Koopmann named Friendswood athletic director

FRIENDSWOOD — After 18 years of waiting, Robert Koopmann was given his dream job at Friendswood on Friday.

Koopmann was approved as the new athletic director and head football coach at the school board’s special meeting early Friday morning. The Friendswood ISD board of trustees approved him unanimously, 6-0, after he was recommended for the job by Friendswood ISD Superintendent Trish Hanks.

Koopmann will begin his new job March 1.

“I really can’t say how excited I am and honored by their decision to choose me,” Koopmann said. “It’s an incredible honor, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Koopmann, who has served as the football team’s offensive coordinator for the past 13 years, received high praise from the man he will replace when he takes over for outgoing retiree Steve Van Meter.

“I’m so happy that Friendswood went with Robert,” Van Meter said. “He’s a man who understands Friendswood, the community and its expectations, which is very important in such a unique place.”

Koopmann has served on Van Meter’s staff at Friendswood for 18 years. The Hitchcock native began his coaching career at La Marque Junior High School before coaching with another recent retiree, Gary Carney, for nine years. Koopman coached with Carney at Port Lavaca, Santa Fe and Hitchcock before moving up to Friendswood.

He taught biology and human anatomy at Friendswood High School for years and said he will miss the classroom when he begins his athletic director duties in March, but he’s ready to implement the ideas he presented to the selection committee in the interview process.

“It was a great ally for me to get my thoughts and ideas out there because I tell the kids all the time, ‘When you put on the blue and white, we want you to win,’” Koopmann said.

When Van Meter announced his retirement, the Friendswood community instantly expressed concern that hiring someone who can service all sports the way Van Meter has would be critical.
Van Meter said the Friendswood athletics department is in good hands with Koopman.

“He understands the emphasis Friendswood places on all sports outside of football,” said Van Meter, who plans to launch his own Houston-area quarterback school in March.

Koopmann said bringing another Lone Star Cup, an honor awarded annually by the University Interscholastic League to a high school each of the five UIL classifications based on its team performance in all sports in district and state championships, back to Friendswood is important to him.

“I’ve certainly been an advocate for Friendswood success in all sports and I plan to push our programs to continue to grow and be successful,” Koopmann said.

But when it comes to the gridiron, don’t expect much change with Friendswood’s potent offense that has helped produced two state semifinal berths in the playoffs in the past four years.

Koopmann was chosen over five other finalists — Mayde Creek head coach Lance Carter, Katy Taylor offensive coordinator Brett Holgorsen, Pearland Dawson defensive coordinator Mike Allison, Austin Westlake offensive coordinator Jeff Rhoads and Flower Mound offensive coordinator Robert Wasurick.

Koopmann said the reaction to his hiring at Friendswood High School on Friday was nothing but positive and optimistic.

“That’s the beauty of this staff, we’re all sticking together to continue what coach Van Meter has established,” Koopmann said. “Everyone’s excited, and it’s a testament to the quality of members we have on our staff.”