Niles Dunnells gathered the Ellison boys soccer team around him on the sideline Friday, March 6, and told the Eagles, “This is your night.”
Ignoring the bittersweet reality in front of him, the message wasn’t surprising from a coach known for his humble service who was about to lead his team for the final time.
When the referee’s last whistle sounded following 80-minutes of action in the Eagles’ season finale, it marked the end of Dunnells’ impactful 31-year coaching career.
“It’s been an emotional day,” Dunnells said.
That perhaps was an understatement.
Phone calls, texts and emails poured in once news spread that Dunnells, a 1989 Ellison graduate, was retiring at the end of this school year following 30 years coaching the team for which he once played. The three-decade stint followed one year at Killeen High.
Dozens of former players and collogues, and current co-workers, were in attendance last Friday to help the geometry teacher celebrate the next chapter.
Over the course of the 30 years with EHS, the well-respected educator –– and one-time goalie for Hardin-Simmons University –– had 13 assistant coaches move on to become head coaches, watched more than 20 players advance their playing careers to the collegiate level and racked up 198 wins to go along with a handful of individual coaching awards.
Dunnells was presented a soccer ball signed by the numerous supporters on hand and they all posed with the coach for a keepsake photo.
More photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720332416969