Coaches clinic returns to GGP

LA MARQUE — La Marque head football coach Mike Jackson still remembers the drive down Interstate 45 years ago to the Gulf Greyhound Football Coaches Clinic.

But the clinic formerly headed by top coaches around Galveston County and the Greater Houston area had been dormant for almost a decade.

Until today, that is.

The revived Gulf Greyhound clinic kicks off today, and more than 150 football coaches are expected to attend the two-day event. Jackson said assistant coach Pete Gareri and Jimmy Hayley, president of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce, were instrumental in bringing the clinic back to La Marque.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm from a lot of people when we started talking about bringing it back,” Jackson said. “This is a great way for football coaches to learn and pick up on some of the new things other guys are doing.”

Eighteen coaches are scheduled to speak this afternoon and Friday.

Today’s speakers are Deer Park coach Chris Massey, Pearland coach Mark Kanipes, Cinco Ranch coach Quentin White, La Marque coach Mike Lawrence, Sam Houston State coach Ben Beasley and Rice University coach Darrell Patterson.

On Friday, St. Pius X coach Blake Ware, Manvel coach Gerald Burns, Brenham coach Glen West, Ball High coach Rusty Cauthern, B.F. Terry coach Tim Teyki, Port Arthur Memorial coach Kenny Harrison, Pearland Dawson coach Ryan Silvertooth, Bellaire coach Trey Herrmann, Angleton coach Ryan Roark, Clear Creek coach Darrell Warden, Dickinson coach John Snelson and Spring Westfield coach Ken Craig are scheduled to speak.

“This thing is back for good, and we’re going to keep it that way,” Jackson said.

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At A Glance

WHAT: Gulf Greyhound Park Football Coaches Clinic

WHEN: Today and Friday

WHERE: Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, in La Marque

INFO: More than 150 coaches from the Galveston and Houston area will attend.