Author: Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD Valedictorians and Salutatorians looking to the future as graduation approaches

~ Montgomery ISD

Graduation is just two weeks away and these students have bright futures ahead of them after Montgomery ISD.

Asia Kennett: Lake Creek HS Valedictorian

Asia Kennett is the oldest of three children and has spent her childhood “following the oil” with her father’s work. She moved to Montgomery in 8th grade from Kazakhstan and with confusion on whether she needed to be in 7th or 8th grade. She asked for the challenge to go ahead and go to 8th. She is thankful for Mrs. Hoffart at Oak Hills JH for helping her get on track and caught up in math so she could be prepared for high school.

Asia is headed to Arizona State University as a student at The Barrett Honors College, with plans to major in Medical Microbiology and Pre-Law, hoping to pursue a career as a Bio-ethicist. She has been a four-year tennis player for the Lions, served as Student Council officer and is or has been a member of Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Chess Club, UIL Academics, Club ROAR, Mu Alpha Theta and even the Hacky Sack Club. Outside of school, she is a member of Cotillion, National Charity League, Young Life and is very active in her church activities.

Asia says she worked hard in every class she took, but always made sure she was taking classes that interested her and would challenge her. She thanks Mrs. Lorrance, her sophomore English teacher, for being so wise and always motivating her, as well as Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Boyles for encouraging her and always making her feel like there was a teacher looking out for students and teaching life lessons. Asia is excited to move to the dynamic city of Phoenix and see what God has in store for her next.

Claire Groner: Montgomery HS Valedictorian

Along with being Valedictorian, Claire Groner is also the 2022 Academic Decathlon State Champion. She will be attending Texas A&M University this fall to study Business Honors with plans to go to law school and pursue a career as a Business Attorney.

Claire has served on Student Council since her freshman year and is also an officer for National Honor Society, President of the Young Republicans and is a former member of the Bears swim team. Outside of school she participates in National Charity League.

Claire would like to thank Mr. Barnes, her 9th grade Geometry teacher who pushed her from the beginning to always be her best. She also really appreciates the support of Mr. Villamez and Mr. Williams, her Academic Decathlon coaches who she considers to be teachers that motivate and challenge her to always do a little bit more, helping her to secure the State Championship title.

Jacob Whitaker: Lake Creek HS Salutatorian

Jacob Whitaker is headed to The University of Texas in Austin to major in Journalism and hopes to attend Law School when he completes his undergraduate work.

Jacob is an All-State swimmer for the Lions and has advanced to the state meet in Butterfly three of his four years, placing 4th both his junior and senior years. In addition to swimming, Jacob also participates in Speech and Debate and is the Co-founder of the LCHS Chess Club. Outside of school, Jacob is very competitive in Jui Jitsu.

Jacob remembers his 6th grade ELA teacher, Mrs. Scanlon and his 6th and 8th grade Science teacher Mrs. McFadden as being amazing teachers. He shares that Mrs. Scanlon setup her classroom in a way that allowed for freedom of choice when choosing what to study and he says that was the best class he’s ever taken. He also wants to thank his swim coaches in and out of school, Coach James, Coach Villamez and Coach Kagel for always keeping him disciplined and helping him become a better swimmer and person, and he says that Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Hannel have been his favorite teachers in high school as they are both really understanding and ‘just really great teachers’.

Alex Underwood: Montgomery HS Salutatorian

Alex Underwood has dreams of being a trauma doctor in the Army and is attending UNC Chapel Hill to major in Pre-Med on an Army scholarship.

Alex is very active on her campus as a student and an athlete. She served as the Captain of the Bears Cross Country team and also runs track and field. She is the current President of both UIL Academics and Mu Alpha Beta, the Math Honors Society, and is an active service member in National Honor Society.

Alex would like to recognize Mrs. Strickland, her 8th grade Health Teacher and Mrs. Lawson, her Advanced and AP Chemistry teacher, for inspiring her to follow the science path and being such wonderful teachers. She also says that Mr. Williams always provides a space in which all students feel safe to explore and not feel the pressure that grades are everything.

Montgomery ISD is very proud to recognize these students and the work they have put into their academic endeavors through high school. If the way in which they represent their campus and serve their graduating class as leaders and committed students is any indication of what’s to come, their futures look very bright.

