REFUGIO, Texas — Nobody has won more football titles at Refugio high school than head coach Jason Herring. After 17 years leading one of the state's elite programs, he is stepping down due to ongoing health concerns.
Refugio ISD announced that assistant coach Drew Cox will step in as the football head coach. Cox began coaching in 1984, and has served as Herring's right-hand man since 1998. Herring will continue to serve as Refugio ISD's Athletic Director.
"Those of you that played for Coach Herring know that he was one of the best, and cared for all of the kids like they are one of his own," Austin Ochoa, Refugio 2019 state champion quarterback, said. "He is a legend. I mean he is one of the best coaches out there in the state of Texas to coach high school football, and there's no doubt about that. He will be leaving his legacy behind of being one of the top 10 winningest programs in the state of Texas."
During his career at the helm, he led the Bobcats to three state championships in 2011, 2016 and 2019. Since 2007, Refugio's win-loss record is nearly unblemished (224-23). His teams always won at least 11 games every season, however it was his service off the field like helping during Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm, that made the greatest impact.
"The man helped families in need after Hurricane Harvey and many of us students through any and everything," Kelan Brown, Refugio junior quarterback, said. "People don't know Coach Herring. Get to know him. He's like a father to me. Real talk."
Herring started his career in Wall, coaching two years (1996 and 1997). Both seasons ended with a (3-7) record. In 2000 Herring took over at Sonora and he started the year off with a bang, a (15-0) record and state championship.
Sports Director Larissa Liska has only been with KRIS 6 for a little less than two years, but she says Herring cared deeply for all of his players. It was all about their character and how they represented Refugio. He truly built young men and helped them reach their full potential, striving for the best.
Honored to call one of the gutsiest calls I’ve ever seen in all my time calling games, let alone #txhsfb. Refugio head coach Jason Herring going for it on 4th & 12 from his own 13 yard line for the potential game winner to beat Shiner. pic.twitter.com/dvFWzUsRoV https://t.co/egHNaeaF0z
— Chase Snyder (@ChasingSnyder) March 7, 2024
Coach Herring is the winningest coach in Refugio's 93 year history. His winning percentage is 90.6% at Refugio!
— Refugio Sports Network (@RefugioSports) March 7, 2024
