The tributes to Coach Dan Ray Hooks have been coming in to us and we wanted to share some following his passing on December 9. Some we’ve asked for and some were sent because they all wanted the opportunity to talk about a man that meant a lot to them.
Most remember him as the man who lead West Orange-Stark to tremendous success in football but he was also one of those human beings that if you ever spent any time with him, you would leave with a story to tell or a forever memory.
He was very gracious with me when I was a young reporter and was intimidated by a man who was winning State Championships. He gave me time and even helped me with interviews when the questions were hard to come by. As our relationship grew and he confided in me, I began to learn the demands of his job. And I believe that experience with him has helped me create the hundreds of relationships that I have had with coaches over the years. Thank you coach!
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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Lost a good friend. Captain Hook is what I called him. He was my boss, but he was also one of my best friends. Which means I knew when to keep my mouth shut…most of the time. I’ve probably been fired by him more than anyone else. He’d fire you on Friday night and hire you back on Saturday. But you know, the guy you saw on the field was not the same guy you saw in the fieldhouse. He cared about about his people and his players. In fact I’m sure one of the first people that found him in heaven to hug him was Coach JB Bearden.
I knew West Orange-Stark was a special place. But I really found out when I left for a few years. I was headed to Red River Blvd. in Austin to sign my retirement papers in 2004 and Dan Ray called and said, “I need you back here.” Me and Mark (Foreman) went back and picked up where we left off. He let me do my thing on the defensive side of the ball and I was thankful for his trust.
Dan Ray is responsible for me getting to stay at WOS when Steve McCarty was there. He spoke up on my behalf. I had known him since 1970 when I was at Kirbyville and he was recruiting for Lamar. Then we both ended up at Stark and taught a PE class together. Well actually we “sponsored” a PE class because all we did was talk about football. Then he asked me to join his staff when he took over. I’m going to miss him but like we used to say around the fieldhouse, “Boy it’s been fun.”
-Cornel Thompson, Former WOS AD/HFC and The Defensive Coordinator-
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He did so much for me. He was one of the most unique guys I’ve ever met. His mind, his perception, I mean he was really a smart person and was also so charismatic. It was an honor to work for him and I just didn’t ever want to let him down. He was unique in that he had a soft heart, but he was very competitive. And even though we won most of the time, win or lose, he had the ability to move on right after a game and was ready to prepare for the next opponent.
The other thing that maybe people didn’t see was how much fun we had as a staff. We spent a lot of time together and I enjoyed every minute of it. Working for him was one of the highlights of my career.
-Randy Crouch, Former WOS OC under Hooks, Retired LCM AD/HFC-
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“The word legend gets thrown out a lot these days. But I’m not sure a word describes Dan Hooks better. You don’t even half to say his whole name and people know who you are talking about. Dan Ray is all you need to hear and you know it’s Coach Hooks. His desire to win and compete is well known but off the field he was a kind and giving man. He’d give you the shirt off his back. As a young head coach all I had to do was reach out for advice or help and he’d freely give it. He didn’t owe me anything, but he’d help anyway. As a player and coach, most of what I’ve known about West Orange Stark football was Coach Hooks. It’s never really gone well for me when competing against him or his teams. With the exception of his kids, I’ve probably taken more tail whippings from him than anyone. His impact of SETX football is unmatched. His accolades are exceptional. His wins, district titles and state championships are impressive, but the impact he’s had on people is even more impressive. I think he’d be more proud of that than any win. All you have to do is talk to someone who played for him and you will find out, the man loved his players. We lost a true legend, he will be missed, but he will live on through those lives he touched, especially his family. RIP Coach”
-Josh Smalley, BC AD/HFC-
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Feeling broken hearted but full of precious memories of Coach Dan Hooks. The countless hours I spent with him in his office for almost 20 years is priceless. Sure, we talked “game”, but we always ended up talking more about “life”. I got to see the side of him that most people never got to see. Dan Ray loved the Mustang Family and loved his true family even more. The luncheons we had at JBs Barbecue were always epic. May you keep the horses on their toes in heaven and take it easy on some of those officials and refs up there. It was a pleasure to be a part and cover the legacy you created. Rest in peace Dan, love you Coach!
-Van Wade, former Orange Leader Sports Editor-
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