Grant Cooper named Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator of Montgomery High School

~ Montgomery ISD

MHS graduate and current Offensive Coordinator chosen as next leader of Bears

Grant Cooper has been selected as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of the Montgomery High School Bears for the 2022-2023 school year.

Cooper is no stranger to Montgomery High School. He has served as the Offensive Coordinator for MHS Football since 2013 as well as the Head Boys Track Coach since 2015. He is a 2007 graduate of Montgomery High School and played college football at Hardin Simmons University from 2007-2010.

“We believe Cooper’s relationships with players, parents and staff, combined with his incredible ability to lead and motivate student-athletes makes him the best selection for this role,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “The interview process brought a very talented pool of coaches from all over the state, and Grant continued to impress us with his vision for Bears football and the entire athletic program.”

Cooper will take over the lead of Montgomery High School Athletics following the announcement of John Bolfing’s retirement earlier this year. Bolfing was the head football coach at MHS for 19 years, having coached Grant himself in his first two years in Montgomery.

“To follow in Coach Bolfing’s footsteps is an incredible honor,” Cooper said. “I have learned so much from him, personally and professionally, and I look forward to continuing to build on and enhance the great foundation of this winning program.”

Cooper will begin head coaching responsibilities as the team continues competing in 7 on 7 tournaments, lineman challenges, and throughout their intense plan for summer workouts, and says that the first game at the MISD Stadium is going to be a really special moment for him.

“We have such amazing student-athletes here at Montgomery High School,” Cooper said. “The standard is excellence with the way they take care of business in the classroom and on the field, court, course, track or pool. This is an absolute privilege and I cannot wait to get to work.”

Cooper is married to his high school sweetheart, Angela Storseth-Cooper, and together, they are thankful for this incredible opportunity.

“I know these players, this program, this school and this community,” Cooper said. “No one is going to match my passion for Montgomery High School and bleed purple and gold the way I do.”

Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees takes action after community approves 2022 bond proposal

~ Montgomery ISD

Trustees authorize purchase of new buses and search for construction firm to manage high-priority projects

During a special meeting, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees approved the purchase of 15 new school buses and authorized the district to issue a Request for Qualifications for a construction manager as the district initiates the planning stages for the construction of Elementary School 7 and phase two of Lake Creek High School.

These actions come after the Montgomery ISD voters approved all three propositions on the 2022 MISD bond referendum, which was included on the May 7 election ballot. The MISD Board of Trustees authorized the purchase of the buses to be made with dollars from the general fund, with intent to reimburse once bond funds have been secured by the district.

“We’re grateful that our community saw the dire need to purchase new school buses as part of the 2022 bond program,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “With a significant delay in school bus delivery due to supply chain challenges, we felt that it was important to place the order now in order to get these buses added to our fleet as soon as possible.”

The need for buses was addressed in the project list on Proposition A of the approved bond, along with the construction of a seventh elementary school and phase two of Lake Creek HS to address the increase in student populations in the Stewart Creek ES and Keenan ES feeder patterns. During bond town hall meetings, district leadership shared that these two construction projects would be top priorities if the community approved the proposal.

“One of our core values throughout this process was a commitment to transparency,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “We also consistently communicated in conversations with the community that we would not get ahead of voters by starting project plans before seeing results of the election. With that, in order to open Elementary School 7 and complete Phase Two of Lake Creek in time for the 2024-2025 school year, we need to begin the process of planning and design now. Thanks to the support of our community, we can get started with posting the Request for Qualifications and seeking our construction management partner for these two large projects.”

Other items included in Proposition A include campus and facility upgrades across the district and land purchases for the seventh elementary school and future centralized CTE and Ag-Science Centers, as well as comparability improvements at all campuses, athletic facilities and fine arts programs. The district’s projection for completing all projects is four to five years.

More information on the Montgomery ISD 2022 Bond can be found at www.misd.org/bond.

Gifford Whitehead named Principal of Oak Hills JH

~ Montgomery ISD

Whitehead returns as leader of Oak Hills Junior High after time at Lake Creek HS 

After an extensive search and competitive interview process with both internal and external candidates, Montgomery ISD has selected Gifford Whitehead as the next Principal of Oak Hills Junior High.  

“Mr. Whitehead is a highly regarded and well-respected leader in our district,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “His ability to connect with students and staff and communicate effectively with families has been proven throughout his time in Montgomery ISD and I have utmost confidence in the direction of Oak Hills Junior High School under his leadership.”  

