A week after being officially approved as the new athletic director and head football coach, Hunter Ashley was formally introduced to the West Texas High community during a meet and greet Wednesday night at the Comanche Gym in Stinnett.
Ashley, a San Angelo Grape Creek graduate, brings a new era to WT High and a unique perspective as an outsider to the Texas Panhandle.
“Location was never my biggest priority when it came to getting my first head coaching job,” Ashley said. “I wanted to find the right place where winning is important and where kids can be held accountable. There is a standard set here at West Texas High, and the school and the community are very passionate about being successful. That’s what my family and I were looking for.
“My family and I are just excited about this opportunity overall. This is overwhelming and I’ve already hit the ground running. The spring is wild and we have kids competing all over the place, but my brief interactions, they’ve all been great so far.”
Superintendent James Bryant had a very difficult decision following a historic season that saw the Comanches go 14-1 with a run to the UIL Class 2A Division I state semifinals.
Bryant says that he went through 35 applicants and conducted six interviews during the hiring process, trying to find the right replacement for Jeff Smith, who left for Floydada last month. Following a zoom interview with Ashley, and than in in-person interview, Bryant loved what Ashley was all about.
“I really liked coach Ashley’s background,” Bryant said. “I like where all he has been, and his vision for the boys and girls athletic program. He is the kind of guys that builds relationships with kids and teaches toughness and grit. He communicates very well and has great importance on academics and athletics.”
The 35-year-old Ashley has had many stops along the way that include assist jobs at Crane, Cuero, and most recently was the defensive coordinator in Marshall the last four years out of East Texas.
Now that he gets the chance to run his own program through his previous experience, Ashley wants the WT High community to know, the Comanches will definitely have the right identity going forward.
“I’m passionate about this profession,” Ashley said. “I feel it’s important to educate the next leaders of young men and women. My high school head coach had a huge influence on me to this day. That’s how I want to be. On the field, one thing you’ll see from us, is we’re going to be physical and show toughness. No one will outwork us and we’ll be competitive day in and day out.”