS BASKETBALL
R-1 Jason Pillion, Amarillo
R-2 *C.J. Villegas, Brady
R-3 Ty Tabor, Krum
R-4 Jason Archibald, Wink
R-5 Danny Russell, Friendswood
R-6 Jake Russ, Franklin
R-7 Sean Armstrong, G. Portland
R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights
At-Large Samuel Benitez, North Shore
GIRLS BASKETBALL
R-1 Tyler Helms, Idalou
R-2 *Kenni Patton, Electra
R-3 Donna McCullough, Sachse
R-4 Steve Lee, Pebble Hills
R-5 Christina Jamerson, Dulles
R-6 Marcus Willis, La Vega
R-7 Ashley Moncivaiz, Harlingen
R-8 Christina Camacho, Judson
At-Large Brooke Brittain, Mansfield
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
R-1 Jay McCook, Canadian
R-2 Glenn Griffin, Holliday
R-3 *Logan Kelly, Lovejoy
R-4 Alonzo Samaniego, Presidio
R-5 Kenneth Decuir, Paetow
R-6 Josh Sypert, Eustace
R-7 Efrain Ambriz, Harlingen
R-8 Kelly Thompson, Leander Rouse
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
R-1 Ray Baca, Canyon
R-2 Loy Triana, Burkburnet
R-3 *Susan Bailey, Highland Park
R-4 Corina Marrufo, Del Valle
R-5 Jim Darcey, Katy
R-6 Edward DeLaCruz, Waxahachie
R-7 Joey Rendon, Santa Gertrudis
R-8 Rachel Freeman, SA Reagan
At-Large Karmen Sanders, Taylor
FOOTBALL
6-Man Josh Stanaland, Jayton
R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe
R-2 Sterling Doty, Stephenville
R-3 *Joe Castillo, Little Elm
R-4 Ruben Rodriguez, Eastlake
R-5 Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point
R-6 Clint Fuller, Kilgore
R-7 Brent Davis, G. Portland
R-8 Alan Haire, Jarrell
BOYS GOLF
R-1 Justin Wilborn, Lub. Cooper
R-2 Jason Hodges, Stephenville
R-3 Charlie Means, Denison
R-4 Paul Bustamante, Pebble Hills
R-5 *Mike Martin, Memorial
R-6 Brant Bennett, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Celso Gonzalez, McAllen Mem.
R-8 Glenn Phair, New Braunfels
At-Large Paige Martin, Southlake
GIRLS GOLF
R-1 OPEN
R-2 Chris Sims, Abilene Cooper
R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus
R-4 Shawn Trousdale, Eastwood
R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood Park
R-6 Joel Davenport, Ennis
R-7 Jennifer Ruiz, McAllen
R-8 Patrick Pruitt, Westlake
At-Large Brent McCuiston, Alamo Heights
BOYS SOCCER
R-1 Hugo Aguillon, West Plains
R-2 Justin Rhodes, Stephenville
R-3 Pablo Regalado, Kemp
R-4 OPEN
R-5 *Ben Powell, Bellville
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Julian Robles, Harl. South
R-8 David Rogers, SA Lee
At-Large Jason Meekins, Katy Jordan
GIRLS SOCCER
R-1 Alistair Caldwell, Lub. Coronado
R-2 Carl Wiersema, WF Rider
R-3 Kelly Thompson, Allen
R-4 OPEN
R-5 *Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point
R-6 Gerald Slovacek, Midlo. Heritage
R-7 OPEN
R-8 Bailee Perrine, Dripping Springs
At-Large Aaron McGough, Highland Park
SOFTBALL
R-1 Styler Haddock, Canyon
R-2 Cynthia Herrera, Stamford
R-3 *Kathy Schoettle, Allen
R-4 Lindsie Swarb, Monahans
R-5 Katie Roberts, Brenham
R-6 Same Weeks, Troup
R-7 Audra Troutman, Sinton
R-8 Jennifer Fox, Alamo Heights
TENNIS
R-1 Darby Norman, Canyon Randle
R-2 *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon
R-3 Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage
R-4 OPEN
R-5 Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.
R-6 OPEN
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 Andy Howard, Goldthwaite
R-3 *Janson Head, Denton Ryan
R-4 Brien Burchett, Greenwood
R-5 Jason Haddock, Clements
R-6 Josh Rankin, Longview
R-7 Bob Bechtold, McAllen
R-8 OPEN
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 David Pollack, Seven Lakes
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 Jess Odem, Goliad
R-8 *Rachel Torvik, SA Reagan
At-Large Kayla Allen, Vista Ridge
BOYS WRESTLING
R-1 Dalton Clear, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
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 Memorial
R-8 David Burdick, Vista Ridge
GIRLS WRESTLING
R-1 *Tyler Frausto, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 Tiffany Mangini, Flower Mound
R-4 Stephen Scott, EP Franklin
R-5 Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City
R-8 Garvin Smith, San Marcos
*DENOTES CHAIR
FROM THE PRESIDENT
December 2024
THSCA Coaches,
December is exciting for so many reasons. The holidays are approaching, the semester is ending, and coaches are looking forward to some needed time off with their families and friends. Most fall sports have ended and are transitioning to off-season while our winter sports are just getting started with their seasons; we wish you the best of luck and remember to embrace the journey. Congratulations to all the fall sport state champions that have already claimed the title, and a special congrats to the academic all-state athletes who have been recognized. As we begin basketball and wrestling tournaments as well as soccer scrimmages, please remember to participate in “Our Day to Shine” to donate to the Benevolence Fund.
The THSCA Board of Directors just finished our winter meetings. In the January issue, there will be a board meeting report that will highlight the topics discussed at the board meeting. Please make sure to always send any concerns you have to your Regional Director so they can be addressed at the state level.
A reminder of a few deadlines approaching soon:
• January 9th – Football Super Elite and Coach of the Year Nominations are due, please nominate your athletes and coaches!
• January 10th – Applications for the NFF National HS Academic Excellence Award are due (info here: https://www.thsca.com/nff)
• February 15th – Applications close for THSCA Scholarship (available for sons/daughters of member coaches.)
The Texas Coaches Leadership Summit is on February 24th in Arlington. This is an event that will unite coaches from all over the state to coach beyond the game. Check out www.thsca.com/summit for all information.
The Regional Power of Influence Meetings will also be held in January. I want to encourage athletic administrators and head coaches of all sports to attend to hear our message coming from the THSCA state board meetings and to let us hear your voice as well.
Coaches, we are always reminded during this time of year of what is important to us all. I hope that you can step away from the grind of coaching for a bit and spend some real quality time with your loved ones. Keep the influence that you have on your kids, as it is needed now more than ever. The games will come and go, but your influence will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
John Snelson, THSCA President
FOUR BECOME
Four outstanding organizations, transformed into one powerhouse. And while our name may have changed, everything you count on - great service, uniforms, and gear remain.
YOUR GAME IS ALWAYS GAME ONE
Coaches
ONE APP FOR STATS, MAXES, AND RECRUITING
KB3 SPORTS APP has allowed us to streamline our stats & maxes for inseason & offseason as well as given us the ability to promote our players across the country.
James Clancy HFC, Klein Cain HS
ACCURATE INFORMATION
MAXES & MEASURABLES can be entered by a player or coach and will be added to a player’s profile page.
TEAM PROFILE PAGE
Your teams’ profile page is publicly accessible to parents, players, media and recruiters with links to each player’s profile page.
PLAYER TRACKING
Download a Team Stat File to keep track of team stats by player or team totals.
Download a Game Summary File to view play-by-play game recap.
Automatically generate a Player Stat File to view per game and cumulative player stats as well as in-season and off-season maxes and measurables.
RECRUITING
College coaches can access your players test scores, stats, maxes & measurables.
College Coaches can DM with coaches and players via our IN-APP MESSAGING.
Get Started! Download the free app for Android or Apple, join now!
NOW HEAR THIS
Obituaries
COACH WILLIAM MICHAEL HEDRICK
William Michael “Coach Mike” Hedrick was born on September 17, 1949, in Bryan, Texas to his parents, Joe Love Hedrick and Matilda “Tillie” Kunover Hedrick. He went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 75 years.
Mike was a 1968 graduate of Franklin High School where he played football under the direction of head coach, Joe Hedrick, his father. He then attended and graduated from Tarleton State University and began his long and successful career in teaching and coaching. The last 12 years of his career he served as the head football coach for Franklin ISD before retiring in 2019. Mike married the love of his life, Denese Hapke on August 7, 1971, in Stephenville, Texas and to this union 2 children were born, William Michael Hedrick (Will) and Katherine Joe Hedrick (Katie). Mike was a resident of Franklin for the past 2 years previously living in Marquez, Texas. He was a life-long member of the Wheelock Methodist Church.