Whitehead opened Oak Hills JH as Assistant Principal in 2017 and served four years in that capacity, before moving to Lake Creek as an Assistant for the 2021-2022 school year. Before opening Oak Hills, Whitehead served as Assistant Principal at Montgomery Middle School, Lynn Lucas Middle School (Willis ISD) and taught at Montgomery HS, Huntsville HS and Lockhart JH.  

Having previously served as an AP at Oak Hills, Whitehead’s leadership and established relationships will make for a smooth transition and continue to enhance the culture in place at Oak Hill Junior High School. Whitehead brings to this position nearly a decade of experience as an administrator at the secondary level. His work as an Assistant Principal at Lake Creek High School this year has also been recognized as outstanding, particularly in the areas of connecting with students, effectively communicating with families, and leading teachers.

“The secondary level is where my heart has always been, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to return to Oak Hills,” Whitehead said. “My passion is supporting the growth of students who are at the point in their lives when they are trying to figure out who they are, where they fit in and what kind of person they want to be. Leading and supporting the amazing staff in place at Oak Hills that take this the journey alongside our students will be a privilege.” 

Whitehead is married to Montgomery JH Science teacher Melanie Whitehead and together they have three daughters in Montgomery ISD. Abigail is 15 and attends Montgomery HS, Aleah is 14 and attends Montgomery JH and Ashlynn is 11 and attends Montgomery ES. He is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Whitehead received his Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership from Sam Houston State University in 2012.  

“His knowledge of the campus and the Lion community and his relationships with staff and families will provide for a smooth transition in both leadership and style,” Morrison said. “The next chapter of Oak Hills is being written and I’m excited about what lies ahead.” 

Montgomery ISD Praise Page: April 2022

~ Montgomery ISD

Each month during the school year, Montgomery ISD celebrates faculty and staff for their extraordinary contributions while serving MISD students. In the Praise Pages below, we celebrate MISD employees recognized by their peers in April. Congratulations!

Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees approves selection of principals at Montgomery HS and Lone Star ES

~ Montgomery ISD

Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Executive Director of Finance also selected

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees has approved the selection of new principals for Montgomery High School and Lone Star Elementary School as well as Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Executive Director of Finance.

Montgomery ISD selected Noah Hollander as the next Principal of Montgomery High School. Noah Hollander will be coming to Montgomery from Battle Creek Central HS in Michigan after serving as Executive Principal since 2016. After graduating from Calvin College, Hollander came to Texas to complete his master’s degree at Sam Houston State University while teaching at Stovall Middle School in Aldine ISD and Oak Ridge High School in Conroe ISD. In 2014, he made the move to Beloit, Wisconsin as the Assistant Principal of Memorial HS. Hollander is currently working on his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis through the University of Wisconsin.

“Noah’s experience at the high school level is impressive and extensive and we are excited to welcome him back to Texas to lead our Montgomery Bears,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “I believe that he has the knowledge base and the experience in curriculum and staff development that not only aligns with Montgomery ISD’s goals and strategic plan, but most importantly fits the needs of Montgomery HS and will be a benefit to every student and staff member on the MHS campus.”

Chris Stowe has been selected as the next Principal of Lone Star ES. Stowe is currently the Associate Principal at Lake Creek HS.

Stowe began his career as an elementary school teacher before joining Montgomery ISD in 2011, where he grew the MHS Speech and Debate team to national prominence and was recognized nationally for his teaching and coaching abilities and named Region 6 Educator of the Year from the Texas Speech Communication Association. Since opening Lake Creek HS as an Assistant Principal, he has grown into the Associate Principal role, supporting staff and being a critical participant in campus decision-making processes. Stowe received his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University, a Master’s Degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and is currently a Doctoral candidate at Sam Houston State University.

“Filling the position of campus principal in MISD should always be a very competitive and transparent process as we watch candidates rise to the top of a talented pool of individuals,” Morrison said. “Chris did just that as we completed several rounds of interviews, and we are confident that his ability to build strong relationships and passion for engaging students and families will serve our Lone Star community very well.”

