The Galveston County Daily News

David Suggs’ first experience of Texas football was the Clash of the Causeway between La Marque and Ball High.

Suggs was an assistant coach for La Marque at the time. Now, he wants to see what the rivalry is like from the other sideline.

Suggs is one of three finalists for the athletic coordinator/head football coach vacancy at Ball High School. A decision is expected at Wednesday’s Galveston Independent School District board meeting.

Suggs has the most experience of the three candidates, compiling a 60-37 record as a head coach in 11 seasons. He’s coached at Fort Bend Willowridge (1998-2000), Port Arthur Lincoln (2001), Beaumont Central (2002-03) and Aldine Nimitz (2004-08).

“One would want to think that my experience would make a difference,” Suggs said. “But I’m sure the committee will be looking at a lot of different things when they make their decision.”

Suggs said he has more than a winning record that makes him the man for Ball High. He said his familiarity with football in Galveston County is also a plus.

Suggs graduated from Central High School in Shelbyville, Tenn., and later from Western Kentucky University in 1983. After working as an assistant coach in Florida during the ’80s,Suggs got an offer from Alan Weddell to join him in Texas at La Marque in 1990.

He said he immediately fell in love with the intensity of Texas football.

“My first ball game was against Ball,” Suggs said. “Good gracious, talk about the intensity of that rivalry. The great athletes, the great fans — everything’s that’s around the game is great. Over the years, I really respected Ball and their ability to play.”

Suggs was at La Marque through the first state championship in 1993. He moved on to another assistant position before getting his first head coaching position at Fort Bend Willowridge.

Suggs said he’s never had a desire to leave Texas since his stint at La Marque.

“Texas football is the best in the nation,” Suggs said. “Granted, there are tremendous amounts of quality athletes in Florida. But overall organization is light years difference. Being a head coach in Texas is a tremendous job.”

But after coaching at four different schools in 11 years, Suggs is ready to settle down. The 49-year-old said he hopes Ball is where he can retire.

“I am looking for a final stop,” Suggs said. “Ball is very appealing because it’s one high school in one community. There’s a tremendous amount of great tradition in football and in athletics in general. With those ingredients, there is a chance to building something very special there.”

Suggs is the only one of the three candidates with a background on the defensive side of the ball. The other two, Pete Gareri Jr. and Othell Robinson, are offensive coaches.

Suggs said just because his specialty is defense, doesn’t mean he’s not focused on scoring points.

“I know we are going to have to work offensively,” Suggs said. “A great offense makes a great defense. The longer the offense is on the field, the more well rested our defensive kids will be.”

Suggs said if he gets the position, he’ll begin immediately on the program’s continued recovery from Hurricane Ike.

“I’m the guy that is going to roll my sleeves up and go to work,” Suggs said. “I want to do everything I possibly can to make not just football, but athletics and Galveston ISD in general great.

Sports Editor Joshua Buckley can be reached at 409-683-5242 or joshua.buckley(at)galvnews.com.

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Suggs’ Head Coaching Career

• 60-37 career record

• 28-23 in five seasons at Aldine Nimitz (2004-08)

• 18-6 in two seasons at Beaumont Central (2002-03)

• 8-3 in one season at Port Arthur Lincoln (2001)

• 18-13 in three seasons at Fort Bend Willowridge (1998-2000)