Lockhart Selects Moebes As New Athletic Director, Head Football Coach
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DATE: FEBRUARY 15, 2019 Lockhart selects Moebes as new athletic director, head football coach Superintendent Mark Estrada announced the selection of Todd Moebes as the new athletic director and head football coach for Lockhart Independent School District. In this role, Moebes will be responsible not only for leading the Lions’ football program, but also leading the district’s athletics program, guiding the development of young women and men throughout the athletics continuum. Moebes has 16 years of service in public education as a mathematics teacher and has a breadth of coaching experience in football, track, soccer, baseball, powerlifting and girls basketball at the 5A levels. He began his career in 2002 at Katy High School, of which he is an alumnus, and during his tenure there as assistant coach, the football team made two 5A State Championship appearances and won the 2003 5A State Championship. In 2007, Moebes joined the coaching staff at Abilene Cooper High School and served as the defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and recruiting coordinator for the program. There, he was heavily involved in the recruiting process of high school athletes and was directly involved with the hiring of coaching personnel for the program. In his nine years of serving as assistant coach, he had a 25-7 playoff record, 5 district titles, 2 state championship appearances, and a state championship title. In 2011, Moebes was promoted to athletic coordinator and head football coach for Abilene Cooper High School. In his role as head football coach, Moebes delivered a consistent winning record of 54-34 over the span of seven years. During that time, the team made playoffs every one of those years, advancing to the third round of playoffs five times. He had an 11-6 playoff record. The team secured two district championships during his tenure. As the athletics coordinator, he directed the girls and boys athletics programs, ensuring a comprehensive and linear program from middle school through high school. Moebes initiated a summer strength and conditioning program for the district’s female athletes in conjunction with male athletes. He also launched a true programmatic offseason program for Abilene’s female student athletes. A champion for developing the whole child beyond athletics, Moebes engaged students in community outreach projects to build character as well as build bridges to other caring adult mentors in the community. For example, Moebes developed “Back the Red & Blue,” a first responder outreach program with the Abilene Police and Fire Departments, in which first responders came to practice to condition with the football team. Also, Moebes developed the “Coogs for the Cure” community service project for Breast Cancer Awareness, in which athletes raised and donated over $90,000 to the Vera West/Hope Fund at Hendrick Medical Center for free mammograms. Moebes also highlighted the importance of academics, recognizing students for academic achievements with stars on players’ helmets, an initiative called the “Star Program.” Beyond the program in Abilene ISD, Moebes has a record of being a standout in leadership across Texas and at the national level. He was selected as the 2013 head coach for the FFA South All Star Team and served on the 2014 Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) All Star Selection Committee. From 2015-2017, Moebes served on the THSA Board of Directors for Region 2. Additionally, he was the 2017 High School Committee Regional Director for the American Football Coaches Association. “Coach Moebes certainly has the Xs and Os, but what impressed me more about him in a competitive group of applicants was his dedication to students beyond athletics,” said LISD Board President Steve Johnson. “He has a record of developing the character and leadership of young women and men and prioritizes their academic growth and success. In his thank you message after the interview, he shared wanting to support the district’s focus on growing all students 1.5 years each year in reading and math by emphasizing and reminding students of its importance--adding 1.5 feet, yards, or meters to every standard finishing point in athletics drills.” The district received a total of 138 applicants for the opportunity to lead the Lions’ athletics program. The district convened a committee that consisted of two parents, two community members, coaches, administrators from both Lockhart Junior High School and Lockhart High School, two Board members, the deputy superintendent, and the superintendent. The committee interviewed 12 candidates and recommended three for an additional two rounds of interviews with Superintendent Estrada. “While Coach Moebes has a superior coaching pedigree and demonstrated success on the field, that is not what sold me,” said Estrada. “After learning about him from his previous supervisors, coaches that have worked for him, parents of students that have played for him, and leaders from around the state, it was clear that Coach Moebes understands and prepares his students for the real world. He provides a disciplined program grounded in a strong culture of respect, grit, and leadership, and that is what our Lions deserve.” When asked how he felt about joining the Lion family, Moebes shared, “My family and I are excited to move to Lockhart! Knowing it’s a city with growing opportunities, while still holding on to its roots as a close-knit community, is something that is very appealing to me and my wife Sheri as we raise our three children-- Presli, Kadon, and Keeli. We can’t wait to be Lions!” In terms of his philosophy in leading athletics programs, Moebes stated, “From the start of my career, I’ve always believed we are in the business to make better young women and men. We are going to do everything to foster a program that will give our Lions memories to cherish during this special part of their development. We’re going to strive each day to make them better people. When we do that, the Xs and Os will take care of itself.” Superintendent Estrada will introduce Moebes at the Board meeting on Monday, February 25. His family will also be in attendance. Moebes’ record of excellence began as a young student athlete at Katy High School. He was a three-year letterman in football, a team that was a 1994 State finalist. He played a leadership role as team captain in 1996. In that same year, he was also the Touchdown Club Finalist for Defensive Player of the Year in the Greater Houston Area. He was also a two-year letterman in baseball, serving as team captain in 1997. He was selected as the 1st Team All State First Baseman in the All State All Star Game in Arlington. Moebes earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Mathematics from Sam Houston State University, where he was a four-year letterman in the football program. He served as team captain in his senior year. Moebes begins at LISD Monday, March 4. The district will hold a meet and greet event for the community Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 pm at the Lockhart High School gym. # # # .