COACH WAYLON ARLEN WHITE
Waylon Arlen White, a Howard Payne University alumnus, longtime coach and Baptist layman, died Oct. 25 in San Angelo. He was 89. He was born on Nov. 29, 1934, in Big Spring to William Jewel White and Elouise Pittman White. After he graduated from Forsan High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree at Howard Payne University, where he also played basketball. He later completed a master’s degree at Sul Ross State University. While at Howard Payne, Arlen met and married Dolores Mabry. White served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. His career as a teacher, coach and counselor spanned 1966 to 1994. He coached in Knott, Sands and Crane, accumulating 525 basketball wins and guiding two teams to the state tournament. At age 78, he returned to coaching basketball at Cornerstone Christian School in San Angelo. He coached his last game from a hospital bed via Facetime—and his team won. He was a disaster relief volunteer with Texas Baptist Men, now known as Texans on Mission. In 2009, he established the TBM West Central Texas specialty feeding team, serving as its on-site coordinator. His team ministered to many survivors of national disasters including every major hurricane until 2016, when his health began to decline. His influence extended through numerous community organizations, including the Howard Payne Alumni Association, Texas High School Coaches Association, Crane Noon Lions Club and the Baptist Retirement Community Auxiliary. He also served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Crane and later at First Baptist Church in San Angelo. He served as Crane County Judge for six years and was recognized as Crane’s Man of the Year in 1987. In 2007, Howard Payne University awarded him its Medal of Service.
DECEMBER 2024
2025 THSCA SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:
THSCA will award the following scholarships: Eddie Joseph Memorial Scholarship ($2,500), Fisher Woodchick Memorial Scholarship ($2,005) and 10 additional $2,000 THSCA scholarships. Applicant must be child of current PROFESSIONAL member in good standing for the 24-25 THSCA membership year.
Selection of recipients will be based on the following criteria:
1. Academic Achievement
2. Financial Need
3. Community/Extra Curricular Involvement
4. Awards and Recognition
5. Must be a graduating senior class of 2025 and parent must be a current THSCA Professional Member in good standing.
Application requires completion of entry form, upload of an official transcript and a submission of a short essay stating why you would like to receive this scholarship and how it will be used. Please do not reference your name, parent's names, city or high school in your essay or short answer questions.
Recipients must use the scholarship towards an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. Selections will be made by the THSCA Finance Committee, applications are anonymously submitted for review to the committee. All applicants will be notified when selections have been finalized. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Entries must be submitted online by February 15, 2025.
NOW HEAR THIS
Announcement from Stephenville ISD:
Art Briles Stadium and Mike Copeland Field is where our Yellow Jackets and Honeybees continue the legacy of success that the City of Champions has come to deserve. Over the years many people have contributed to this legacy, but none more than Coach Art Briles and Coach Mike Copeland.
Known not only for molding a culture of winning but also for fostering a sense of unity, pride, and character, the contributions of Coach Briles and Coach Copeland have been foundational to our athletic program, district, and the community. With the naming of Art Briles Stadium and Mike Copeland Field, we honor the values of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork that they championed, and we renew our commitment to building champions both on and off the field.
The impact of these coaches on Stephenville Athletics is undeniable, as evidenced by the remarkable success since the arrival of Coach Briles. The Yellow Jackets football team won four State Championships under his leadership, and have added two additional titles since. This legacy of excellence extends beyond football, with a State Championship in Powerlifting as well as Stephenville Girls programs, the Honeybees, adding their own State Championship in volleyball and two Championships in soccer. The accomplishments in both boys' and girls' programs highlight a strong winning culture that has become synonymous with Stephenville Athletics. This commitment to excellence not only fosters a competitive spirit but also inspires future generations of students in the community.
I wanted to share this message from James that was posted on Facebook to his student-athletes and the Alvin community. This is what coaching beyond the game means. The title of Coach is so important in changing a kid's life. Those kids made a memory that will last a lifetime. Meaningless is just an opinion. Ask those kids and coaches now if the last game was "meaningless" So to All Coaches, be proud and capitalize the title "COACH". Remember it's the influence you make on a young athlete's life that is much more important than the number of wins you get. James is my son and I am extremely proud of him. I know his passion is in the right place, and he does it the right way. Way to go Coach! - Work Hard, Play Hard and Have Fun - Coach Ronnie Gage
WHEN MEANINGLESS MEANS EVERYTHING james gage
Our kids had “nothing to play for,” as most would say. We were 2-7 going into our last game of the year. This season has been a rollercoaster—full of highs, lows, and a lot of emotion. There were things that happened that I can’t discuss, things that made me question my love for the game. I spent much of the first part of the season with a knot in my stomach. But at my lowest point, my wife and family reminded me of something crucial: those boys needed me. No matter what, they needed me to show up every day and be the example they deserved. And they were right.
I pushed past the personal struggles, the negativity, the doubts, and over the last five weeks, I found my passion for coaching again.
Fast forward to Friday night, our final game of the year—the one our kids “had nothing to play for.” A few weeks earlier, I told them that if they kept showing up, working hard, doing the right things, holding themselves accountable, and being good people, something good would eventually happen in their lives.
With 7:18 left on the clock, Memorial scored a touchdown to tie the game. I looked at three of our team captains on offense and said, “Let’s go on a 7:18 drive and win this thing.” Without hesitation, they put their helmets on and said, “We got you, Coach.”
We marched down the field—13 plays, 54 yards, in 7 minutes and 16 seconds. We called a timeout with just 2 seconds left, ball on the 19-yard line, left hash.
Asst. AD/Head Football Coach Alvin High School
We sent out our kicker to attempt the game-winning 36-yard field goal. He was a soccer player who’d never played football before this season. But he wasn’t nervous. He was ready. Ready to win this game for his teammates who hadn’t quit, who had worked so hard to get to this moment. Not only did he kick it… he made it—without a doubt. The crowd went wild. Kids and coaches rushed the field. The band roared. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think we had just won a district championship.
A game that seemed “meaningless” to most ended up meaning EVERYTHING to our boys. Watching their celebration, seeing the smiles, the tears, the hugs— it put everything into perspective. This game is about more than wins and losses. It’s about life. It’s about commitment, trusting the process, believing in something bigger than yourself, overcoming adversity, and never giving up when things get tough.
The boys gave me my first-ever Gatorade bath that night. And even though our final record was 3-7 and we didn’t make the playoffs, that Gatorade bath meant more to me than any playoff win ever could.
I’m proud of our team. Of course, I’m sad the season is over, but I’m excited to watch these young men go on to do great things. For the underclassmen, we’ll use this moment to fuel a great offseason. For the seniors, this is a memory they’ll never forget. I’m honored to wear the title of “Coach.” JPND!!
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 24, 2025
ESPORTS STADIUM
ARLINGTON, TX
What Is The Texas Coaches Leadership Summit?
Since its inception in 2008, the Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation has diligently worked to support Texas high school coaches in their efforts to “help coaches help kids.” In our resolve to not sit around and “do nothing,” and as we think about where we should focus our attention for the greatest impact, it comes down to doing more to equip coaches to use their platform of sports to teach winning attitudes, values, and character traits. This goal of bringing coaches education to the forefront of our mission has driven our preparation for our annual Texas Coaches Leadership Summit.
This signature event was developed from our passion to help coaches Coach Beyond the Game, and into the lives of student-athletes.
The purpose of this Leadership Summit experience is to equip coaches and their staffs with the tools necessary to enhance and encourage the lives of their players. Throughout the day, coaches will be inspired by some amazing and dynamic speakers.
The Texas Coaches Leadership Summit exists to motivate our coaches and other educational leaders from around the state with an injection of inspiration, character development, and positive vision for the sake of our student athletes. Any individual in the education profession can benefit from attending this event. We cordially invite you and ask for your support in encouraging your entire coaching staffs to attend this signature event.
"Our goal is for you to leave the summit inspired, motivated and excited to get back to your athletes to share the knowledge you gained. Knowledge directly from coaches who will share their techniques and tips for teaching Leadership and Character to their student athletes."
THSCA Executive Director, Joe Martin
DISCOUNTED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS & PARKING INFORMATION:
Sheraton Arlington Hotel
($130.00 per night)
Last Day to book 2/3/25 Visit www.thsca.com/summit for booking link. The Sheraton shares a parking lot w/ the venue.
Parking at the Esports Stadium venue will be $10 for the day. Guests of the Sheraton Hotel may park free in the hotel lot.
Tickets are $89 in advance, or $99 at the door.
(Ticket price includes a ticket to the event and a box lunch for the attendee.)
All seating is General Admission. Doors will open at 8:00 AM. The Summit will run from approximately 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
Registration is available now through the THSCA box office on Hometown Ticketing. Use this QR code to access online registration!
If you are unable to attend the event for any reason, you must contact the THSCA offices to request a refund NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15, 2025.
PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE COACH OF THE WEEK
CANE’S FOR THE WIN
wit wisdom&
GIVING
"It's not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."
Mother Teresa
“Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting.”
Brian Tracy
"Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love, or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give."
Steve Goodier
"Sometimes those who give the most are the ones with the least to spare."
Mike McIntyre
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."
Pablo Picasso
" The leader has to be practical and a realist yet must talk the language of the visionary and the idealist."
Eric Hoffer
PASSION & PURPOSE
"If you believe it will work, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't, you will see obstacles."
Wayne Dyer
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails."
John Maxwell
"It is the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed."
