STANTON, Texas — After almost a decade in the West Texas-area city of Stanton, Head Coach John Peterson hung up his clipboard and whistle.
Stanton ISD confirmed Wednesday of the school board’s acceptance of the nine-year coach’s resignation on Dec. 11 with a final employment date at the official end of the academic year.
“I’m certainly new to the district, but he’s spent several years in Stanton and done a lot of things for the district during his tenure,” First-year Stanton ISD Superintendent Merl Brandon said in a recent statement. “He will not remain with the district in a teaching-only position.”
No reason was given for the resignation per Brandon.
The Buffaloes have had four consecutive sub-.500 seasons since finishing 6-5 overall and reaching the Class 2A Bi-District Round in 2013 and six during Peterson’s tenure. Stanton’s best season during that span was in 2010 —his second season — when it finished 10-2 overall and 5-1 in District 2-2A2 and lost to Holliday High School in the area round.
[su_pullquote align=”right”]John Peterson Record as Stanton HC
Year | Overall | District
2017 2-9 1-3 (2-3A2)
2016 0-9 0-4 (2-3A2)
2015 3-6 1-4 (3-3A2)
2014 2-8 0-5 (3-3A2)
2013 6-5 2-3 (3-3A2)
2012 4-6 2-3 (3-2A2)
2011 5-5 3-3 (2-2A2)
2010 10-2 5-1 (2-2A2)
2009 7-6 3-2 (7-1A1)
*All standings are provided via MaxPreps[/su_pullquote]
According to Brandon, Peterson’s final day will be May 25 and no other candidates have been interviewed for either position. The school district also stated it intends to make a decision by spring.
“We’re looking for a well rounded individual with experience , as well as one with experience in girls and boys programs that will involve the community in the growth of the programs. The parents and students wishing the community have a YMCA program and a Pee-Wee [Football] program. Being able to build success at those levels and mesh that once at the high school level is extremely important to the community.”
Brandon added the search man not be limited to hiring an AD/Head Coach combination, noting the position could be filled by separate individuals.
“We’re looking for the right athletic director first and if he or she has experience as the head of a program, that’s a bonus,” he said. ” At the 3A level, we’re just big enough to advertise two positions instead of one.”
Brandon stated the position was posted Jan. 9, with applications being accept until Jan. 31. The ISDs goal is to recommend a candidate and receive approval at the March 5 board meeting with a proposed start date of March 19, depending on the availability of the employee if in a competing school district.
Whoever is chose to replace Peterson will inherit junior quarterback Reagan Nichols, a 600-yard-plus sophomore running back in Cameron Yarbrough, and third-leading tackler Chayanne Aguirre. He or she will also have the freedom to build the program from the bottom up, molding talent at the beginning, middle, junior high, and high school levels.
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Marcus Matthews-Marion is the managing editor of TexasHSFootball, covering prep football throughout the Lone Star State. Follow him on Twitter, @TheMJMatthews, and read more of his content here.
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