Bonham -- After spending the past three years as the athletic director and head football coach at Bonham High School, Dale Trompler has submitted his resignation to Bonham ISD.

 

Trompler took the reins of a football program that had languished in recent years and he reintroduced the Warriors to a more wide-open brand of football that is the mark of North Texas gridiron action. In 2011, Bonham went 5-5, its best season in six years. The Warriors also notched their first district win in three years in 2011.

 

Under Trompler's guidance as athletic director, the coaches Trompler hired were expected to report game results, which was greatly appreciated by families of the young student-athletes. 

 

North Texas e-News visited with Dale Trompler to learn what his plans are for the future.

 

North Texas e-News: Where will you be going?

 

Dale Trompler: We will be going to Canadian, Texas where I will be a high school special education teacher.  Kim (my wife) will be teaching at Canadian Elementary School, most likely in the second grade.  We have no ties to Canadian other than what we have learned through researching this as a possibility.  It is a beautiful town that has exceptional schools and programs, both academically and athletically.  We have always wanted to see other places, other climates, etc. God chose where and when for my family to relocate and opened the door.  I truly believe that stepping out of my comfort zone in faith for my family will be honored by God.

 

North Texas e-News: Why this career change?

 

Dale Trompler: For twenty one years, I have spent the majority of my after-school hours molding other children, watching them compete, supporting them and trying to make them into productive men.  I have preached to my student-athletes that the most important job they will ever have is that of being a husband/father.  The importance of you being there for your kids, supporting them in their activities, being present and most importantly giving them your time.  My kids have paid a price for my career, and it is time for me to give them the father that they deserve while I still can.  My coaching career is important to me, but my kids are more important.  The coaching profession takes an overwhelming amount of time from you.  In football, we average 80 hours a week for thirteen straight weeks.  Since January, I have attended approximately 72 events in 15 different towns.  None of them involved my children and were often at the expense of their events/competitions.  I can coach after they are gone to college, if that is what I choose to do, but I cannot buy back this time with them.

 

North Texas e-News: Fond memories?

 

Dale Trompler: I will always cherish the progress that this program has made over the past three years.  I can remember the opening game of my second season.  We defeated Callisburg.  In returning to the dressing room to celebrate with the team, there was silence.  They were all sitting in the film room staring at me when I came in.  Some were crying, but it was shocking at the lack of excitement.  I asked, “What is wrong?” Several of the players expressed that it was the first football game they had won in their career.  They did not know how to respond.  Over the course of the next year and a half they begin to learn how to win.  That is the first step in changing a mindset.  Developing a program, despite what some think, takes several years to establish and requires some tearing down before building up.  The tearing down can be quick, the building up, not as much.  We have that progress well underway and I am proud of that.  Running out onto that field as the band plays the fight song will remain with me forever.  The relationships with my coaching staff will go beyond my time here as well. 

 

North Texas e-News: Do you have a parting thank you to anyone?

 

Dale Trompler: I would like to thank each and every parent that entrusted their children to me.  I assure you, I did not take that lightly.  I am grateful to each player that participated in my program and hope that some of the lessons learned in extra-curricular activities carry over with you into the real world.  First and foremost, I hope that you gathered from me that your most important assignment in life is to be the best parent you can be by providing the physical and emotional needs your children will possess.  Be there for them, teach them, and love them.  That is what I plan to do on a much more extensive basis.  Thank you for allowing me to be a Bonham Purple Warrior.