Coach Fitzhenry passes on Pasadena job offer, will stay in Giddings

Monday, January 25, 2010


Coach Derek Fitzhenry announced today that he has decided to pass on the job offer he received last week from Dobie High School in Pasadena and stay in Giddings. (LCL file photo)

Fitzhenry received an official offer from Pasadena ISD last Tuesday night and then spent the past five days considering his options. Newspapers in the Pasadena area began to report that Fitzhenry had accepted the job almost immediately after it was offered to him. Fitzhenry said that he expected to accept the new position but reconsidered after mulling the situation over and talking to his family.

During a five day period of weighing his options and trying to make a decision  Fitzhenry also received an out-pouring of support from members of the community and his players; both past and present. 

According to Coach Fitzhenry "the most important thing he had to consider was his family". The decision ultimately came down to the fact that he had to do what was right for them. He has two sons still living at home, Spencer a sophomore at Giddings High School, and Kade, who is in fourth grade at Giddings Intermediate School. His eldest son Brock graduated from Giddings in 2008 and is a receiver for the Texas Longhorns. Fithenry's wife, Angele, is the Technology Coordinator for GISD.

During the past week rumors and speculation about Coach Fitzhenry's future ran rampant in Giddings. Fitzhenry met with his football squad on Friday and told them they shouldn't believe anything they hear regarding his position unless it came from him. Today he had another meeting with the team and announced that he would be staying in Giddings.    

During Fitzhenry's seven years in Giddings the Buffaloes record is 67-19. He has built a program that is expected to contend year after year. Success has become the norm for the football team and has filtered over into most of the other programs as well.

All three fall sports saw post-season action and both of the basketball teams are doing well in district play. The 5-0 Lady Buffs basketball team will probably win the district title for the second straight year, while the boys team is showing promise and could make a playoff appearance as well. Both the boys and girls  powerlifting teams finished second at the Thrall meet last weekend and the soccer teams are beginning to show promise in just their second season as a GHS sport.