We’ve heard of coaches getting tattoos to celebrate championships in a way they hope will resonate with their players.
But former Aledo High safeties coach Greg Wright tops all of that with the way he celebrated the Bearcats’ 2016 Class 5A Division II state final victory over Calallen.
Video has surfaced on social media of Wright allowing his team to brand him in the chest in celebration after that 24-16 triumph over the Wildcats.
Wright was branded three times with the “Aledo A” during his coaching career — once for each time they claimed a state championship.
“I’ve known Greg since he was in college. He’s one of my best friends,” Wood said. “It’s a special deal to win a state championship and Greg is a unique guy. He’s done it three times, but I only got to see one of them.”
Think your state loves high school football?? This is how they do it in Texas! Branding the coach when they win state championships! pic.twitter.com/hry4WZAay4
— Jared Christopher (@JaredLChris) December 10, 2018
The branding iron apparently is nowhere to be found today, nearly two years after the incident.
“The story came up in the coaches office the other day,” Wood laughed. “It might be in one of the coaches garage, but I don’t know. I don’t want to be a part of that.”
Both Aledo and Calallen remain alive in the state championships. Aledo meets Wichita Falls Rider Friday night in Arlington. The Wildcats hook up with 14-0 Fort Bend Marshall at 7:30 p.m.
So will another Aledo coach get branded if the Bearcats win a state title this season? Wood didn’t rule it out.
Or would veteran Calallen coach Phil Danaher return the trick if the Wildcats get revenge over Aledo later in the playoffs?
All of this is what makes Texas high school football so special.
It also shows the special temperament needed to be a coach. And how a sweet a state championship can be for those who win titles.
