In Honor of Coach Ethridge

[IndianFan]

Please provide your opinion in the following poll as well as any other thoughts on the subject.

 

[prepballfan]

Something needs to be done in his honor

 

[PNGIndian75]

Something needs to be done in his honor

Agreed, he put PN-G on the Texas High School Football map with his 4 year run '74-'77.

 

[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 (losing to the state champion 3 times and winning state in 1975) 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.

 

[IndianFan]

The expectations of winning have always been dominant here. During the Watson era PN-G had some great teams but only the district champ made the playoffs. PN-G might have one or two other state championship trophies in the case if they’d made the playoffs. Unfortunately PA Lincoln and the Washington clan was dominant in those years.

But let’s not forget that a perfect storm of excellence was present at PN-G from 74-77. A great group of special athletes who won through junior high and varsity football. Coaches Greg Davis and Bruce Bush later went on to craft their own legendary coaching careers. And a great supporting staff (coaches Troy, Cobb, Wynn, Clearman, Hooper and others.). And Coach Ethridge orchestrated it all with his concepts and leadership. He installed the power I offense in place of the wishbone, and a split 6 defense. Along with that, an intense focus on technique and execution. He also worked his teams into shape so that they were intense for 4 quarters. And motivated all to believe in themselves no matter who the foe was.

Great times. We will never forget Coach Ethridge. He deserves to have his name permanently honored at PN-G.