Lamar head coach Eddy Peach retires

ARLINGTON-- On Friday, the only coach Lamar high school has ever had quietly announced his retirement. With a career record of 311-123-6, he leaves the game seventh on the all-time list of career wins in Texas. Under his direction, the Vikings set an AISD record for most consecutive playoff appearances with thirteen in a row. 

From 1988-2000, Lamar was one of the elite programs in the state. The school's lone appearance in the state championship game was at the Astrodome in 1990 where they lost to Aldine, 27-10. Last season he joined a handful of select coaches to win 300 games in the season opener against Fossil Ridge.

His influence on the game has impacted the Arlington area for a long time. Currently his son Scott is the head coach at Arlington high school and Kenny Perry (who starred at Lamar in the late 80's) has had a successful stint as head coach at Arlington Bowie.

Arlington Martin head coach Bob Wager has looked at Lamar as the standard for building a program.

"Think of all the lives he's impacted during his tenure there. Forget all the wins, we're all competitors and certainly want to win but more importantly impact kids' lives. When I moved here from out of state in 1992, he was a coach that I looked up to and he's been an inspiration to me" he said.

Bowie head coach Kenny Perry echoed that sentiment. "Texas high school football is losing one of it's greatest coaches. I looked forward to playing for him since i was six years old" he said.

"He was a father-figure to a lot of his players and I've taken a lot of what I learned from him to be the coach that I am today. I remember him telling me that 'Kids are kids. No matter where you go, they all want the same thing - your time, love and respect'. "I've always remembered that" he added.

No word yet on who will replace the legendary coach.

Date of Article: Fri Feb 05, 2010 2:29 pm

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