Charles Darwin
“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.”
Farrah Gray
FREE THROW SHOOTING BASICS FREE THROW SHOOTING BASICS
By Gilbert Belmontes & Lowell Burris, Retired Coaches
SUCCESSFUL FREE THROW SHOOTING REQUIRES
THE FOLLOWING:
● Confidence
● Sound Mechanics
● A Routine
● Relaxation
● Concentration
● Rhythm
1. CONFIDENCE
A. Think positively - say “ I am going to make this shot ”
B. Mentally picture the ball going through the basket - It always goes in
2. SOUND MECHANICS
A. Stand a few feet behind the free throw line until the official is ready to hand you the ball
B. Receive the ball - position your feetdominant foot up other foot, toe to instep
C. Use the nail - set your feet
D. Balance, hand position - line up your middle finger with the valve on the ball
E. Elbow in - the elbow keeps the ball straight
3. ROUTINE
A. Simulate a free throw with your dominant hand
B. Develop your own routine - example bounce the ball a few times
4. RELAXATION
A. Learn to relax when shooting free throws
B. Trying too hard does not work. It leads to tension
C. Use deep breathing to relax your mind and body
D. Relax your shoulders, take a deep breath, let your shoulders drop and loosen
E. Relax your arms, hands and fingers
5. CONCENTRATION
A. Before shooting visualize a successful shot
B. Just before shooting - concentrate on your target - just over the front of the rim
C. Keep your focus on the target as you shootdo not follow the ball with your eyes
6. RHYTHM
A. Use the down & up motion with your legs
B. Shoot the free throw with a smooth free flowing rhythm
C. Exaggerate your follow through - keep your eyes on the target - keep your follow through - put your wrist in the basket
D. Look like a shooter
DRILLS
1. Perfect shooting - Make 2 free throws from 4 spots (in a row) - The ball has to go in the basket without touching the rim (It has to be perfect)
Variation of Drill 1, make 3 in a row from each spot. This is a good shooting drill
2. Eyes open - Eyes closed
Get a partner
Shoot five free throws with eyes open (partner records makes)
Then shoot five free throws with eyes closed (partner records makes)
3. Start with five free throws, make one free throw go to four (Drop one on every make) if you miss, add one. Objective is to get to zero.
Every time a player shoots a free throw I say “Deep breath, relax” as I sit on the bench, that is what the player should be saying to himself.
Name:___________________
Date:________
around the state
around the state
HOLIDAY INN LONGVIEW
SPEAKERS
Kendall Brewer - McKinney North HS
Carlos Lynn - Crowley HS
Kendall Miller - Frisco Emerson HS Drew Sanders - Austin Vandegrift HS
Jeff Riordan - Chapel Hill HS Gary Patterson
John Snelson - Dickinson HS
Riley Dodge - Southlake Carrol HS
Tyler Schneider - Bixby HS
Clark Orren - Longview HS
300 Tuttle Circle, North Longview, Texas 75605 • 903-663-6464
CLINIC DIRECTORS: John King, Barry Norton, Aaron Henson, Billy Robbins
CLINIC REGISTRATION
Name:
Golf coach 101 by Chris sims
Abilene Cooper HS Girls golf coach
Golf is a sport that most resembles life - it’s just you and the golf course. Your opponents do not affect your swings, chips, or putts. There are obstacles along the way, but if you have learned all the “shots,” the round will be easier and more enjoyable. Coaching golf in high school (and now middle school as well), I have learned that players require more than instruction on the swing and strategy. They require a “life coach.”
With 48 years experience in golf, from playing junior tours, high school, college, professional, and now coaching for 11 years, I see the game from a different perspective. Within a few weeks, any student can learn to make contact with the golf ball and cause it to move in the general direction. The trick is teaching them to accept the outcome, whether good or bad. Professional golfers, on any tour, rarely hit a shot they deem perfect. In reality, they only hit 4 or 5 great shots per round. They make money each week playing a game because their misses are better than most. High school golfers may hit a few shots they like, but rarely strike the ball perfectly, but their misses are usually off the map. When I learned to teach my players about “good enough,” they instantly improved their scores because their mentality changed. Golf is said to be 10% physical and 90% mental. Arnold Palmer famously said, “Golf is predominantly played in the 6 inches between the ears.” If a game is mostly mental, life must be much more of a mental experience. I now see coaching golf as a way to teach players to analyze a situation instead of just reacting to them. Life is going to throw situations at you and you must be able to see them for what they are, but you must also figure out how to navigate them in the best way possible.
After a tournament round, my players know I’m going to ask them first about their decision making before I ask about their score. This allows me to gauge their mental game and where we need focus. I have yet to have a player tell me they thought through their round perfectly- making good decisions on every shot and keeping their mindset “in the moment.” They always return to the scene of the crime; a shot they didn’t think through or a decision that led to a poor outcome. They may or may noy have hit the ball well on the shot in question, but it probably didn’t affect the outcome. It was their decision-making that caused strife. In life, if we don’t learn to assess the situation BEFORE making a decision and acting, the outcome is rarely what we hoped for.
I love this game of golf- I get to use the sport to teach life. Coaching is not only Xs and Os in the sport; it’s more about caring for the athlete and guiding them through the course until they can play without finding the penalty areas or bunkers. When a golfer graduates, I pray their life is filled with wonderful playing partners, great shots and low scores.
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Complete the Da as Cowboys HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL SURVEY and be entered to win $5,000 in Oakley eyewear for your team or sch l! Scan the QR code to complete and enter!
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Package Value Provides 25 Units of Oakley Eyewear
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
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 $159, 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 19 ($90 after January 19, no refunds after this date)
To pre-register, please send the registration form and a check payable to: D DFW Coaches Clinic 30801 Beck Road Bulverde, Texas 78163
Check our website for clinic updates or to register www.coachesclinic.net E-mail — coachesclinic@yahoo.com
Largest High School Only Football Clinic in Texas!
chad dunnam region 1 - senior director
Who is your biggest influence as a coach?
Where did you go to high school? participated in football, Basketball & Track at Wheeler Hs for Coach ronnie karcher.
Where did you go to College?
played football for Northwestern oklahoma state university. graduated in 1998 with a bachelors degree in Health & Physical Education
coaching experience:
1998 Northwestern oklahoma state univ. graduate Assist.
1999-2005 palo duro hs football/strength & conditioning/track/soccer
2006-2008 pampa HS football defensive coord./strength coord./track
2009-2013 tascosa HS football defensive coord./strength coord./head track
2013-2017 dumas HS head football/athletic coordinator
2018-present amarillo HS head football/athletic coordinator
I have been influenced greatly by some great men in this profession. My former boss at Palo Duro High School, Steve Parr, had a great impact on my coaching career. The way he cared about kids regardless of their talent level had a great impact on me. He also cared for his coaches and their families...even though it didn't seem like it at times because he could give you the best chewin' you have ever had. Coach Parr really cared and loved his people! The greatest impact on my life has been my Dad, Scott Dunnam. He taught me how to work. He taught me the value of great preparation. He taught me that a man's attitude through successes and failures will greatly affect the outcomes...having a great attitude was always an expectation of Dad's. He taught me that regardless of your talent level, you can always out-hustle and out-work your opponents. Even though he didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear, Dad has always been one of my greatest supporters as a player and as a coach. I love you DAD!
Do you think the things that were important when you started coaching are still important today? I don't think coaching has changed much over my 27 year career. I will say that my perspective on coaching has changed. Early in my career, winning took priority. Not that I am any less competitive these days, but the impact our program has on young mens' lives has become my top priority....equipping our young people with the tools they need to be successful men, fathers, husbands in life and the eternal value our program has on the lives of our young people has become my priority.
What character trait do you think is most important to impress on today's youth?
I think COMMITMENT and LOYALTY are two character traits that are in danger of being lost within our youth today. Our society has become acceptable with the notion that if you are not happy with something, go somewhere else.... go find your happiness. Our young people are being challenged with future commitment issues because they have been provided with an avenue to go somewhere else, do something else...if you aren't happy, leave. That's not how life works! I fear we are teaching them little to no value in making a commitment; there is no value in being loyal to someone or something. In their adult lives, they will need to value commitment and loyalty in their marriage, with their family and in their profession. Those values will not change.
What was your biggest challenge when you first became a head coach?
My biggest challenge when I first became a head coach was managing a staff and all that entails...Organization, delegation, time management, coordination of facilities within multiple sports to name a few
Serving on the THSCA Board, what is one thing you have learned that you didn't know before? I had no idea of the amount of work and planning that went on behind the scenes within the THSCA. I have seen the association grow just in the time I have been on the board. This growth is a direct reflection of the leadership and vision Coach Martin, Coach West, Coach Polk and Coach Pacheco have provided the Board of Directors.
region 2 - senior director kevin crane
Where did you go to high school?
participated in football and golf portales Hs (portales, nm) for Coach glen johnson, coach mark mcafee and his dad, coach bobby crane.