Stowe will assume the role of Lone Star ES principal from Dr. Catherine Bartlett, who is retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

“I am thrilled that Chris has been selected as the next leader of our Lone Star Longhorn family,” Bartlett said. “I was fortunate enough to participate in the interview process and experienced first-hand how his experience and passion for students will translate into success as an elementary principal. I am excited to watch him fall in love with Lone Star, and I know he will be able to provide the support and guidance needed to continue the success we have enjoyed as a school community.”

Another leadership position that the MISD Board of Trustees approved included the selection of Dr. Christopher Summers as the next Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Summers assumes the role of Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction from Mark Weatherly, who was recently named the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.

Dr. Summers will join Montgomery ISD from Sealy, ISD where he currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and has been serving in education since 1996. He began his career in the classroom at both the elementary and junior high school levels and has served as Assistant Principal in Pearland and Clear Creek ISD, held Principal positions from 2002-2014 in both Austin ISD and Hays CISD and was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in West Oso ISD from 2014-2018 before moving to Sealy. Dr. Summers received his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Behavior and Management, his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

“Dr. Summers has an incredibly deep level of experience and knowledge of curriculum in the state of Texas and how to best reach students of all academic levels and a variety of demographic areas,” Morrison said. “As we evaluate the direction we are going in providing professional development to our educators and ensuring that our instructional model design serves all students in Montgomery ISD, we are confident that he will be an amazing addition to our district’s leadership team.”

Finally, Timothy Momanyi, a finance executive with more than 17 years of experience in both public and private sectors, has been selected as the district’s Executive Director of Finance.

Tim is joining Montgomery ISD from Houston ISD, where he currently serves as the Officer of Budgeting and Financial Planning. He began his career in public education finance in Aldine ISD, working his way up from Accountant to Director and then Executive Director of Finance. Before entering public education, Momanyi worked in the private sector as a Relationship Manager and Accountant from Bank of New York Mellon in Houston. His education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Business Administration from Houston Baptist University.

“Tim is going to be a wonderful addition to complement and enhance the critical work of our department,” Kris Lynn, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations said. “We have worked very hard over the last two years to balance our budget, increase employee compensation and build transparency and trust with our community regarding our management of district finances. His experience and ability to focus on the district’s financial strategy and planning is going to be immensely supportive as we continue to grow.”

These positions were filled through a highly competitive and thorough process, with multiple steps in the interview process, to ensure that the best candidate was selected for each role as Montgomery ISD seeks to be the Premier school district in the state of Texas.

“Today, we gained four outstanding leaders in our school district,” MISD Board President Matt Fuller said. “It’s evident that our district’s search and interview processes empower us to attract and select amazing individuals from all over the state and country who want to join our staff and be a part of the great things happening here in Montgomery ISD.”

Justin Lanham named new Head Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach at Lake Creek HS

~ Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD is excited to introduce Justin Lanham as the new Lake Creek High School Head Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach.

Coach Lanham is coming to Lake Creek after serving as the Varsity Assistant Coach at JJ Pearce HS, a 6A program in Richardson, TX. Before Richardson, he served as the Head Coach at Iowa Park HS (4A) as well as the assistant coach at Denton Braswell HS (5A), Azle HS (5A) and McCullough JH. Lanham is a graduate of Texas A&M and served as the student-assistant coach during his time as an Aggie. 

“Through the interview process, Coach Lanham continued to impress with his experience, his knowledge of the game and his reputation for success with his student-athletes,” MISD Athletic Director Coach Heard said. “He’s going to be a great leader for our Lions and we are excited to welcome him to Montgomery ISD.”

After starting his coaching career in Montgomery County and meeting his wife while working in the Woodlands, they have both always hoped for an opportunity to bring them back to this area to raise a family.

“Montgomery ISD is clearly a very attractive district as it’s such a growing area,” Lanham said. “I’m honored to get to join the Lake Creek family that carries such a great reputation as a school with a winning culture.”

Lanham also shared that the interview process was very impressive, having met some amazing members of the Lake Creek and district staff. Being impressed with the people that he would be working with and for was a great draw in accepting this position.

Lanham will be meeting his Lion student-athletes and parents later this week and will transition to Lake Creek HS at the end of the school year.

Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees authorizes action to save taxpayers over $10 million

~ Montgomery ISD

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees has authorized the defeasance and refunding of existing district bond debt resulting in $10.44 million in savings to Montgomery ISD taxpayers.

