Weatherford ISD Board members unanimously hired Wimberley High School Athletic Director / Head Coach Weldon Nelms as the new head football coach for the Weatherford High School Kangaroos in a special-called meeting Monday in the District Services Building Boardroom.
Nelms, who led the Class 3A Wimberley Texans to a pair of state championships in 2011 and 2005, was part of more than 110 applicants vying for the WHS head coaching vacancy left by Reid Waller, who resigned at the end of 2012.
“I was extremely pleased with the qualifications from all of our applicants,” WISD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Hanks said.” We had several candidates who were part of state championship programs, and others who have continued to coach winning teams on a consistent basis.”
Nelms has 29 years experience as a head coach, including 23 playoff appearances. His overall coaching record is 237-111-3 (.675) which also included stints at Glen Rose ISD (2000-02), Iowa Park ISD (1994-2000), and Rotan ISD (1987-90). Prior to becoming a head coach, Nelms worked at Lubbock ISD (1985-87) and Springlake-Earth ISD (1980-85).
Most recently, Nelms was named a 2012 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award recipient – one of only 16 recognized annually.
“Coach Nelms plans to bring a whole new attitude, outlook and work ethic to the Weatherford High School football program,” WISD Executive Director of Athletics Richard Scoggin said. “He will supply the tools that our athletes need in order to succeed on the playing field.”
Dr. Hanks agreed that Nelms was the right person for the job.
“He [Nelms] is here because he wants to build a winning program for Weatherford High School football,” Dr. Hanks said, “and we are extremely excited to have him join our Weatherford ISD family.”
Nelms is expected to be in the Weatherford area within the next week or two where he plans to meet with players, parents, coaches, and community members.
“The entire hiring process was a pleasant experience,” Scoggin said. “Our talented pool of applicants was proof to me that there is tremendous interest in Weatherford…and that’s exciting.”
Nelms at the Helm (Accomplishments and Accolades)
- Class 3A Division II State Champion – 2011 (15-0)
- Class 3A Division I State Champion – 2005 (15-0)
- President Gerald R. Ford All-American High School Coach Award – 2005
- Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Coach – 2008
- Oil Bowl All-Star Coach – 1997
- 23 playoff appearances in 29 years as head coach
- 2 State Semifinalists (2010, 1993)
- 3 State Quarterfinalists (1988, 2006, 2009)
- 4 Regional Finalists (1989, 1998, 1999, 2007)
- 13 District Championships (1989-2007, 2009-12)
- 2012-13 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award Recipient
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