In the mid 1990s, a young assistant coach at San Angelo Central was interested in an opportunity to join the Permian coaching staff led by Randy Mayes.
The move didn’t come to fruition at the time, but Permian was always a place he wanted to be at some point in his coaching career.
Before the 2021 season started, Stan Hodges finally got his shot to join the Panthers as the team’s running backs coach.
“I thought it’s always been a long lasting experience that’s always been in the back of my mind,” Hodges said. “I’ve coached at some really good programs over my career in 28 years.
“Permian’s always been on my bucket list.”
Hodges has spent time as an assistant and head coach at multiple programs across the state, including Corpus Christi Calallen, West Orange-Stark and Hull-Daisetta.
He was even on the coaching staff of the 2002 Converse Judson team that defeated Midland High 33-32 to win the Class 5A state championship.
The experience Hodges picked up over his coaching career made him stand out after he was recommended to Permian head coach Jeff Ellison over the offseason.
“It all worked out very good, we’re glad to have him on the staff and he’s done a great job,” Ellison said. “His experience is huge for us, he dove right in and got in with the kids and our system.
“He got great coaching experience with some good programs, bringing that on has been great for the staff and for the kids.”
Growing up in Boerne and spending his time coaching at schools in East Texas, Hodges knew he wanted to come back to West Texas.
He noted the differences in the elements of nature that come with the regions and the tradition that a program like Permian has as factors that drew him in.
Hodges also told his kids that he’d be looking to move back to the area after they graduated high school, having spent 15 years of his coaching career in East Texas.
“I just had an opportunity, Coach Ellison and I talked and the match lit,” Hodges said. “This time when I struck that match, it actually lit so I had a chance to come out here.”
Even with the vast experience gained over nearly three decades of coaching, Hodges still looks to learn from the Permian staff and his players.
He’ll provide insight to the team’s running back group, spending time going through plays with starter Tristan Johnson.
Since he has spent time with different schools in the state, Hodges has been able to see the cultures that come with each program.
He finished his last stop as a head coach at Class 2A Hull-Daisetta in the summer before jumping on with the Permian coaching staff.
Hodges said every program has a different way of doing things and he always look to fit into what will make each team get the best possible result.
“I just try to mold into what it takes to help us be successful,” Hodges said. “I certainly have shared some ideas and I do that no matter where I’ve been at.
“I just want to do my job and I accept my role.”
As a coach, Hodges’ job is primarily to teach the players at his position every day but he said he has learned a few lessons from them early this season.
Their work ethic has been something that stands out to Hodges.
“They respond well and they work incredibly hard,” he said. “They have an expectation to be successful here and I think that’s a tribute to the tradition here. It’s also a tribute to the coaching staff and even the parents at home.”
Now that Hodges finally got his opportunity to coach at Permian, he wants to make the most of it.
“I’m just thrilled to death about it,” he said. “It’s one of those deals where it’s almost like a dream come true.”
>> Follow Chris Amaya on Twitter at @OA_CAmaya
