Waco High School - Athletics

Athletics

In football the Lions under coach Johnny Tusa made the playoffs in the years 1986-88, 1990–92, 1994–2002, 2004–2005, and 2006.

In 1991, Waco High's longest streak in the 5A playoffs was 5 rounds deep to the semi-finals. Waco High lost to the famed Odessa Permian Panthers before a sell-out crowd, 37-8 at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Texas. During the playoffs that year, Waco High beat Austin Crockett, Conroe McCullough (now The Woodlands), Richardson Berkner, and Dallas Carter.

In 2006 Waco High was classified a Class 4A school and placed in District 16-4A by the UIL. The district contained fellow 13-5A rival Copperas Cove, plus Brownwood, Killeen, and Waco-area schools University and Midway. The Waco High football team won the District 16-4A Championship defeating every team in the district. Waco High made a run through the playoffs defeating Corsicana, Dallas Hillcrest, Whitehouse, Brownwood, Frenship and into the 4A Division II state championship game held at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The team lost to La Marque, 36-14.

In 2007 Waco High won the District 16-4A championship undefeated. Their only loss on the year was in non-district to Euless Trinity. Waco High lost in the first round of the playoffs in four overtimes to Ennis.

In 2008, the team made the playoffs and lost to Lancaster in bi-district. After the season, head coach Johnny Tusa retired after a long career.

In 2009, Waco ISD hired offensive coordinator Danny Ramsey from Cypress Creek High School as head coach and converted their long-time traditional power running offense into a triple spread option. That year, the team went 2-8 and tied its worst record ever.