Where did you go to College?
played golf at new mexico junior college. graduated with his bachelors degree in 2003 from eastern new mexico univ., and then recieved his masters in school administration from tx A&M univ.-kingsville in 2009.
coaching experience:
2 years muleshoe isd ms & varsity football/ms basketball & track/JV Baseball
4 years alice hs football offensive coord./asst. track
12 years san angelo HS football offensive coord./asst. track
3 years san angelo HS head football coach/campus coordinator
1 year midway HS football offensive coordinator
Who is your biggest influence as a coach?
My Dad and Brother. Dad was a longtime Coach / AD / Principal / [now Retired] (Sudan, Lubbock Cooper, Graham, Vernon). Brother Kodi Crane is currently the AD / HFC at Caddo Mills HS
How do you explain to other coaches the importance of being involved in the THSCA?
My 1st job in Muleshoe David Wood was our HC was, and he was on the Board of Directors. I remember thinking to myself, man I would like to do that one day. Coach Wood introduced me to the association and showed me the importance of going to regional meetings, etc. Then when I went to work for Brent Davis, he took it to another level for me. We would always attend the regional meeting and coaching school while working for Coach Davis. He was also on the board of directors while I was working with him. So again, I got a behind the scenes look at what being a board member was all about. I am thankful to have worked for people like Coach Wood and Coach Davis who showed me the importance of being involved with the association. To add I just think that the networking opportunities are huge both at the regional meetings and coaching school. Also, the professional development that is offered at coaching school is something that should be taken advantage of.
Are the things that were important when you first started coaching, still important?
Yes, I still believe that the things that were important 20 years ago are still important today. Old-fashioned hard work, being consistent, being disciplined have always been important and will continue to be important.
How have you seen THSCA grow in your time serving on the board?
It's been amazing to see! The biggest change in my opinion is the number of female coaches who attend coaching school. When I first started attending coaching school in 2002 there were very few female coaches if any. Now due to the vision of Joe Martin, Glen West & others there is a ton of professional development opportunities for all coaches both male and female and in sports outside of football. Also, having served on the board of directors with Amanda Wolf-Schramm and Laqueisha Dickerson has been a great experience and historic for those awesome ladies.
What advice would you offer a young coach just starting out?
I love this question! There is such a shortage of HS coaches, and I want to try to help the mentor in any way possible. My advice to young coaches is to simply work hard! Find ways to be around the field house helping out. When I started in MS, I would go to the HS every day after practice just to see if I could help. Also, show up on the weekends and sit in the meetings offense or defense it doesn't matter. Better yet rotate by week. Every time there is a chance to be up at the facility with the HS staff be there and have a pen and paper with you to write down notes and also ask questions when applicable. As a young football coach, I would encourage you to learn OL Play and Secondary Play. Once you learn those positions you will have a leg up on most coaches. I would also add that it is important to help set up the field for practice, help put gear up after practice. Help with setting up the weight room or for off-season workouts. Simply by being consistent in showing up and working hard, you will be on the right track. Other coaches will help you whenever you have questions, but being willing to work hard is an advantage, and you will quickly find yourself being promoted.
dave henigan region 3 - senior director
Who is your biggest influence as a coach?
Where did you go to high school?
participated in football at fountain valley Hs (Fountain valley, CA) for Coach mike milner.
Where did you go to College?
Played qb and attended university of Pacific. graduating in 1994 with a bachelors degree in political economics, and then receiving his masters in liberal arts from Southern Methodist Univ. in 1997.
coaching experience:
1 year ole miss univ. graduate assistant Football - tight ends
2 years southern methodist univ. graduate assistant Football - wide receivers
1 year allen hs freshman football/jv basketball
1 year univ. of pittsburg graduate assistant Football - Offensive line
3 years highland park hs football/jh basketball
2 years denton ryan hs football offensive coord.
5 years corsicana hs head football coach
5 years grapevine hs head football coach
11 years denton ryan HS head football coach/campus athletic coord.
My biggest influence as a Coach is my Dad. He was my HS Coach and showed me the most important thing there is in coaching. In my opinion, the fact that you can be a great coach and be a great husband and father if you prioritize both. He taught me that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
What is a lesson you learned as an athlete that affects the way you coach?
One lesson I learned as an athlete that affects the way I coach, is that you don’t have to be a coach that screams and yells all the time to get your point across. My QB coach in HS never raised his voice. I am not quite like that, but I am much more of a teacher than a person who yells at kids. I don’t think kids respond to screaming and yelling all the time.
What character trait do you find is important to impress upon today's youth?
One of the character traits I think is most important to impress upon kids today is Grit. Being able to overcome adversity and figure out a way through tough times is a huge component of being a great football player and a great team. It is also directly translatable to life. You must possess Grit to be successful. Life will be hard sometimes. Grit is a quality that will help you persevere.
Serving on the THSCA board, what is one thing you have learned that you didn't know before serving?
I think serving on the Board of Directors has really opened my eyes to how much is going on behind the scenes to continue to make Texas High School sports the best in the nation. Our THSCA leadership and office staff work relentlessly to continue to stay on the forefront of all thing’s athletics. It’s imperative that all coaches understand how special and unique Texas HS athletics is, in comparison to the rest of the nation. The THSCA is critical to our longevity, and I’ve seen it firsthand, since being elected to the Board.
What advice would you offer a young coach, just starting out?
The advice I offer young coaches is to be willing to do anything. Nothing should be beneath you. Don’t ever forget that what we do is all about the kids. Coach where your feet are. A lot of times young coaches are looking for the promotion before they have put any of the work in. My experience has been if you are the best coach where you are, then doors will open for you in your career
region 3 - senior director - at-large allen gratts
Where did you go to high school?
participated in basketball, baseBall & TRACK at weatherford Hs for Coaches harold scott, john mathews & Jim yarnell.
Where did you go to College?
attended Weatherford college where he played college basketball for 2 seasons. graduated from Texas A&I in 1990 with a degree in Secondary Education & played basketball for the Javelinas for 2 seasons.
coaching experience:
1990-1993 cleburne jh Football/basketball/track
1993-1998 cleburne hs Assistant basketball/football/track
1998-2000 fw paschal HS head basketball coach
2012-2014 franklin HS football offensive coor.
2000-present arlington bowie HS head basketball coach/athletic coord.
Who is your biggest influence as a coach?
My biggest influence as a coach is my mentor and former head coach at Cleburne HS Jeff Cody. I came to Cleburne two months out of college thinking I knew how to coach. I was wrong. I knew the game I loved, but was not the coach I thought I was.
What is a lesson you learned as an athlete that most influences the way you coach?
The one lesson learned as an athlete that has the most effect on the way I coach is sacrifice. As an athlete that always wanted to be the best, there were things that you had to give up. That did not change when becoming a coach. Most coaches say they put family first, but most don't. During the season, it's just not possible to be there for the people you love all the time.
Are the things that were important when you first started coaching, still important?
The things that were important when I first started coaching are still important today. Having good character was just expected 35 years ago and now it has to be taught daily. A lot has changed. Few kids at my school live with both parents. Most are raised by their mother or even grandmother. As male coaches, dealing with young men, it is our obligation to teach character above anything.
What piece of advice would you offer a young coach, just starting out?
The one piece of advice that I would give to a young coach starting out is to find you a mentor. I was very fortunate to have Jeff Cody as mine. There will come a time when you are going to need to hear a voice that has already been through what you might be going through. This profession is about work but at the same time you must have a balance. We have a lot of good young coaches leaving the profession way too soon due to burn out.
How have you seen THSCA grow in your time serving on the board?
I have seen THSCA grow in so many ways since being on the Board of Directors. The things this organization does for coaches, kids, families, and athletics in the state of Texas is incredible! It's our obligation as board members and former members to inform as many coaches as possible across the state what this organization really does. Most coaches just see coaching school. It goes so much deeper than that. I have been blessed to serve as a Director for THSCA.
fred staugh region 4 - senior director
Who is your biggest influence as a coach?
Where did you go to high school? participated in football (And Baseball as a freshman), graduating from flower mound Hs playing under Coach Cody Vanderford.
Where did you go to College?
played football for univ. of colorado (2002-2004) and then Indiana state univ. (2004-2006), receiving his bachelors degree in business management in 2007.
coaching experience:
2008-2010 muenster hs football/jh basketball/ powerlifting/track/softball
2010-2012 flower mound HS football/soccer
2012-2015 farmersville HS football/basketball/powerlifting/track
2015-2017 andrews HS football/track
2017-2019 mccamey HS Head football coach/athletic director
2019-present monahans HS Head football coach/athletic director
Allen Cross was my offensive line coach at Flower Mound High School and the first head coach/athletic director that I ever worked for. I learned so much about how to coach, how to treat kids, and that the details matter.
How do you explain to other coaches the importance of being involved in the THSCA?
It is important to be involved and take interest in THSCA because of the interest they take in us and what we do everyday. They really are dedicated to helping coaches to help kids. THSCA truly has the interest of public education and high school athletics at heart.
Do you think the things that were important when you first started coaching are still important today?
Yes, I believe that what was important then is still important today. Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Kids can see through coaches who are just going through the motions, or those who are not doing this line of work for the right reasons. You must work every day to be your best. How you do anything is how you do everything.
