Wellington’s Wade Williams won 122 games at Wellington in 11 seasons. [Tyler Anderson/ For Press Pass Sports]
Charlie Johnston, (315-94-8) 35 seasons at Childress.
The legendary ball coach is the all-time wins leader in Texas Panhandle history with 315 career victories. Johnston’s Bobcats were a force to be reckon with in the 1970’s. Their 113-17-3 record from 1970-79 is the all-time winningest team in that decade. Johnston ranks ninth on the all-time statewide coaching list.
Larry Dippel (253-134-6), 31 seasons at Amarillo High; 35 years overall.
Dippel put a staple on his career with 253 career wins. He cemented his legacy by roaming the sidelines for 31 years a Amarillo High, where he sent 26 AHS teams to the playoffs. Dippel won 14 district titles at AHS and gained statewide notoriety serving as the president of the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Mel Maxfield (244-119-1), Eight seasons at Amarillo High; 32 seasons overall.
While Maxfield has spent only eight of his 32 seasons as a head coach in the Texas Panhandle, his reputation will have a lasting impact. In eight seasons at Amarillo High (2009-2017) Maxfield was 65-29 at AHS, taking the Sandies to eight straight playoff appearances while also going 17-3 against Amarillo ISD opponents. Maxfield is currently the head coach of the Keys, Okla. Cougars.
David Wood (185-78), 22 seasons at Muleshoe.
Wood spent 22 years as the head coach of the Mules and 23 years in Muleshoe overall before retiring at the end of the 2017 season.
Wood is the school’s all-time wins leader, posting a mark of 185-78.
The Mules made the playoffs 19 of 22 years under Wood, and led Muleshoe its only state championship in 2008.
Wade Williams (183-79) 11 seasons at Wellington; 22 seasons overall.
Williams made the stunning news last spring, announcing his retirement after 11 incredible seasons turning the Skyrockets into a perennial small school statewide power. In those 11 years, the Wellington graduate, who played for his late father, James Williams, went 122-22, guiding the Skyrockets to a 2013 state championship and five state semifinal appearances.
Legendary Childress head coach Charlie Johnston leads all Texas Panhandle coaches with 315 wins. [Provided photo/ KidsInc]
