When Jeremy Hickman received a phone call on Monday evening from Fort Stockton ISD Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Zamora, the Fort Stockton native was overcome with emotion after learning he was chosen to be the next head football coach and athletic director in his hometown.

The Fort Stockton ISD School Board unanimously voted for Hickman to become the next football coach and athletic director of the district on May 30.

“I kind of lost my composure a little bit. I started to cry and tear up. It was a surreal moment,” Hickman said of his immediate emotions after receiving the news that he got the job. “I love the community. I love the people there and when Dr. Zamora called me it was just a rush of emotions. It took me a second. I was tearing up and my family was too.”

Hickman explained that he knew upon entering the coaching profession that the Fort Stockton AD/head football coach job was at the top of his list after gaining the appropriate experience under his belt.

“Going into this profession, the Fort Stockton job was always a goal of mine to work towards. The timing was right and ultimately I’m going to a job that I’ve always wanted,” he said.

Zamora, who was in attendance with the school board during the interview process of the finalists on Monday, said that Hickman’s passion for the Fort Stockton community and helping kids was evident during their discussion.

“I was extremely impressed by what this young man had to say and how much love he has for Fort Stockton. We’re lucky to have someone this passionate come back and share his skillset with our community and kids,” Zamora said. “I don’t think that a better set of circumstances could have occurred for an individual that has dedicated his life to helping kids.”

School board president Billy Espino noted that Hickman proved to be the top candidate in many ways and a decision was made based on a variety of factors.

“In all fairness, he stood out on the things that he’s going to bring to the district. It was a great interview and we felt very good about it,” Espino said. “. We had some great applicants. There are no ifs or buts about it. We just felt like he was a better fit.”

Hickman returns to Fort Stockton after making stops at four different schools in the Texas, which excludes a one-year stint at Fort Stockton ISD as the head baseball coach early in his career.

Most recently, the 41-year-old served as the Canyon Cougars’ - a class 5A program in New Braunfels - assistant head football coach and defensive coordinator.

The Western New Mexico University graduate served as the assistant head football coach, defensive coordinator, and as the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Kerrville ISD before taking the job at Comal ISD last year.

Hickman also was a football, baseball, and softball coach at Cypress Woods High School.

Hickman said he will arrive in Fort Stockton on May 31 and hit the ground running to secure a coaching staff and get up to speed with his new job. The Fort Stockton native added that he knows there are big shoes to fill after coach Mike Peters’ departure, but the community can expect a relentless effort from him from the get-go.

“First off, coach Peters has done a tremendous job there and it’s going to be very hard to follow. I mean to say that in terms of building relationships great relationships with the kids as well. That’s going to be one of my main priorities is to build relationships with the kids and coaching staff,” Hickman said.

“As far as football wise, we’re going to be tough, we’re being aggressive, relentless, and physical. We’re going to be known for our effort, relentless effort is our motto. That’s what we’re going to hang our hat on.”

Hickman will also look to continue his family’s legacy at Fort Stockton ISD. Hickman’s grandfather, Pete Hickman, was a former head football coach and teacher in Fort Stockton. His grandmother, Betty Hickman, was a longtime administrator for the district, and his mother, Vivian Hickman, is a current kindergarten teacher in Fort Stockton.

Hickman will return to Fort Stockton with his wife Desi Hickman, who is also a native of the city.