Coach Doug Ethridge

[IndianFan]

https://www.facebook.com/sherolyn.schneider/posts/10225329558131531

In a 25-year head coaching career that included stops at Dalhart, Monahans, Hobbs, N.M., and Port Neches-Groves, Ethridge compiled an overall record of 200-83-12, went to the playoffs 11 times and won two state championships. His Hobbs team captured the 1970 New Mexico title and he added a Texas championship five years later at Port Neches-Groves. His Indians put together an impressive stretch, making it at least as far as the semifinals from 1974 to ’77. Already named to the Texas High School Coaches Hall to Honor, Ethridge retired in 1995 after 10 years as athletic director for the Pasadena schools.

During the memorable championship run from 1974 through 1977 he coached the Indians to a 1975 AAAA state championship and #3 national ranking. They were just a few plays from potentially winning state all 4 of those seasons.

The Indians won 25 straight games from 1975 through the 1976 season.

Coach Ethridge, 89, will always be part of the great history of PN-G football.

Doug Ethridge - PN-G Indians Football

Doug Ethridge was head football coach and athletic director at PN-G from 1973-1983. Often considered the most successful coach in PN-G history, Ethridge-led teams accomplished one of the most incredible playoff runs in Texas high school football history. His 1974-77 teams captured 4 straight...

www.pngindians.com

Richard Ethridge Obituary (1931 - 2020) Star-Telegram

View Richard Ethridge's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

 

[IndianFan]

Doug Ethridge, 1931-2020 - PN-G Indians Football

December 25, 2020, PNGINDIANS.COM – Former Port Neches-Groves head coach Doug Ethridge, 89, has passed away. In a 25-year head coaching career that included stops at Dalhart, Monahans, Hobbs, N.M., Port Arthur Thomas Jefferson, and Port Neches-Groves, Ethridge compiled an overall record of...

www.pngindians.com

 

[Justafan]

So sad, prayers to his family!

 

[IndianFan]

All Time Head Coaches - PN-G Indians Football

Coaching Leaders Years Coached – Matt Burnett (15) Games Coached – Matt Burnett (161) Wins – Brandon Faircloth (102) Winning % – Jeff Joseph (89.5%), Lewis Ford (78.8%) District Championships – Brandon Faircloth, Matt Burnett, Gene McCollum (5 each) Playoff Games Won – Doug Ethridge (15)...

www.pngindians.com

 

[1989NDN]

The greatest Chief to ever lead the PN-G Indians. The Ethridge family is one of the strongest pillars upholding the core values of PN-GISD - Honor, Pride, and Tradition. Prayers to the Ethridge family and to all of the PN-G Indians mourning Coach Ethridge.

 

[pngfanatic]

Coach Ethridge set the standard against which all PNG head football coaches are measured. I don't think there will ever be a better time to be an Indian fan than during the playoff runs of 1974-77. For those memories, I'm eternally grateful to the coach that made it all possible. May he rest in peace.

 

[IndianFan]

It was great times. Special, even elite coaches (Ethridge, Davis, Bush, Troy, Cobb, etc) and a special group of talented, overachieving players from 74-77. Possibly a once in a lifetime alignment of stars. And the excitement of it all drew more fans than 99% of high school teams will ever see. Magical times without a doubt.

 

[IndianFan]

I think it would be tremendously cool to honor Coach Ethridge by naming part of the football facilities in his name.

Perhaps something like “Ethridge Field”. Heck, name the entire stadium after him. “Doug Ethridge Stadium” has a nice ring to it.

 

[indians87]

It would be nice to name the field house after him. “DOUG ETHRIDGE FIELD HOUSE” has a nice ring to it.

 

[PNG NDN Fan]

Some great family memories were made following those playoff teams in the 70s. I was just in elementary school at the time but still recall specific moments very well. I listened to the recordings from the radio broadcast from the final with Permian game and felt like I was transported in time. Thanks to Coach Ethridge and everyone that made those time special.

 

[IndianFan]

Here's a priceless 4 minutes of Coach Ethridge speaking at the Hobbs Eagles reunion several years ago. Ethridge led them to a state championship in 1970, and an overall record of 40-11 in his four seasons there before coming to SE Texas. He is held in high regard by Hobbs players and fans.

Coach Ethridge is speaking from about the 5:20 to 9:24 minute mark, but his introduction starts at 4:20.

Even during this event in honor of Hobbs Eagles teams, you hear the pride and memories he has of being at PN-G as he refers to those championship times.

 

[IndianFan]

Coach Ethridge is forever embedded in the mindset of Port Neches-Groves high school and it’s history.

I am hoping that local influencers will seriously consider honoring Coach Ethridge by naming some of the facilities after him. I realize that may be a politically charged notion as there are several greats that are worthy of such an honor. McCollum, Ford, Phillips and Ethridge probably lead that group. But all roads lead to the the ‘spiritual core’ of PN-G football success, and the glory years of the 70s are the destination.

Listening to coach Ethridge speak in his later years, and the obvious attachment he had to PN-G so many years later, it’s a natural association. The experience he had here was as much a part of his life as he was/is in all of our lives.

I hope naming the stadium or field after him can be considered. Some of the local folks could attend a school board meeting and make the suggestion.

 

[IndianFan]

More Hobbs team reunion footage.

Coach Ethridge (2:35) and Coach Ken Clearman (5:38) speak in this video

 

[1989NDN]

The YouTube videos about the Hobbs football reunions are great! What a lasting tribute to Coach Ethridge and Coach Clearman. PN-G was lucky to have Coach Ethridge during 1973-1983.

 

[IndianFan]

Please consider leaving your memories and condolences in honor of Coach at the bottom of his obituary.

Richard Ethridge Obituary (1931 - 2020) - Mansfield, TX - Star-Telegram

View Richard Ethridge's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

 

[Justafan]

Saw this on Twitter

 

[IndianFan]

Saw this on TwitterView attachment 595

Awesome photo. Ethridge, Troy, Clearman. Good times.

 

[HJJ97NDN]

Saw this on TwitterView attachment 595

Awesome! We need to bring this mentality back!!

 

[IndianFan]

Awesome! We need to bring this mentality back!!

When I think of this era many things come to mind that these coaches instilled in players. But the most important things were effort, discipline and execution. Do your job every play and do it right. Whip the guy in front of you every play. If you played with precise technique, played at 100% all 4 quarters, and executed the game plan it ultimately didn’t matter so much how big or fast the opponent was.

 

[Torino]

I never met Mr. Ethridge but can relate a story about him.

Harvey Brown served on the PN-G ISD Board of Trustees for 36 years. He related this story to the Board members when we were about to start the search for Mr. Burnett’s replacement in 2008.

Harvey said that “back in the day” coach searches were handled much differently than now. There was no "search" as we know it. He said one night after Mr. Watson left the coaching position in 1972 the school superintendent at the time (Mr. Monk?) brought Mr. Ethridge (the first-year TJ coach) to Harvey’s home. After introductions the superintendent said, “Harvey, I believe this man can take us to a state championship.”

Harvey asked Ethridge how long it would take to win state, who replied “I’ll need 1 year to implement my system. After that, I believe we’ll be a contender for the state championship.”

And that’s what happened. PN-G went 6-4 in 1973 and then reached the AAAA semifinals or better for 4 consecutive years. It’s a credit to the administration and board that they showed some patience that first year since the previous coach had gone 25-5 over the previous 3 years with a final spot in the AP Top 10 in 1971 but found himself on the hot seat.