What character trait do you think is important to impress on today’s youth? We must continue to teach our youth to overcome adversity. Not every contest is going to go our way, but neither is life. There will be ups and downs. We must have the ability to work our hardest to get what we want, and even so, things may not go our way. We must continue to improve and overcome adversity no matter the circumstances.
How have you seen THSCA grow during your time on the board?
The THSCA has grown substantially, not only in the number of members that we have, but also the number of talented coaches from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to the overall growth, success, and health of the organization. THSCA continues to offer resources to all of the coaches of this great state, and we are only getting better
region 7 - senior director jerry carpentier
Where did you go to high school? participated in football, Basketball & baseball at hebbronville Hs for Coach jose cantu.
Where did you go to College?
participated in football at mcmurry univ. before graduating from Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2002 with a bachelors of science. Went on earn his masters in educational leadership in 2019 from lamar univ coaching experience:
2003-2013 banquete HS football/basketball/track
2013-2014 mcallen memorial HS Football assistant coach
2014-2016 kingsville king HS football offensive coord./powerlifting
2016-2017 Bruni HS athletic director/head football
2017-2020 freer HS athletic director/head football
2020-2023 santa gertrudis academy HS head football/head track 2023-present odem HS football Def. coord./girls coord./head track
Who is your biggest influence as a coach?
I got into the profession because of my HS Coach Jose Cantu. He was a positive influence in my life growing up and it influenced my decision to become a coach. He came out of retirement to work on my staff during my first two HC jobs so that was special. My first HC/AD Kevin Hermes was also a big influence for me starting out. I watched how he treated our athletes and was always involved. How he always taught our kids about class & character and the impact it has on their daily lives, which is something I still use today.
How do you explain to other coaches the importance of being involved in the THSCA?
I think the big thing is informing coaches how much THSCA does for coaches year-round. Everyone remembers Coaching School but not many know about the ins and outs of the association. The representation the association provides for coaches and being the voice for our coaches and athletes throughout the country is something most coaches do not know about the association. Coaches need to understand that their concerns matter to THSCA and will be heard.
How have you seen THSCA grow during your tenure on the board?
I came on to the board at a time of change and some history. We elected the first African American President in Kendall Miller and served alongside the first female director Amanda-Wolf Schramm which were big moves for the association. Those moves show how far the association has grown from being just a “football coaches association” to what it is today. During my time on the board, our membership numbers have increased, and we now provide more professional development opportunities than ever before. With all of the lectures at coaching school plus on-site and off-site demos, the association is providing so much for our coaches to grow in this profession.
Serving on the THSCA Board, what is one thing you have learned that you did not know before serving?
How much work our Leadership & Staff put in for our coaches. Joe, Glenn, Brian & Libby work tirelessly year-round to make things better. They are always willing to listen to coaches from each region and ask tough questions. Always willing to find answers and improve every aspect of the association if it makes things better for kids and coaches.
What piece of advice would you offer a young coach, just starting out?
Be a sponge and soak up all the information you can during your first few years. Learn the little things about your program and why they are done. Learn about every facet of your program, (practice planning, game planning, strength & conditioning, budgets), that will help prepare you to move up. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your HC/AC was once in your shoes, and they don’t want you to fail. They want to teach and coach the next generation of coaches. Also, network as much as you can, you never know when that connection you made may pay off. Lastly, be involved and make your voice count! Be involved with your campus and district but most importantly with THSCA.
lance moffett region 8 - senior director
Who is our biggest influence as a coach?
Where did you go to high school?
participated in football & track at arlington Hs for Coaches Mike O'Brien, Mike Stovall, Andy Lester and Gerald Brown.
Where did you go to College?
walk-on football player for southwest texas state university, graduating in 1991 with a bachelors degree in exercise sports science.
coaching experience:
1992-1993 mayde creek jh - katy football/basketball/track
1993-1996 conroe HS Varsity Football/basketball/baseball
1996-2004 caney creek HS asst. head football/special teams & offensive coord.
2004-2006 caney creek HS athletic coord./head football coach
2006-2009 vista ridge HS asst. head football/track
2009-2011 stony point HS football/Strength Coordinator/track/girls basketball
2011-2022 fredericksburg HS athletic director/head football coach
2022-present hays cons. isd head athletic director
Andy Lester Arlington HS, Conroe HS, and Caney Creek HS, Mike O’Brien Arlington HS/Conroe HS = HS Head Coach-1st HS Job Head Coach, Joe Sheffy Mayde Creek HS AC/HC = 1st Job HC, Mike Ferrell –Conroe HS Head Baseball Coach, Allan Sapp= Caney Creek HS AC/HC, Bill Wilder Vista Ridge HS HC, Craig Chesshire Stony Point HS HC, AJ Loth Fredericksburg HS DC, Rick Loth St. Mary’s School AC/HC Fredericksburg – Tom Landry from afar as a kid – I named my daughter Landry, as she was born in 2000, the year Coach Landry Passed… I also had the opportunity to attend an FCA Banquet as a player in MS where he spoke and FCA Week of Champions Camp in HS. They all played a role in influencing my coaching and career, but probably Andy Lester is the greatest influence as I had the opportunity to play for him at Arlington HS, Coach under him as he was the First Assistant at Conroe HS, and work along side him as he joined our staff at Caney Creek when I was a young first time Head Coach. He will also always be known to me as the “Warrior” as he continued to Coach for many years after he was diagnosed with cancer and was on dialysis while finishing his coaching until he received a transplant. He never missed a day of practice or planning during that time, never complained, and continued to model service leadership and a gracious attitude for our players and coaches.
What is the one lesson you learned as an athlete that most effects the way you coach now? They don’t all love it as much as you do- that is the reason you became a coach– you learn that as a captain on your team and as a leader in coaching and when leading a team. You have to find a way to convince or trick them into believing they love it as much as you do.
Do you think the things that were important when you first started coaching are still important today? Nope – as a young coach it was all about me and winning so I could move up and climb the ladder = very transactional. At some point along the way God put me into leadership positions and brought influencers into my life who where great servant leaders and I began to figure it out. I believe I had to fail in order to move forward and get my priorities straight in regard to becoming a transformational Christian servant leader. I also believe having your own children is huge in helping us all understand how we should coach others’ children. I’ve heard it since the beginning of my career and said it –“We are going to Coach them like they are our own” if that is the case, then we can never give up on them, any of them.
How have you seen THSCA grow during your time on the board?
We have made a deliberate and monumental effort to become the association of/for all Coaches and as a result we have grown our numbers and influence exponentially and considerably. With that comes great responsibility, and I believe we have answered that call as well.
Serving on the THSCA Board, what is one thing you have learned that you didn’t know before serving? The scope and depth of the service of our mission, the love we all have as a team for each other, and the willingness of the group/association to stand up for each other in times of need and adversity
one, two, three, hoooooray for gary lee: Lessons learned from Coach D
By randy rose | nephew and former player of coach Gary Davenport
Monday, October 7th, 2024. To some, it’s just a random date… just “another day,” that is now “living” as a statistic in a historical book measuring the passing of time. Most days are like that to all of us. They come and go with no real significance or meaning unless we attach meaning to it…or, unless something that has its own meaning or value to us on a personal level occurs on that day. Both of these scenarios are the case for Monday, October 7th, 2024 – a date that DOES have significance and value for MANY people.
On October 7th, 2024, the Texas High School Coaching world lost an important person…a man whose career spanned 43 years, and that coached (maybe served is the better word) within many communities across our great State of Texas. This particular coach impacted many lives, both directly and indirectly, during his time. However, before I go any further, I must confess an ulterior motive for the writing of this article. October 7th, 2024 is also a very important date for me personally…it’s not only the day the Texas Coaching world lost a great one, it’s the day I lost my Uncle, Coach Gary Davenport – a man that I consider to be far more than just a great coach.
Please know in advance…I hesitated to even write this article, because I don’t want it to appear as if I’m seeking accolades for Coach Davenport (humility was one of his most important values, and he wouldn’t want the focus to be placed on him ). I am also not seeking condolences, nor do I have any agenda OTHER than this: I wanted to share three valuable lessons I learned from watching my Uncle’s life and coaching career that I feel are relevant to everything I value about YOU...our amazing high school coaches, educators, and community servants. Those lessons are: 1. Gratefulness: 2. Investment; and 3. The power of reverberation.
What each of you do matters beyond just the wins and losses (although, I know the world most often judges success in the sporting world that way). While I acknowledge wins and building programs are an important and necessary part of high-school sports, I hate that the amazing values and lessons you as coaches and educators pour into the young men and women (at such a critical period in their lives) are often lost in the craziness we all live and operate in during this time. Coach Davenport cared about people…they mattered to him (especially the youth). Coaches, you matter…you’re important to these youth you are investing in, and to your fellow coaches. THAT’S what I’m writing about today…the lessons that my Uncle, Coach Davenport, taught me…which are all underscored with the idea that the value you add to other human beings is what matters most.
