Jan. 9—Palestine High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Lance Angel announced his retirement from Palestine Independent School District Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Angel has been in education and the coaching field for 31 years. He will serve in his current role until his replacement is named.
Angel celebrated his 100th career win in September with the Wildcats, beating the Livingston Lions 42-7.
Angel is in his second tenure with the Wildcats, having coached the program from 2010 to 2014, he returned to Palestine for the 2019 season and has remained here since.
Under his leadership from 2010-2014, the Wildcats won 10 different district titles, with seven of eight sports qualifying for playoffs. During his tenure, the percentage of student athletes increased from 25% of the student body to 41%.
Prior to returning to Palestine, Angel served as athletic director for Bryan ISD from 2014 to 2019.
Angel was athletic director and head football coach in Canton ISD (2006-2010), where teams won 10 titles in various sports and he was named District Coach of the Year (2007).
From 2002 to 2006, Angel served Cooper ISD as athletic director, head football coach and head track coach, leading teams to district championships.
He served in assistant coaching roles for Aledo ISD, Elgin ISD and Wink ISD.
"Angel has left a lasting mark on Palestine ISD and the community," said Larissa Loveless, Director of Public Relations for PISD. "His integrity, work ethic and unwavering focus on doing what is right has made a remarkable difference in the lives of so many."
According to Loveless, application information for the Palestine ISD Athletic Director will be available on the Palestine ISD website (www.palestineschools.org) as well as coaching platforms.
Loveless said Angel will be coordinating the search process and the point of contact for applicants. The deadline for applicants to apply is Friday, Feb. 2.