BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @Gosset41
Sam Harrell will step away from coaching the Ennis Lions for a second time, the district announced on Tuesday. His retirement will take place following the 2024 season. The Lions have two games remaining on the schedule against Mesquite Poteet this week and Corsicana in Week 11. Ennis is 2-6 overall and 1-4 in district play.
Harrell first retired in 2010 due to his health while battling Multiple Sclerosis.
He returned in 2018, but due to a recurrence with MS, Harrell will step away from coaching again.
“In every coach’s life, there comes a time to turn in the whistle and pass the baton. Well for me that time has surprisingly happened twice, both times while at Ennis HS and both times because of MS. If I could, I would coach another five or ten years, but it’s time for me to turn these good kids over to someone who is healthier,” Harrell said in a press release. “I never wanted to do anything but coach, so these 40-plus years of coaching have been so very special to me.”
Aside from Ennis, Harrell had stints with Plainview, Brownwood, Reagan County, Fort Worth Christian and collegiately at SAGU.
Harrell retires as a member of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, a member of the THSCA Hall of Honor and a 3-time state champion. With two games left, he sits at 239 career wins.
Ennis won state titles in 2000, 2001 and 2004 – becoming one of the most dominating teams in the state during that stretch.
“Coach Sam Harrell has done an outstanding job leading the Ennis Lions Football Program for many years. Under his guidance, our program has a positive reputation for success and high standards across the state of Texas. Coach Harrell is not only a great coach but is equally a great person who has been a role model for our students and staff. We can never thank him enough for all he has done for Ennis ISD and wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement.” said Jay Tullos, Ennis ISD Superintendent.
Added Ennis ISD Athletic Director Don Drake, “Coach Sam Harrell is a legend in Texas High School Football. He is a God-honoring individual who uses his passion for football to speak into the hearts and minds of kids and coaches across this state. The Ennis community is thankful for Coach and for his years of dedication and service. We intend to celebrate Coach Sam Harrell during pregame this coming Friday night. We invite all those who would like to express their gratitude to Coach to come to the ballgame on Friday as we join together in thanking Coach for all that he has meant to Ennis.”