If you will indulge me, I would like to share just two quotes (of many) I found in an online article a day after Coach Davenport’s passing. Please know…these quotes aren’t meant to pay homage to Coach Davenport, they’re meant to lay the foundation for the lessons I learned from HOW he lived and coached, and why the work all you do is so incredibly important in our world today:
“He was hard, he was tough, but you always knew deep down that he truly cared about you,” Sinton head football coach Michael Troutman said. “I can remember several times when he was getting on me, but then he would end by telling me he loved me. That was the first time I heard that from a coach. We lost a coaching legend and it hurts. We lost a big part of South Texas football and someone who was a big part of my life.” -- Coach Troutman, Sinton (and former player for Coach Davenport)
-Corpus Christi Caller Times (online) – Author, Rey Castillo , Updated 10/18/24
“He was a great man to work for! He taught me things I still use today. He mentored me and a lot of other coaches. We were a family when we worked with him. He fostered that culture. All of us have been back and forth on the phone with each other since we heard the news. We are so very saddened by his passing. We loved him.”
-- Coach Kieschnick, GP Volleyball Head Coach
-KRIS 6 News (online) – Author, Larissa Liska, Updated 10/9/2024
If you look at the words of these coaches…who are currently impacting youth today…there are valuable lessons to be learned. Although there are too many lessons packed in those statements to cover in this article, there are three lessons I mentioned above that I want to share with you. These are the very things you as coaches and educators are doing for our youth and for your peers…things that matter now and that will matter for generations to come.
Gratefulness:
I know it’s cliched, but it’s so true – the loss of someone close to you will shift your perspective, and it’ll do it quickly. Patience is a lost virtue in our society today…we expect wins immediately, we want social media likes immediately, and we don’t have more than a few minutes to spend talking to someone when we can just snap them. We often don’t even have the time to learn how to practice patience. What’s sad is, most of the time, we’re not even patient enough to invest in, enjoy, take pleasure in, and work on/in the relationships with those most important to us. We get caught up in busyness…in “life,” and we forget to be grateful for those relationships with those around us. And then, one day, all of those missed (and future) opportunities to practice gratefulness for those relationships are gone. Very suddenly, those missed opportunities all matter more than any of the busyness or other “things” that seemed more important at the time. It’s imperative that we take every opportunity to be grateful for the people, the “things,” and those special moments we are afforded in this life. Above all, it’s important that we are grateful for the relationships we have in this world. The aforementioned quotes, above all else, were recognizing the value of relationship. So…I challenge you –tell someone important to you that you love them, give someone a hug, call a friend just to talk, or actually listen to the story your child is trying to tell you. In short, practice gratitude…intentionally…you never know when you won’t be able to do it again.
Investment:
Today, in the sports world, it feels like the investment is more in winning and money, than in the player. While this is expected in professional (and now college) sports, it’s also becoming the norm for high school sports. This article isn’t about sports though. The quotes above tell a secret. The references to Coach Davenport in the quotes above don’t speak about his investing in winning. They speak about his investing in humans. He was investing in the culture. He realized that by investing in the people, it ALLOWED for the
wins to follow (and he enjoyed a greater success as a coach by celebrating the people WITH the wins ). The secret is this… if you invest in the right things, the outcomes will take care of themselves. The wins will follow. The money will follow. The happiness will follow. The joy will follow. The legacy will follow. These blessings are all natural byproducts of investing in others with a pure heart. We often work so hard to make sure we’re checking boxes, doing the work, putting in hours, and whatever else…but we don’t often take the time to make sure that what we’re investing ALL OF THAT EFFORT into is the right thing. What are you investing in these days? Is it your loved ones? Relationships? Service to others? The youth? Your peers? Or, is it the dollar, the car, the recognition, or likes on a social media platform? Coach Davenport had it figured it out…investing in others creates success for all – now AND for years to come. It’s so simple…or, maybe it’s not.
Reverberation:
I do like the word legacy, but honestly, I like the word reverberation better. Reverberation means “to be repeated several times as an echo, or to have continuing and serious effects.” Isn’t that what we’re all really after? To be important to others…to matter. To have DONE something that MEANT something? The quotes I shared above (and other ones online) are reverberation quotes. “He impacted everyone,” “He will always be a part of who I am,” and “We loved him.” Coach Davenport not only impacted THESE individuals, but he is also impacting the coming generations THROUGH them. It’s like an echo traveling through time. We often talk about the concept that everyone is a leader and impacts SOMEONE. Every encounter you have with another human being could be a potential impact that is echoed through time. Something as simple as telling an athlete or fellow coach that you love them may impact them forever. It may be the one thing that shows the person another way of living, a different version of life than they’ve been experiencing so far…one of love and care…one that they can carry forward and use to help impact the “next person.” Don’t discount the power of reverberation and how the smallest of voices (or actions) can carry forward in a big way. You are an important human being and have opportunity as a coach to impact soooo many others. When you embrace the power of reverberation (your service to others), you can change the world. Even after you’re gone.
So…are you using your voice? Are you investing in others? Are you grateful for those in your life or that you encounter every day? If so, you WILL change the world. Think that’s dumb? You might, but I don’t believe so. After all, who would have thought a small-town kid from Brady, Texas would grow up, and through coaching, profoundly impact thousands? Yes, thousands, because the coaches and youth he interacted with are carrying forward his gratitude, his investment, and are echoing his time on this earth to new generations of youth. That’s the best return on investment possible.
I thank Coach Davenport for these lessons and for giving us the opportunity to share them with others. I thank all of you for being servants to our state’s youth and for continuing to make relationships matter during a time where the world places value on other things. Although Coach Davenport took his game to Heaven’s grandstands, I do believe his echo is still reverberating here on earth. I thank you for keeping his echo going while also creating your own.
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TRIPLE JUMP IN THREE RINGS
TRIPLE JUMP IN THREE RINGS
Teaching the Basics of the Three Phase Jump to Beginners
Written by: Fred Grindle Retired Track Coach
At the age of six, my grandson came to me with a “great” idea. He wanted me to teach him how to triple jump. He had seen the event on TV and was intrigued as to how it worked. He was actually skeptical that anyone could “really” do the event. So, being the good grandfather (as we all are), I told him that I’d put a plan together and we could start to train for the event in his spare time. I figured that would be the end of it and chalked the request up to a passing fancy. Nothing would come of it I thought as many of such ideas had come and gone over the years. It reminded me of a year earlier when he wanted to learn to pole vault. I found an old broken pole and began with the basics. It worked out that he would rather run down the sidewalk using the pole vault pole as a jousting stick while riding his imaginary pony. Needless to say, the would be vaulter lasted all of a few days. The pole is still in our garage only brought out to get something out of a tree or bush. However, to my surprise, he came back several times within the next two weeks asking if I had finished putting the training plan together and when were we going to get started on his “training.” I then started to take him seriously and decided to put something together.
Being a six-year-old at the time presented its own set of challenges for me. First was to teach him the basic principals of the event while making
it a fun and learnable experience. Secondly, the matter of the hop, step, and jump created a visual that a six-year-old mind would have a hard time wrapping himself around. Lucky for me was that he loved to jump and was constantly jumping over and onto thing. He had been “jumping” for a long time over puddles, across streams, from seam to seam on sidewalks, up onto various pieces of furniture, and jumping at anything else he would come upon. That was a great start, but putting three distinct movements together in a singular action created something that even beginners in high school had problems with.
Thinking about where to start, it came to mind that both he and his sister had loved to jump into and over their hula hoops when they were small. So why not start with something he was familiar with and make that the teaching tool. I chose three hoops because of the three facets of the jump, but to emphasize the parts of the phases I chose to have two of the hoops in a matching color and the third as a different color. The two colors would create a visual for him to understand that his feet should match the colors. Thus, if the right foot entered the first ring, it must be the right foot that lands in the second ring (same color as the first ring). Then the left foot must be the one that enters the third ring as it is a different color from the first two. You could
add a third color ring at the end to represent the landing area that both feet should land in. We never got to use this fourth ring of a third color as my grand son naturally picked up the landing on two feet after he left the third ring. What we had accomplished was to provide a visual for the respected phases indicating that the two of the same color would be the same foot and the other non-matching color would be the foot not used in the first two.
Next was to lay out the hoops in straight line touching each other so that it was one color followed by its matching color and the third nonmatching color finishing the link at the end while touching the middle color. We actually did this in our living room before moving outside. It was easy then having my grandson to step into the first ring on one leg and landing into the second (middle) ring on the same leg followed by landing in the third ring on his opposite leg before hopping out of the third ring and landing on both feet. I will interject here that we did this over several days (not consecutive but as his interest allowed him). Also, the grandson was allowed to practice this phase starting on different legs (his choice) until he felt comfortable as to which would be his hop and step leg and which would be his jump leg. This went very quickly as he almost instantly preferred the right, right, and left sequence to the other. Then, he would use that combination for the remainder of his learning experience. After he had learned the process, we began to moving the hoops apart until reaching his optimum standing start jumping ability.
We then proceeded to the walk up and jump while again moving the hoops apart slowly as he mastered the skill while moving forward. Walk up then evolved to slow jog followed by faster jog and eventually a run. This runup would also be increased in distance on his approach as he became better at the process.
The final phase was to add a takeoff board.
