Jim Rackley

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Jim Rackley is the head football coach of Judson High School, one of the most storied football programs in the history of Texas high school football. In seven years as the Rockets' head coach, Rackley has amassed a record of 69-23, including an astounding 18-4 record in the state playoffs. His teams have reached the playoffs in five of his seven years at the helm. In 2002, he led Judson to its sixth state championship. His 2004 team reached the state semi-finals and his 2005 and 2007 teams reached the state finals. In all, Judson has advanced to the state finals a record-tying eleven times in the last 26 years, winning six state championships.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Rackley first came to Judson in 1980 as the defensive backs coach under then-Head Coach Frank Arnold. After leading Judson to its first state championship in 1983, Arnold resigned to become the athletic director of Judson Independent School District. Rackley was promoted to offensive coordinator by newly-appointed Head Coach D.W. Rutledge. In 1988, Rackley left Judson to become the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at San Antonio Southwest High School.

In five years as head coach at Southwest, Rackley built a respected football program and developed a reputation as a master motivator[citation needed]. His Southwest teams competed in what was then regarded as one of the toughest football districts in Texas and, despite the school's small enrollment and relatively disadvantaged talent pool, became consistent competitors against its much larger and more prolific district rivals from the Northside Independent School District. In 1990, en route to only the third playoff appearance in the school's 53-year history, Southwest upset the John Jay Mustangs, who were at that time the top ranked 5A team in Texas and one of the top ranked teams in the nation according to USA Today. The following year, Southwest upset the eventual state-finalist Marshall Rams. Prior to the game, Marshall was undefeated and the top-ranked team in San Antonio.

In 1993, Rackley returned to Judson High School as Assistant Head Coach under D.W. Rutledge. When Rutledge left Judson to become Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association, Rackley was promoted to Head Coach. He is a highly regarded motivational speaker and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas High School Coaches Association.

[edit] Awards and honors

  • 1990: Texas Coach Magazine Article of the Year, "The Winner Within"
  • 2002: TSRN Sports Coach of the Year
  • 2002: San Antonio Quarterback Club Coach of the Year
  • 2005: San Antonio Express-News Coach of the Year
  • 2006: Head Coach of the West Squad in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl
  • 2007: Chevy PrepTicket Texas High School Coach of the Year
  • 2007: San Antonio Quarterback Club Co-Coach of the Year
  • 2006-Present: Board of Directors, Texas High School Coaches Association

[edit] Career History

  • 1972: Mathis Junior HS
  • 1973-1974: Mathis HS (Defensive Backs)
  • 1975-1976: San Antonio Central Catholic HS (Defensive Coordinator)
  • 1977-1978: San Antonio Antonian HS (Head Coach)
  • 1978-1979: Schertz Clemens High School (Def. Backs)
  • 1980-1983: Converse Judson High School (Def. Backs)
  • 1984-1987: Converse Judson HS (Offensive Coordinator)
  • 1988-1992: San Antonio Southwest HS (Head Coach/Athletic Director)
  • 1993-2000: Converse Judson HS (Asst. Head Coach)
  • 2001-2008: Converse Judson HS (Head Coach)

[edit] External links

His most notable display of intensity can be seen on YouTube and Deadspin for exclaiming that his team "lacked fire". [1]