BY GAIL M. WILLIAMS
Muleshoe Journal Correspondent

After 23 years, David Wood, head coach of the Muleshoe Mules football team, has submitted his resignation to the MISD Board of Trustees.
In a letter to the board, Wood says he has been thinking about retiring for some time, but this time he has decided not to go “one more time.”
After Wood and his wife Jody retire in May, they will settle on their farm in Crowell. Jody Wood is a technology teacher at the junior high and is also the tennis coach.
“This is such a God thing that I know it’s time,” the coach writes in his letter. “As for my one more season this year, I was humbled, honored and so rewarded to coach the 2017 Mules. I hope and pray that I have positively impacted the thousands of young men and women that I have been privileged to coach.”
Superintendent Dr. R.L. Richard said the coach handed him his letter of resignation late Monday afternoon, and the board regretfully accepted it at their regular meeting that night.
“It’s hard to accept the
retirement of someone who’s been that good for that long,” Richard said. “We are sad that he’s going to be leaving Muleshoe, but we are very excited for him and Jody. It will be extremely difficult to replace a man, of his character, leadership, Christian spirit and coaching abilities.”
Wood says that when he came to Muleshoe, he hoped that he could win a few games.
“(God’s) plans were not to win games, but to make this place my home, raise my children, influence young people and become a better man. This is my home; my children all graduated from Muleshoe and are Mules for life.”
Wood came to Muleshoe from Randall High School in Amarillo and was hired as head football coach of the Mules in 1996.
His record is 184 wins to 79 losses. He has 19 playoff appearances, including the 2017 season, and he led the Mules to the 2008 Class AA State Championship.
“He’s the finest football coach in Texas in my book,” Richard said.
“Now, as for winning games, I fortunately got to be a part of lots on the scoreboard, but more importantly, winning in the game of life, for me, my players, my staff, my friends, my family and my Lord. You all have won my heart, and a big part of my heart will always be here,” Wood said.
Wood ends the letter with a message from Philippians 1:6 to precious friends, co-workers and kids.
“I am sure of this! He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion … it is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart.”