The board/taped line was placed into the first ring and he would now have to hit the board in the ring rather than being able to step anywhere within that ring. In doing this, we moved the rings closer together as to avoid any undo stress trying to reach for the ring. As he grasped the concept, the rings were moved farther apart and the jog/runup was made longer. Again, as his skill level increased, the distances and speed increased. Eventually, the first ring was removed leaving only the takeoff board. Finally, when he seemed comfortable at doing all of this, the rings were removed and he was allowed to triple jump normally without any aids. To my surprise, he triple jumped like a pro and is looking forward to the 2026 track season when he will be able to compete in the event in an organized middle school meet.
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JEFF HAMMOND Head Coach Worth County High School (GA)
FROM THE SIDELINE TO SUPERINTENDENT
BY CHRIS STEINBRUCK SUPERINTENDENT FLOUR BLUFF SCHOOLS
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, the Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees appointed me as Interim Superintendent, and just a day later, we celebrated our second district win at home against Mercedes. Now, stepping into the dual role of Superintendent and Head Football Coach was a unique challenge, likely uncharted territory for any Class 5A school in Texas. The weight of the new responsibility was real, but I knew that how we approached this transition as a staff would determine our success.
Before anything else, I scheduled a meeting with our football staff. I wanted to set the tone and emphasized that this new role wouldn’t be a big deal or a distraction to our team as long as we didn’t make it one. The key was staying focused on our goals and not letting anything shift our attention away from our mission. I made it clear to the staff: we’ve got a job to do, and we’re going to keep doing it with the same commitment and excellence that we always have.
During our all-coaches meeting, I took a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. I wholeheartedly believed that the Board wouldn’t have had the confidence to appoint me as Interim Superintendent if it weren’t for the success of each coach and every program. Our consistent excellence across all programs earned us this opportunity, and I wanted the team to know that. I made sure to emphasize that our success was because of them and the work they do every day, both on and off the field.
This transition from Athletic Director and Head Coach to Superintendent wasn’t just about stepping into a new role—it was about bringing a total team effort to everything we did, from athletics to administration.
Over the years, I’ve been proud of how our staff has embraced this mentality and how it’s shaped our leadership approach. Together, we’ve built something special. The Leadership Team, the Student Football Operations Team, and the Sports Information Team are all products of everyone’s input, collaboration, and commitment. These efforts have made us better—not just on the field but as a school district.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the home visits we’ve incorporated into our football program. Each coach selects a player to visit at home, and we take the time to build deeper relationships with our students and their families. These personal connections strengthen our team and leave a lasting impact. We’ve seen how these visits change the dynamic between coaches and players. It’s not just about football—it’s about building trust, showing that we care, and working together to leave a legacy that goes beyond wins and losses.
When we took on the role of Interim Superintendent, we applied the same principles of teamwork, communication, and readiness that have been at the core of everything we’ve done in athletics. The support from the entire district—coaches, staff, and community members—was crucial in making this transition seamless. Together, we stayed focused and didn’t miss a beat.
By January, the board named me the Lone Finalist for the permanent Superintendent position. Reflecting on that, I realize it wasn’t about one person’s leadership, it was about everyone pulling together and putting the team first. That’s how we’ve always operated, and that’s how we’ll continue to lead.
As I attend the First Time Superintendent Academy alongside over 80 new superintendents, the need for strong leadership in education has never been more
apparent. Nearly 100 schools were still searching for superintendents this past summer, which highlights just how critical it is for leaders to step up and guide their communities through the challenges our schools face. The landscape of public education is changing rapidly, and it needs leaders who are not only ready to tackle these challenges but who can also unite their districts around a shared vision for the future.
To any coach reading this, I want to encourage you to consider how your experiences on the field have uniquely prepared you for leadership roles beyond athletics. Coaches understand the importance of teamwork, the value of clear communication, and the necessity of adaptability—all key qualities that translate seamlessly into school administration. You’ve worked in high-pressure situations, made quick decisions, and developed strategies for success. You’ve built relationships with students, staff, and the community, all while fostering a sense of purpose and unity within your teams. These skills are not just valuable in athletics; they’re essential for leading a school or district.
Leadership in education, especially at the superintendent level, is about serving the entire community. It's about stepping into a role where you can make a broader impact—supporting teachers, staff, and students while shaping the future of education. If
you're a coach who has ever felt the drive to do more, to lead not just your team but your school or district, I encourage you to think about administration. The same qualities that make you a great coach—putting the team first, adapting to challenges, and focusing on every player’s success—are exactly what’s needed in school leadership.
For coaches, the superintendency may seem like a leap, but it's one worth considering. You already have the foundation—leadership, resilience, and the ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal. Transitioning into administration allows you to continue making a difference in the lives of students, staff, and the community, but on an even larger scale. If you’re passionate about shaping the future, supporting your district, and leading in a way that positively impacts the lives of many, the superintendency could be your next calling.
To board members, I urge you to see the potential in your coaches. The skills they’ve developed on the field— leading, motivating, and problem-solving—are exactly the qualities that make strong district leaders. Together, we can inspire the next generation of educational leaders by recognizing the tremendous value coaches bring to the administrative table.
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TEACHING TACTICS: SIMPLIFYING SUCCESS IN A COMPLEX GAME
BY CHRISTA HENRY
PLEASANT GROVE HS - BOYS & GIRLS HEAD SOCCER COACH
Soccer is a beautiful game, rich in depth and nuance. While soccer is complex, its essence is simple: one ball, two goals, and the goal of moving that ball forward together. My experiences as a player and coach—from Division 1 to high school—have shown me that the fundamental principles of soccer are consistent across all levels. Mastering the basics allows players to focus on teamwork and strategy, ultimately enhancing their performance.
In third grade, while my dad coached our basketball team, he often quoted Pat Summitt: “Offense sells tickets, defense wins games, rebounding wins championships.” This simple yet powerful phrase has stayed with me throughout my playing career. Now, transitioning to a coaching role, it has adapted to: “Scoring wins fans, defending wins games, possession wins championships.” This mantra highlights the importance of teaching simple tactics, as true success in the complex game of soccer comes from mastering the fundamentals and effectively controlling the game.
Specifically I’ve found that teaching these key offensive and defensive principles boosts players' soccer IQ and tactical awareness. By focusing on these core ideas, I emphasize that simplicity is more effective.
This "less is more" approach helps athletes internalize strategies, improve their decision-making, and develop a cohesive team dynamic, leading to better overall performance.
Offense >>>
POSSESSION
Maintaining possession is the core principle of effective gameplay, as it enables a team to control the tempo and flow of the match. By keeping the ball, the team can dictate play and create scoring opportunities while limiting the opponent's chances. This strategic advantage is crucial for establishing dominance on the field.
WIDTH
Utilizing width is essential for stretching the opposition and opening up the field. Using the width, a team can create gaps in the defense, allowing for more attacking opportunities. This approach not only disrupts the opponent’s shape but also increases the speed of play and facilitates dynamism in the attacking third.
2 TOUCH MAX
Players should strive for a maximum of two touches to maintain speed of play and promote fluid ball movement. This approach encourages quick decision-making and minimizes the time the ball spends stationary, allowing for faster transitions and counterattacks. Preparation is key to playing within two touches. Body positioning, checking the shoulder, and playing the way you face are coaching points I encourage within possession. By keeping touches to a minimum, teams can enhance their overall rhythm and create more dynamic offensive opportunities.
OFF BALL MOVEMENT
Off-ball movement is crucial in any effective strategy, as players need to consistently make runs to create options for their teammates. By actively engaging in movement, they draw defenders away and open up space on the field. This constant movement not only supports ball carriers but also enhances the team's overall attacking threat. I emphasize teammates to make sure every player on the ball has at least two to three passing options at all times.
NO TURNOVERS IN MIDDLE THIRD
Avoiding turnovers in the middle third is vital for maintaining control of the game and preventing the opposing team from exploiting transitions. When possession is lost in the middle third, it often leads to quick counter attacks with balls over the top or in behind the backline. By prioritizing ball security in the midfield, teams can better manage the flow of play and reduce the risk of conceding goals.
FINISHING
Finishing is the final product. A team's ability to capitalize on chances directly impacts their success and can determine the outcome of a match. Therefore, honing finishing skills is essential for maximizing offensive efforts, maintaining an offensive threat throughout the match, and securing victories.
Defense >>>
1V1 DEFENDING
The core principle of defending is the team’s ability to be disciplined and patient in 1v1 situations. Strong 1v1 defending is essential, as individual duels can significantly influence the outcome of a play. When a defender successfully engages an opponent, they can slow down the play, regain possession, or force the ball into less threatening areas of the field. This individual skill not only impacts the immediate situation but also contributes to the overall defensive solidity and confidence of the team.
GET BEHIND THE BALL
Getting behind the ball is critical for establishing defensive solidity and ensuring that the team can regroup effectively when under pressure. After a turnover or change of possession a team’s first steps must be to establish themselves between the ball and
the goal. This tactic enables players to create a compact defensive structure, making it more difficult for the opposition to connect and play through their lines. By prioritizing this positioning, teams can maintain organization and resilience.