As a result of these actions taken by the Board, the district has refinanced select bonds authorized by voters in 2015 with a 5% interest rate to a 4% rate. With this refinancing, the term of these bonds was decreased by one year. The decreased rate and term resulted in significant savings to taxpayers.

Seeing the rise in current interest rates and the projection that rates may increase an additional 2.5% through 2023, district leadership has been actively seeking to pay off bonds early and reduce the district’s existing debt obligations.

“One of our top priorities as a school board and district leadership team is to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “The diligence of our superintendent and leadership team to continually seek opportunities that will benefit our community, taxpayers and district financial standing are actions I will always support, and I am proud of their efforts to think innovatively about our budget and fully support their efforts to save taxpayers’ money.”

Montgomery ISD’s proactive enhancement of its financial standing may serve as a protective measure to address future interest rate increases. Additionally, these actions also create additional capacity that would minimize the tax impact of any future issuances of bonds needed to address rapid growth being experienced throughout Montgomery.

Montgomery ISD’s current total tax rate is $1.26 per $100 of assessed property value. This is the district’s lowest overall tax rate since 2005.

Tim Williams named Principal of Lake Creek HS

~ Montgomery ISD

Williams currently serves as Principal of Oak Hills Junior High School

After a competitive and extensive interview process, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees has approved the selection of Tim Williams, current Principal at Oak Hills JH, as the next Principal of Lake Creek HS. Williams will lead Lake Creek HS following the retirements of Phil Eaton and Acting Principal Duane McFadden.

“Mr. Williams emerged from an impressive list of incredibly talented, qualified candidates for this role,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “His experience in Montgomery and knowledge of the community, ability to authentically connect with students, staff members and families and his proven strong leadership make him the ideal person for this role.”

Williams has been in Montgomery ISD since 2013, having served as Assistant Principal at both Montgomery Middle School and Montgomery Junior High prior to being selected as Principal of Montgomery Middle School and then opening Oak Hills JH as principal in 2017. During his tenure in Montgomery ISD, Williams has been recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year in 2014 by both the district and Region 6.

“The opportunity and trust the district gave me to open Oak Hills was a gift,” Williams said. “And together we have created an amazing campus where students and teachers can enjoy coming to school and can thrive.”

Williams is familiar with many Lake Creek HS students and their families from their time at Oak Hills JH and looks forward to growing those relationships deeper while working with the staff at Lake Creek HS.

“Tim’s foundation of strong relationships speaks volumes to making this transition a very smooth one for the entire Lion family,” Morrison said. “We’re excited for the next chapter and what lies ahead for the Lions under Mr. Williams’ leadership.”

Williams and his wife Jamie, a former junior high math teacher and counselor, have two daughters and one son. Jalynn is 14 and attends Oak Hills JH, Kennedy is seven and attends Keenan ES and baby Cooper is 9 months old and loves his sisters and smiling.

Williams received a Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 2003 and his Master’s Degree in Education from Lamar University in 2010. Before joining Team Montgomery, Williams served as a teacher, coach and administrator in Sheldon ISD from 2003-2013. While in Sheldon ISD, he received the Rookie of the Year Award for the 2003-2004 school year as an 8th grade US History teacher and the Teacher of the Year Award in 2005. He coached JV and Varsity Football and Baseball at his alma mater, C.E. King High School.

“I could go on forever about what leading Oak Hills JH and working with that amazing staff has meant to me,” Williams said. “And then I could go on and on again about what the opportunity ahead of me means, as well. I’m humbled and thankful, and so very excited to lead the Lake Creek family.”

Montgomery HS Head Football Coach John Bolfing announces retirement after 19 years in Montgomery ISD

~ Montgomery ISD ~ Leave a comment

Winningest coach in Montgomery HS football history calls it a career after 34 years in education

Following the Montgomery Bears successful 11-1 season that included an undefeated regular season and district title, longtime Montgomery HS Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator John Bolfing has announced his retirement. Bolfing has coached at Montgomery HS since 2003, serving two years as the Defensive Coordinator before being named Head Coach in 2005.

Bolfing holds a record of 114-71 as the head coach of the Bears, having earned District Coach of the Year five times, including the 2021 season in which the Bears were undefeated and named District Champions.  

