2025 "More Than A Coach" Award Nominees
" To me Coach Perkins is more than a coach because he taught me how to work hard and he’s the reason I push myself to be better. He once told me that as long as I work hard and do my best eventually I’ll get noticed! He’s the one that gave me a chance and I took that chance and showed out in my freshman year I was promoted to varsity all thanks to his advice! He’s taught me to be my best no matter what anyone tells you and no matter if you get the chance you want or not."
Coach Robert Perkins
Orange Grove
"This lady goes above and beyond for her students and her athletes. She invests countless hours into making sure the kids have what they need and the proper skills to succeed. Not only in sports, but in life. She believes in giving everyone a chance and trust until she has reasons not to. She will never bad mouth a student or their parent but will only encourage what is right."
Coach BJ Kaiser
Springtown
"Coach Wagner saw Autumn, my daughter, and recognized that she was an athlete despite her being a wheelchair user. She realized that all that Autumn needed was a chance, and she reached out to a contact. Three years ago, Autumn got in her very first wheelchair racer, and she has been racing ever since. Currently, Autumn holds the national record for both the 100m and the 400m. This is due to encouragement and support from her coach, Coach Wagner. Her coach is always willing to meet for extra practices, research new techniques, and she has even traveled to cheer Autumn on in various competitions. Coach Wagner is definitely more than just a coach."
Coach Kelsie Wagner
Cisco High School
Coach Jacob Perez
Brownfield High School
"Coach Perez has not only been an amazing powerlifting coach for the Brownfield Program, but he is also his athletes biggest supporter in and out of the weight room. Throughout my high school years, I have witnessed Perez care for my teammates and I like no other. He is consistent, committed, hardworking, passionate, and trustworthy. He has shown us how to not only push through adversity, but to be resilient. He is caring, empathetic, and understanding of our struggles and has gone above and beyond to help us. The Brownfield Powerlifting program does not only have an outstanding coach, but also a friend, and a role model we all look up to."
Coach Latisha Clark
Breckenridge High School
"Latisha Clark is an exceptional coach and teacher. Her love for her students does not stop after a game, it keeps going. Mrs. Clark is so kind and looks out for her athletes. She sacrifices time with her own children to be a great example to her athletes and students. She goes above and beyond for all of them. Mrs. Clark has taken the time to invest in every child that comes her way. Mrs. Clark teaches her students to not only work hard but to always be a good example and good sport. Mrs. Clark teaches that you must first be a good person. All her students and athletes love her."
Coach Michael Cornelius Felton
Coach Mike’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Originally from Louisiana, he and his family were displaced by Hurricane Katrina, eventually finding a new home in Big Spring, Texas. As the oldest of six siblings, Mike quickly stepped into a leadership role that would come to define his life.
In the face challenges Coach demonstrates strength beyond his years. He returned to Big Spring after earning his college degree—not just to build a life of his own, but to take on the immense responsibility of raising his five school-aged siblings.
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Mike didn’t stop there. He poured himself into coaching—not just as a job, but as a calling. For him, coaching became a way to give back, to inspire young people, and to show kids from all walks of life that they are capable of achieving greatness regardless of their background.
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The fruits of Mike’s love and dedication are evident. His brother, Jeremiah Cooley, is currently in the NFL Draft pool. Another brother is proudly serving overseas in the military. His sister is thriving in college and involved in multiple sports. The youngest of the siblings, also passionate about athletics, recently earned a college scholarship and was accepted to Timble Tech. Mike has not just supported them—he has been the steady, encouraging presence they needed, acting as a big brother, mentor, and father figure all in one.
Now coaching in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Coach Mike continues to impact lives—still showing up, still believing in kids who need someone to believe in them, and still leading by example. As his youngest brother begins his journey at Timble Tech, Coach Mike continues to give back, mentor, and motivate those around him.
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"If anyone is deserving of this award, it’s Coach Mike. His story is powerful, his impact immeasurable, and his life a true testimony to resilience, responsibility, and the power of love. He reminds us all that no matter what life hands you, it’s what you do with it that defines who you are."
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Coach Keith Hughes
Leveretts Chapel
"Coach Hughes came into Leverett's Chapel at the end of last year, and made an immediate impact in our school, in our community, and in our kids. As the Athletics Director, head football coach, head basketball coach, powerlifting, track, and even helping with baseball and our girls sports, it is amazing he has time to also teach Math at the same time. The kids know he has their back, and we know how much he cares for our kids, which makes moms and dads happy. Coach Hughes has brought us all together closer than we've been in years and we are proud to say he is definitely more than a coach to us. GO LIONS!"
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"Coach Hughes does, football, basketball, powerlifting, track, and baseball. He is also our Athletic Director, field maintenance guy, and teaches Math. He works harder than anyone I know and leads the right way. He is definitely more than a coach."
Coach Danny Franco
Gainesville High School
Coach Franco is making history here in Gainesville , Texas for the first time ever!
Our soccer boys went to the State Championship but aside from that he is just an outstanding coach . His love for the kids combined with the program he has built is just amazing!
He has done such an amazing job with both girls and boys soccer
We love you here in Gainesville Franco. #CONTODO #FAMILIA
Coach Josh Marler
Sterling City High School
"Coach Marler is an absolutely incredible person
He is not just a coach, he is a friend, father figure, teacher, and more. He coaches football, basketball, and track!
He will go out of his way for every kid in every sport and loves and treats them like his own. He will go above and beyond for anyone, no matter who you are
Coach Lee Lewis
Eastland High School
"Coach Lee Lewis is a true Godsend to Eastland, Texas. After a lifetime immersed in football, he transitioned a few years ago into the role of Cross Country and Track Coach—and our entire community is better because of it.
In a short amount of time, and through an incredible amount of personal investment, Coach Lewis has revived and elevated these programs in ways no one could have imagined. Under his leadership, both the girls’ and boys’ teams have reached new heights. But what sets him apart isn’t just his ability to coach—it’s his relentless dedication to every aspect of his athletes’ well-being.
Coach Lewis is more than a coach—he’s their mentor, biggest cheerleader, and consistent source of encouragement. He sends 500+ motivational messages, reminders about nutrition, hydration, weekend workouts, and the importance of rest. His presence doesn’t end when practice does; he’s there before school, after practice, on weekends, and at meets—not just guiding workouts, but checking in on their mental and emotional health. What’s even more remarkable is how much of his own money he invests into these kids.
In many schools, cross country is overlooked—but not here. Coach Lewis has fought hard for funding to get the very best gear, nutrition, and support for his athletes. He provides everything from power bars, drinks, and top-quality shoes to daily vitamins, fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, and even milk. At any given moment, his athletes can come in for a snack, a word of encouragement, or just to be reminded that someone believes in them.
Coach Lewis shows up—day after day, moment after moment—not for recognition, but because he truly cares. His love for the kids, the sport, and the future of Eastland is immeasurable. He’s changed lives, built a thriving program from the ground up, and become a beacon of what coaching should look like. Coach Lee Lewis is, without a doubt, one of the greatest blessings to our school, our athletes, and our entire community."
Coach Webb Murphy
San Saba High School
"Coach Murphy is a true leader of men through coaching and FCA.
He always wants us to be at our greatest potential in school and while we are competing. He cares not only who we are as athletes, but as good Christians and he does that by being a great role model.
He has been there for me on good days and helped me on bad days. I do not know how to thank him for making me the person I am today as he could really not understand the impact that he’s had on my life."