By Amira Van Leeuwen

The Hays Hawks head football coach, Les Goad, earned his 200th career victory after a road win over Boerne Champion (34-29) on Sept. 22.

Goad said the focus was on winning a district game that could put the Hawks in a position to make it to the playoffs.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS
Les Goad holds a crystal trophy given to him by his players.

“That was the real excitement,” Goad said. “Any time you win a game like that, it’s a lot of fun.”

As a head coach, Goad has been to the State Semifinals twice, once at Navarro and another time at Hays.

“Being able to win the region at two different places in a four-year span was pretty exciting,” Goad said.

Goad developed his passion for sports at a young age, being inspired by the coaches that he looked up to growing up.

Now, he has coached for a total of 38 years and has been with the Hays Hawks for five years. Goad has also coached at Geronimo Navarro, Lockhart, New Braunfels Canyon, Liberty Hill and other schools in the Corpus Christi and San Antonio areas.

In addition to his on-the-field celebration, the Hays Hawks football team also rallied to surprise Goad on Oct. 4 in the school’s cafeteria. Players surprised Goad with a banner commemorating his 200th victory, with several players presenting a crystal trophy to celebrate reaching the 200-win club. Goad’s family including his wife Elizabeth Goad, brother Lonnie Goad and son Ryan Goad were also in attendance.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS
Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright, left, and football coach Les Goad hold up a congratulatory banner.

“I must say, it was one of the biggest surprises I’ve ever had. They really got me,” Goad said.

He was also awarded the Coin of Excellence by Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright, making Goad the district’s first two-time winner of the award.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the school district,” Goad said. “I’m very appreciative of their support and recognition.”