Page 42 - 2017-media-guide

Those coaches are: Eric Wells (Dawson), Mike Norman (Dobie), Mike Allison (Clear Brook), Mark
Kanipes (Santa Fe), Jason Glen
(Klein Oak), and Jared Sloan
(Hardin-Jefferson).
It is difficult to put into words
the coaching career of Tony
Heath as Pearland developed
a following that expected the
Oilers to win each time they
took the field and fans were
shocked when they didn't.
In the beginning, Heath was told that people will come to watch the game, expect Pearland to get
pounded in the first half, anticipate a great halftime show by the band, and then three-fourths of
the crowd would leave following the halftime show leaving
some of Pearland's old faithful with the coach's wives in the
stands to watch the remainder of the slaughter.

That happened in the early games in 1997, but not any
more. The winning culture was developed and now the
fans flock to the games wearing their Pearland gear, not
only at the game, but all around town throughout the year.

Heath's leadership saw the team move from an outdated
1950's stadium (Prensner Stadium) that would seat 5,500
to a new stadium (The Rig) in 2001 that accommodates al-
most 10,000 fans. On more than one occasion it has been
filled to capacity and above.

Tony Heath developed a Pearland Proud community and
that winning tradition will continue thanks to the founda-
tion that he has laid for the Oilers over a 20-year coaching
career.

Heath began a new venture on Aug. 1, 2017 as the busi-
ness development manager in the Houston area for Hellas
Construction.

"I was looking for opportunities beyond football, but I didn't know what I wanted," Heath said. "I was
hoping for an opportunity to still continue to work in the sports market…to work with administrators
and coaches that I've been associated with the last 31 years.

"I was very picky, and Hellas has a great reputation as far as performance and product. They've
installed turf for the Baylor Bears and Dallas Cowboys. I definitely wanted to attach my name to a
strong company, and Houston is a great market."

Heath is easily the winningest coach in
Pearland history and his influence, integrity,
and love for Pearland will continue as he sup-
ports the team and school he loves.

Once an Oiler -- always an Oiler! Right coach?

40