Bolfing received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas in 1987 and began his career as Head Football and Baseball Coach at Waco Christian in 1988. In 1990, he made the move to Reicher HS as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at his alma mater. From there, he spent three seasons at Midlothian HS and four at China Springs HS, both as Offensive Coordinator, before coming to Montgomery HS as the Defensive Coordinator in 2003.

“In the summer of 2005, Dr. Bob Smith, Bobby Morris and Athletic Director Leonard George took a chance on hiring me from a staff that hadn’t been very successful,” Bolfing said. “Clint Heard and Lori Polan have been with me since I arrived and I will forever be grateful to the individuals who have had such a great influence on my career.”

In his 17 years as Head Coach, the Bears have made the playoffs 11 times, advancing as far as Regional Finals in 2010, with a season ending loss to Friendswood at Rice Stadium. He holds the longest tenure for a football coach in Montgomery HS history, has the most wins by a head coach with 114 and has the third highest win percentage behind Jack Snipes (1969, one season, 12-0) and Howell Ferguson (1979-80, two seasons, 15-3). Over the last 17 seasons, the Montgomery Bears are the second winningest football program in Montgomery County.

“I have been truly blessed to work with some incredible coaches, but more importantly, outstanding men,” Bolfing said. “They have made my job easy and we have been given some amazing young men to coach over the years, who bought into what we were doing and showed that Montgomery football could compete with anyone.”

During his tenure in Montgomery, Bolfing has coached all three of his sons, Tyler, Josh and Brock, in the quarterback position, with his youngest son Brock set to graduate in May.

“My wife has been a huge blessing in my career,” Bolfing said. “Allowing me to do my job to the best of my ability while she took care of the day-to-day responsibilities of our four kids, often working herself and always being in attendance at Friday Night Lights. She and the kids, especially Brooke, have always been my biggest fans and spending 10 seasons with my sons on the field with me is something I never dreamed of.”

Bolfing has coached in every Montgomery HS game ever played at MISD Stadium and his wife, Gailey, has been in attendance at each one as well.

“It’s hard to imagine a Bears game that won’t have John on the sidelines,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “His family is a staple of Montgomery and he has been instrumental to the success of our Bears and in growing young men to be outstanding student-athletes that represent our community well.”

Bolfing’s overall record as a Head Football Coach in the State of Texas is 162-111-1. He led Waco Christian to win the State Championship in TAPPS 2A in just his second year of coaching and has continued to carry teams to success. In only his second season as Head Coach of the Bears, Montgomery advanced to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

Bolfing believes that his family has been very fortunate to work and live in community with some amazing people through his 34-year career. Fred McNeil hired him at just 24 years old to be the Head Football Coach at Waco Christian and the late Father Leo Baysinger trusted him to lead the Athletic Department at Reicher. He also credits head coaches at Midlothian and China Spring, Danny Stout and Mark Bell, for teaching him more about the game of football than anyone else and preparing him for the success he has had in Montgomery.

“It is difficult to pick a most memorable season, but if I had to it would be 2014,” Bolfing said. “It was our first year in 6A and most people believed that would be the demise of our program. We were the smallest school in the state playing at the 6A level and achieved a winning season in what I believe was the toughest 6A district in the state. I’ve never been more proud of a group of players!”

Bolfing plans to spend next football season on the road, cheering from the stands as he supports his children who have supported him and his team all these years. Tyler, 2011 graduate of Montgomery HS, is currently a coach at Baylor while Josh, 2015 graduate of Montgomery HS, is coaching at The University of Louisiana. Brooke, a 2013 Montgomery HS graduate is engaged to a member of Texas Tech football team’s administrative staff and Brock will be beginning his college career playing at Blinn College.

“Gailey and I will be at a college football game every Saturday next fall,” Bolfing said. “Spending time with our kids and their growing families.”

Bolfing has experienced Montgomery through times of rapid growth and the addition of another high school and is truly thankful for the time spent with “some of the best people on the planet” at Montgomery HS. From teachers, cafeteria workers, to administrators, and he especially wants to thank the custodians, Carlton White, Jesse Alfred and the late Arthur Ford, believing that no one makes your job easier than good custodians.

“I’ve known John for 20 years now and there is no doubt that he is an incredible football coach with an amazing ability to inspire athletes,” Heard said. “His career here has been great for our community and the success of our football program and we wish him nothing but the best in his next journey.”