GALVESTON — Ball High football coach Ron Holmes is considering retirement, he confirmed Wednesday to The Daily News.
The Tornadoes’ head coach for the last six seasons, Holmes said he will make his decision on retirement within the next two weeks.
“Me and my wife are discussing it right now,” Holmes said. “This is a hard decision, because I am attached to these kids. Before I make the decision yeah or nah, I have to sit down and really think everything over.”
Galveston Independent School District is looking to shed as many as 250 employees to avoid layoffs. It has already asked 182 employees to resign by March 6. Mounting hurricane recovery costs and dwindling revenue are causing the financial crisis within the district.
Holmes’ salary was listed at $60,498 this year with the title of athletic coordinator.
Holmes said it is important for him to make a decision early in order to give the school enough time to find a replacement if needed.
“It wouldn’t be fair to the kids and the school district if I didn’t let them know soon what is going on,” Holmes said. “I have to give them enough time to get everything in place for the offseason. That’s my main priority — these kids.”
Holmes has compiled a 23-37 record in his six seasons at Ball High, including 2-5 in last season’s hurricane-affected season. The Tors have made the playoffs twice and only won one playoff game (2003). This season was also Holmes’ first victory over archrival La Marque in his six-year tenure.
His best season in 2005 (8-2 record) was wiped off the books because of an ineligible player.
Since that controversy in 2005, many critics have been asking Holmes to resign. However, Holmes said none of that is playing a role in his decision.
“I am receiving no outside pressure to retire,” Holmes said. “This is 1,000-percent solely my decision.”
While his record at Ball has drawn criticism from fans over the years, Holmes has had success off the field. Ball has been one of the leaders in the county for players signing letters of intent to play college football with him in charge of the program.
He also rallied the team together after Hurricane Ike. The Tors played the final six games of their season when many thought Ike had wiped out their chances of playing. He said this season was the most rewarding of his career.
Holmes said his love of Ball High, the players and the island has made this a difficult decision.
“I’m a Galvestonian, too, and my heart is here,” Holmes said. “I believe in the purple and gold, and because of that, I don’t want to leave just to leave.”
