GRAPE CREEK – Former San Angelo Grape Creek high school football coach and athletic director Tanner Thiel accepted a new job to be the football coach and athletic director at White Oak high school in East Texas, as first reported by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Thiel guided the Eagles to the program's best season with a 7-5 record and achieved their first playoff win, downing Crane 50-15 in the bi-district round.
“As I prepare to begin a new chapter as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at White Oak ISD, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Grape Creek ISD community for the past nine years,” Thiel said.
“This transition was not an easy decision,” Thiel said. “White Oak ISD is home to family – my sister serves as the high school counselor, my niece and nephew attend school there, and my wife’s parents live nearby – which ultimately made this move the best decision for our family.”
“Still, leaving Grape Creek is incredibly difficult because of the people, relationships and memories built here.”
Thiel has been coaching in Grape Creek since 2017 and took over as the athletic director and football coach in 2018. He leaves Grape Creek with a 24-60 record as the most successful and longest tenured coach in program history.
Thiel said he thanks former GCISD superintendent Angie Smetana for giving him his first coaching opportunity and said he is also appreciative of current superintendent, Trey Gardner, for his continued support and leadership. He also thanked the Grape Creek ISD school board, student-athletes and parents for their commitment, trust and support.
“More than wins and championships, I am most proud of the quality young men and women we helped develop during that time,” Thiel said. “Grape Creek ISD will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve this community and proud of everything we accomplished together.”
Paul Witwer covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for The San Angelo Standard-Times. Reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @Paul_Witwer, Instagram and TikTok at pwitwer_sast.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Grape Creek football coach Tanner Thiel departs for White Oak
