Skelton had recently served the past two years at Creekview High School as the offensive coordinator.
Shamrock superintendent Kenneth Shields said the school saw a great group of applicants, but in the end, Skelton was the choice to lead the Irish into the future.
“We really had some quality coaches’ interview for this position,” Shields said. “I like coach Skelton’s experience and the relationships he builds with young adults. He has is a great fit for Shamrock and has coached in every sport. That’s important at the small school level.”
Skelton, 39-years old, isn’t a stranger to the Texas Panhandle. Through his 17-year coaching career with plenty of stops, the Cambridge, Ill., native spent a year as the offensive coordinator at Dumas and two years at the same position at Amarillo High with head coach Chad Dunnam.
“I can’t express how excited I am for this opportunity,” Skelton said. “You get into the coaching profession, and you think you’ll be a head coach pretty quick. Then 12 to 15 years go by, and you finally get the call. When I got that call from Mr. Shields, I was at an area track meet, and it was hard to contain my excitement. This is something I’ve been waiting for.”
This is Skelton’s first head coaching job in his almost two decades of coaching. He takes over an Irish team that was 7-4 last season making a second straight run to the Class 2A Division II playoffs. Skelton says he’s ready to hit the ground running and do what he does best.
“My wife (Victoria) and I love the small-town feel,” Skelton said. “I’ve been in the big school but what I love about a small town and a small school is you really get to go in and build relationships. I love building relationships with young people, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feed off young people and they feed off me. I also like to try new things and going outside the box. I’m confident in what I bring and can’t wait to get started.”