NARROW
Maintaining a narrow shape is crucial for limiting the opponent's space, effectively forcing them into less advantageous positions. By compacting the defensive unit, a team can reduce the gaps that attackers exploit, making it harder for the opposition to find opportunities. This strategic alignment both enhances defensive stability and encourages effective pressure on the ball.
PRESSURE, COVER, BALANCE
The concepts of pressure, cover, and balance are fundamental to effective team defense, as they ensure that players collaborate seamlessly to provide a united front. By applying pressure to the ball carrier, the first defender can force mistakes or capitalize on a poor first touch. It can also help dictate play by forcing the ball in a specific direction, with an angled approach or using the sideline as another defender. Providing cover underneath helps to prevent the second passing option. Maintaining balance across the defensive line allows for quick adjustments and support, especially if your opponent has pace and/or skill on the wing or tends to be more linear and looks to play balls over the top in transition. Ultimately holding strong lines and preventing large seams strengthens the team's overall defensive structure.
MIDLINE
The midline serves as a crucial strategic point, and teams must be conscious of their positioning in relation to it. Shifting as a unit towards the midline can prevent the team from being at a disadvantage in numbers, especially if the opponent tends to overload a side or relies heavily on their midfielders in possession. Getting midline also allows players to maintain an effective balance between attacking and defending, facilitating quick transitions. By being mindful of their positioning, teams can better control the game's dynamics and enhance their overall tactical effectiveness.
WIN 50/50S
Winning 50/50s is vital for regaining possession
and asserting control over the match. These contested situations often dictate the flow of play, as winning the ball can shift momentum in favor of the team. Ideally a team’s defensive goal would be to create disruption in possession by forcing a poor first touch, miscued pass, or a 50/50 ball. By consistently emerging victorious in these battles, players can enhance their team’s ability to dominate in possession and control the momentum of a game.
In conclusion, teaching athletes tactical understanding is essential for enhancing their play, regardless of skill level. When players grasp the fundamentals, they gain the freedom to improvise and adapt, infusing their unique style into each play. Coaching players to be great decision makers creates the balance between simplicity and innovation allowing for endless possibilities in strategic and expressive play. Mastering the basics creates a strong foundation for boundless creativity, empowering athletes to develop a style that is both strategic and personal. By focusing on tactics and keeping it simple we can elevate the game for every player, unlocking their individual and team’s potential, providing young soccer players the ability to play soccer in its purest form.
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CAREER VICTORIES
The THSCA will award a certificate/plaque to honor member coaches in football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, track, wrestling and golf. In order to receive a certificate or plaque, the coach must be a member of the THSCA for several consecutive years. It is each coach’s responsibility to mail/fax this form along with their coaching record (varsity level) to the THSCA as soon as the career victory milestone is passed
One complimentary certificate and one complimentary plaque will be awarded when you reach the appropriate career vi ctory mile stone (milestones noted below). Plaques and certificates are only ordered for the career victory milestones listed below. For example, if a Career Victory Form is submitted for 300 victories in football, the plaque will be ordered to say 200 victories, unless arrangements have been made to purchase a plaque through our office. If you would like to purchase a plaque for any victories past the milestones listed below, please contact Tyler Watts at (512) 392-3741 or tylerwatts@thsca.com Plaque cost is $55.00.
It is very important to denote head coaching victories from assistant coach victories. Assistant coaches will only be awarded certificates and must count victories in VARSITY sports only.
SPORT CAREER VICTORY MILESTONE
BASEBALL
BASKETBALL
FOOTBALL
CERTIFICATE / PLAQUE
300 victories Certificate
500 victories Plaque
300 victories Certificate
500 victories Plaque
100 victories Certificate 200 victories Plaque
SOCCER 200 victories Certificate
SOFTBALL
VOLLEYBALL
400 victories Plaque
300 victories Certificate
500 victories Plaque
300 victories Certificate
500 victories Plaque
GOLF 300 points* Certificate
points* Plaque
SWIMMING & DIVING 300 points* Certificate
TENNIS
TRACK & FIELD
WRESTLING
points* Plaque
points* Certificate
points* Plaque
points* Certificate
points* Plaque
300 points* Certificate 600 points* Plaque
*ALL SPORTS ABOVE USE THE FOLLOWING POINT SYSTEM:
10 pts - each year as varsity head coach
10 pts - each team district championship
1 pt - each regional qualifier (per event)
3 pts - each state qualifier (per event) 20 pts - team regional championship
30 pts - team state championship
When will I receive my certificate or plaque?
• CERTIFICATES: Certificates are mailed throughout the year and will be mailed as soon as the forms are processed.
• PLAQUES: Plaques are ordered only once a year, in June, and will be available in July. All forms must be received by May 31st for the plaque to be available in July. Any form received after May 31st will go on the following year’s order. All plaques must be picked-up at the plaque booth at coaching school, unless you choose to have it mailed to you. If you would like your plaque mailed to you, please enclose $8 for shipping. Mailed plaques will be mailed when they arrive in July.
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(MUST denote boys or girls – points/victories for separate teams cannot be combined)
KEYS TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM
BY DAVID ROGERS HEAD BASEBALL COACH - PEARLAND HIGH SCHOOL
As every coach knows, many elements go into creating a successful baseball program. Cultivating community support, fostering positive parental involvement and creating a culture of competitive respect among the players can help develop a culture that can be sustained well into the future. These elements are essential to a winning program -- and yes, winning helps!
At Pearland High School, we believe all three elements are necessary to not only win games, but to help raise our young men to be leaders.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In our area, we are fortunate to have a very supportive community. Parents and the local community consistently attend our games and events, and our players and coaching staff understand that this is a reciprocal effort. Our players often spend time at the elementary schools in the mornings to assist with dropoffs, opening car doors and greeting students. During the holidays, our team participates in Toys for Tots and Forgotten Angels programs. We assist with our local Little League with free camps and player appearances.
One of the most anticipated events is our Hero’s Day Jersey Presentation. Held on a Saturday in between our two weeks of pre-season scrimmages, we make an event out of introducing the players in our program. The on-field event begins with the announcement of the Sophomore team, followed by the JV team. Each player is announced, comes to home plate for a
picture, and then walks to the side to stand as a team. The highlight of the event is the announcement of our Varsity team. A military veteran is escorted to home plate by one of our Diamond Darlings, our game-day hostesses. As each veteran walks to the plate, his or her military bio is read, and they present their player with their game jersey. Often, this veteran is a relative, but when a player doesn’t have a veteran family member our local community, or veteran organization helps provide a veteran for them. We have had grandparents, parents, siblings, Gold Star Families, and even a retired military dog as a part of the jersey presentation.
First Pitches are also a part of our communitysupport. We generate interest with special nights, highlighting an organization, a club, a team or a person with a first-pitch opportunity. When you have someone from the choir sing the national anthem and the JROTC Color Guard present the flags, honoring someone with the first pitch virtually ensures a high attendance for game day.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents are always going to be a part of your program. It is up to you how involved you let them be; they are not always your enemy. In fact, good ones are the lifeblood of your program. Other than community advertising, where does the bulk of your fundraising come from? Who runs the concession stands and booster clubs? Who sells your team apparel, operates your scoreboard or makes announcements?
In our program, we are pretty transparent about our expectations. We give parents a wish list, tell them how we think this will help their athlete, and then put them the charge of helping us achieve the goals. In the past few years we have installed a new video scoreboard, put in new nets in our batting cages, purchased the new TrackMan and regraded our infield. None of this could be accomplished without the support of our parents.
COMPETITIVE CULTURE
Players usually like being a part of the events, but their main form of commitment to our culture comes through the discipline of practice. Our practices are competitive and scheduled. We may have competitive bullpens for throwing breaking-ball strikes, or we may break into teams for games or batting practice contests, bunting contests or opposite side base hit contests. Some days, we do infield drills to see who can turn the most double plays between shortstops or 2nd basemen or drills for short hops at first for the most picks for 1st basemen. We challenge our outfielders to see who can hit the target for throws to a base or plate.
Our goal is to find a way to create competition where every way, every day, there is a winner and a loser. On our lifting days, we conclude by picking teams and having an agility contest, a race or strength contest that has a winner and a loser. In all these events, the
loser has a consequence. It might be 50 jump squats, a triangle or something that is annoying enough to make an athlete not want to be on the losing side. We also shuffle our teams around so it’s not the same people on the same team all the time.
Our goal is to instill in our student-athletes that in competition, there is a winner and a loser. We are going to create a competitive atmosphere, and we want to win those competitions. The hope is that in games, that competitive drive translates into wins.
Recently, I spoke to a college coach, and he was telling me that he was recruiting a student, who asked him what the coach had to offer him. He asked if he had TrackMan, what the locker room was like, information about the facilities, access to the cages, etc. The coach answered all the questions and then told the recruit they also offered competition. He explained that other players on the team would want his spot, and every day would be a competition. He said he never heard from the recruit again. Hopefully, our culture fosters the experience where every day is a competition that is embraced not only for today, but for whatever tomorrow brings our athletes as well.
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