Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Friday Night Lights took on special significance last week as Memorial High School (MHS) played its annual rivalry game against Stratford High School (SHS).

Coach Gary Koch, the head coach of Memorial’s football team for the past 31 years and a fixture in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) for an astounding 47 years, was honored in what many are calling a fitting tribute to a coaching icon. The Memorial and Stratford bands joined forces at halftime to spell out his name, “KOCH,” and the community gave him a standing ovation as he walked off the field at the end of the game.

The rivalry game was the final time Koch would lead his team from the sidelines during regular-season play. Both Memorial and Stratford have qualified for the 6A Division II playoffs this week, though it is unclear whether Koch will have the opportunity to coach at Tully Stadium again.

Koch's tenure at Memorial has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he built a reputation as a leader on and off the field, amassing a career record of 194-151-3. Under his guidance, the Mustangs made the playoffs 19 times and secured six district championships (1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, and 2014).

Boomer White, a running back who rushed for over 5,000 yards for Memorial and went on to play baseball at TCU and Texas A&M University, graduated in 2012. Reflecting on Coach Koch’s influence, he said, "In my opinion, Coach Koch epitomizes what high school football is all about. He has this rare ability to be feared while still showing his players love and care, not just as athletes, but as young men. He’s old school through and through—Gary Koch doesn’t care about ‘flash’ or ‘swag.’ He expects hard work, discipline, and execution. He just made football really, really fun for so many of us."

His most memorable achievement came in 2010 when Memorial reached the state semifinals, a historic run that cemented his status as one of the most successful and respected coaches in the Houston area.

Though Memorial came up short on the scoreboard against Stratford on Friday evening, the night was special due to the tribute paid to Coach Koch. Fans, players, and alumni gathered to form a tunnel that stretched the length of the field, a symbolic gesture of admiration for a coach who had given so much to the community.

As the game ended and the field emptied, Coach Koch walked slowly to the 50-yard line. With his hand raised high, he paused for a moment of reflection — acknowledging the fans, the players, and his storied career.

"I've always felt like this community, this team, and this district were my family," Koch said. "Friday, I walked off the field for the last time (or perhaps for the last time at Tully), but I’ll always be part of this family. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to be here and serve these young men."

A Legacy of Leadership

Koch’s influence extends far beyond wins and losses. Over the course of his four-decade career, he has shaped the lives of hundreds of young athletes, many of whom credit him for guiding them not just in football, but in life. Former players and coaches alike have spoken about Koch's ability to inspire and mentor.

Carson Zahn, who finished his high school football career with 2,991 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, along with three 1st Team All-District honors, graduated in 2022 and is now enrolled at the University of Texas. Reflecting on Coach Koch’s impact, "Coach Koch was more than just a coach to us. He was a mentor, a role model, and someone who always pushed us to be our best, both on and off the field. His commitment to Memorial and his players was unwavering, and he always made us feel like part of a family. I’ll always be grateful for the lessons he taught me, Memorial. Its community won’t be the same without him."

Reflecting on the tributes paid during Friday night's game, Paige Hershey, Executive Director of Athletics, shared her thoughts: "What a special moment for Coach Koch to be honored by both the Stratford and Memorial communities during such a significant rivalry game. Coach Koch dedicated his first 16 years to Stratford as a Spartan before transitioning to Memorial, where he served as campus athletic director and head football coach for the Mustangs. It was evident tonight, with supporters from both sides of the stadium and along the spirit line, just how much Coach Koch is respected for the impact he's had on so many lives. His work, both as a teacher and coach, has built lasting relationships across SBISD. We are deeply grateful for everything he's done."

While Koch’s teams have seen great success on the field, it’s his ability to connect with players and guide them through the challenges of adolescence that will define his legacy.

Coach Koch Reflects on His Career

As he looks toward retirement, Coach Koch shared some reflections on his long and illustrious career:

Q: What do you hope your legacy will be, both as a coach and as a mentor to your athletes?

"I hope they remember me as someone who cared about them—not just as athletes, but as people. That I taught them lessons that helped them grow into good men, husbands, fathers. Football is important, but it’s the life lessons that matter most."

Q: What inspired you to dedicate so much of your time and energy to SBISD and its athletics programs over the years?

"I’ve always felt a deep connection to this district. It’s home for me. I grew up here, I started my career here, and I’ve watched so many of these kids grow up. This community is incredible, and the support from the fans, the parents, and the alumni has been unmatched. It’s why I’ve given everything I’ve got."

Q: Can you describe what was going through your mind as you stood in center field after Friday night’s game?

"I was thinking about all the great memories—about the players, the coaches, the games, the ups and downs. I was grateful. It wasn’t about winning or losing tonight; it was about taking in the moment. It felt like a full circle, and I couldn’t help but be thankful for everything that’s led up to this point."

Q: As you retire, what do you see for the future of SBISD athletics? Do you have any thoughts on how the programs could continue to evolve?

"SBISD is in good hands. The future is bright. These kids today are incredibly talented, and the coaching staff here is outstanding. I think there’s a lot of potential for growth, especially as we continue to emphasize not just athletic excellence but academic excellence and character development. My hope is that the next generation continues to build on the foundation we’ve laid."

#SBISDProud