Texarkana Hometown Hero: Gerry Stanford
We would like for you to meet this week’s Hometown Hero: Gerry Stanford!
Gerry Stanford is the Executive Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach at Texarkana Independent School District. Gerry has been with TISD for three and a half years and is a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and East Texas Football Coaches Association. His favorite thing about being a coach is hearing from former students, knowing the kids he coached made it in life.
As a high school football coach, Gerry is always on call for his student-athletes. Very few days is he just a coach. He often plays parent, therapist, mentor, and more to the kids that come to him. “There are a lot of times where kids need a ride to school or to come into the office and talk to you about their life’s issues. It’s those moments you cherish,” Gerry said.
Gerry’s favorite thing about Texarkana is the stillness of the town. He views Texarkana as a peaceful place, and he loves the honest friendships he has been able to create here. There are so many local businesses in Texarkana, but Gerry’s favorites are Redbone Magic Brewing, Brewsters on the Boulevard, Zapatas, and Benchmark. “Every Wednesday night is our standing date night, and right now my wife and I go to Twisted Fork while the kids are at church. My staff and I really like Mother Kellys,” he explained.
In his free time, Gerry loves being outside. He enjoys going to float the river, wakeboarding, hunting, and fishing. He is a husband to a wonderful wife and father of two children, Tate and Payton Grace.
FUN FACT: If I could do anything it would be owning a big ranch somewhere like Montana or Wyoming. I like the history and simplicity of the Old West.
