AISD acted quickly in its decision after former coach Betsy Baughman left to be the new girls basketball coach at Groom two weeks ago.
“We are so excited about Coach Sumrall coming to Tascosa as the new girls basketball coach,” AISD athletic director Brad Thiessen said. “Coach Sumrall brings 25 years of coaching experience and a wealth of playoff experience over that time. His reputation across the state is impeccable. We feel very fortunate to have him lead our team at Tascosa.”
Sumrall echoed Thiessen’s comment.
“My wife Rachelle and I are really excited get such a great opportunity,” Sumrall said. I’ve played Tascosa, and played at the Tascosa Gym a lot in my career. I see a lot of potential in the Lady Rebels program. I always thought it if that job came open it’d be a really good job. I couldn’t resist not going for it.”
Over his 25 years, Sumrall, has made head coaching stints at Electra, Groom, Coahoma, Clyde, Garden City, and most recently Wellington. Sumrall has an impressive record over that time of 556-223, while taking the Garden City girls basketball team to the 2015 UIL Class 1A state tournament.
However, most fans around the Texas Panhandle know his recent body of work building the Wellington Lady Skyrockets into one of the top girls basketball programs over the past seven seasons. During his tenure at Wellington, the Hardin-Simmons graduate, amassed an impressive mark of 179-53, taking the Lady Skyrockets to Class 2A regional tournament three times. He also help the Lady Skyrockets to a Class 2A UIL cross country state championship last fall.
As for leaving Wellington, the decision wasn’t an easy one means. But getting the chance to coach at the big school level was a chance Sumrall didn’t want to pass up before he retired.
“I was perfectly content to retire in Wellington,” Sumrall said. “My daughter’s both graduated from there, and it’s one of the best places I’ve been. Wellington has the best administration, tremendous coaches, and a community that is so passionate. It’s a little heartbreaking, but Tascosa is a place that can be great. Tascosa has built a tremendous culture and I see the talent they have. This is an exciting step. Going to a bigger school is something I’ve always wanted to try.”
Wellington athletic director Greg Proffitt says the head girls basketball coach opening has been posted as of Thursday and that Wellington is hoping to fill the position as soon as possible.