| NEEDVILLE - Roland Conrad's coaching career rarely veered from his hometown of Needville. But that did not stop those who came in contact with him to learn what a special man he was - both to his community and his players.
So it came as no surprise that the Texas High School Coaches Association announced that Conrad was a 2008 inductee into the THSCA Hall of Honor.
Conrad will receive the award at a luncheon on July 30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Antonio, site of the annual Texas coaches convention.
Also inducted are Bill Bryant, Gaylard Fenley, Joe Martin and Mike Robbins.
“This is such a tremendous honor. I don't know what to say,” said Conrad. “It's really hard to believe. I'm so humbled to get this.”
Conrad went to Needville High School and graduated in 1954, but not before lettering all four years in football, baseball, track and basketball. He was an All-district athlete in football twice and a regional finalist in track three times.
He attended Del Mar Junior College, in Corpus Christi, on a football scholarship. He lettered two years and was Second team All-Conference. Conrad then attended Sam Houston State University, where he received his B.S. in Education and M.S. in Educational Administration. He lettered in football in 1956 and 1957, starting both ways for the Bearkats in 1956 on their undefeated football team.
Conrad's coaching career began at Falfurrias High School as an assistant coach in 1958. He moved on to Needville in 1959 and was the athletic director and head football coach for the Blue Jays until 1979. During that span, he sported an impressive 133-61-2 record, which included a sterling 99-16 record from 1965-74.
During his reign, Needville won five district championships, two bi-district titles, one regional crown and a regional finalist. His 1965 team was a state quarter-finalist winner and reached the state semifinals.
In addition, Conrad was the head track coach from 1958-1967.
After his coaching career, Conrad was an assistant principal at Needville High School for four years before spending 10 years as the principal.
He was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and served on the board of directors from 1977-78.
“This is a tremendous honor for coach Conrad,” said Terry head coach Tim Teykl, who played for Conrad at Needville. “He is very deserving of this. I'm so happy for him.”
Conrad's wife, Carolyn, was also a tremendous athlete. She was a tremendous volleyball player who was enshrined in the National Volleyball Hall of Fame, and also coached volleyball at Dulles High School.
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