Hardin-Simmons Coaches Clinic Highlights Abilene, San Saba, Merkel & Georgetown

Interviews with top high school football coaches from across Texas provide insights ahead of the new season.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school football game, with players and field elements fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of maroon, green, and yellow, conveying the strategic complexity of the sport.The annual Hardin-Simmons Coaches Clinic offers a unique window into the strategic minds shaping high school football across Texas.San Saba Today

The annual Hardin-Simmons Coaches Clinic featured interviews with several prominent high school football coaches, including Mike Fullen of Abilene, Andreas Aguirre of San Saba, Wes Wood of Merkel, and Chuck Griffin of Georgetown. The coaches shared their perspectives on the upcoming season, player development, and the state of the game in their respective regions.

Why it matters

The Hardin-Simmons Coaches Clinic is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together some of the top high school football minds in Texas. The insights shared by these coaches provide valuable context for fans and media ahead of the new season, highlighting key storylines and trends across the state's high school football landscape.

The details

The interviews covered a range of topics, from program-building strategies to player evaluation and scheme development. Abilene's Mike Fullen discussed the challenges of maintaining a consistent winning culture, while San Saba's Andreas Aguirre spoke about developing talent in a smaller school setting. Merkel's Wes Wood shared his approach to implementing a new offensive system, and Georgetown's Chuck Griffin talked about the importance of adapting to the evolving game.

  • The Hardin-Simmons Coaches Clinic took place on April 19-20, 2026.

The players

Mike Fullen

Head coach of the Abilene High School football team.

Andreas Aguirre

Head coach of the San Saba High School football team.

Wes Wood

Head coach of the Merkel High School football team.

Chuck Griffin

Head coach of the Georgetown High School football team.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, it's about developing our players and putting them in the best position to succeed, both on and off the field.”

— Mike Fullen, Head Coach, Abilene High School

“In a smaller school setting, you have to be creative with your player development and really maximize the talent you have on the roster.”

— Andreas Aguirre, Head Coach, San Saba High School

“Implementing a new offensive system is always a challenge, but we're excited about the potential it brings and how it can elevate our program.”

— Wes Wood, Head Coach, Merkel High School

“The game is constantly evolving, and as coaches, we have to be willing to adapt and find new ways to reach our players and maximize their talents.”

— Chuck Griffin, Head Coach, Georgetown High School

What’s next

The coaches will continue to prepare their teams for the upcoming season, which is set to kick off in late August 2026.

The takeaway

The insights shared by these respected high school football coaches provide valuable perspective on the state of the game in Texas, highlighting the importance of player development, program-building, and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of high school sports.