“The past nine years serving the students and staff of this remarkable school district have been some of the most rewarding and memorable of my career,” Ringo said. “Highland Park ISD is fortunate to have a supportive Board of Trustees and administration, a strong coaching staff, parent sports organizations and the Sports Club that are all willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that the resources and opportunities available to all student-athletes are second to none. It has been a privilege to be a part of HPISD for as long as I have.”
Coach Ringo joined HPISD as the athletic director in June 2013. During the last nine years, the Scots have won 19 team state titles, 40 individual state titles and have had numerous other teams finish as state finalists/semi-finalists and individual athletes medal at state competitions. Highland Park won the UIL’s Lone Star Cup in 2016-17, 2018-19 and in 2020-21, the top award in the state for high schools based on team performance in district and state championships. The Scots have now won 12 Lone Star Cups, more than any other high school in Texas.
Thanks to the 2015 bond election and Coach Ringo’s leadership, the district’s athletic facilities have received substantial upgrades. In addition to a new Seay Tennis Center and natatorium, the district has added a new gymnastics center (the Hegi Family Gymnastics Training Center), a weight room (Boogie Blackwell Strength and Conditioning Facility), new locker rooms and a new indoor golf facility.
“Plain and simple, Johnny Ringo has been a tremendous champion for HP Athletics, and his enthusiasm is infectious,” Highland Park ISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg said. “He is well-respected throughout the district, as well as by his peers and colleagues throughout the state. We all wish him the very best in the future.”
“Coach Ringo has done a marvelous job as athletic director of Highland Park ISD," Boys Athletics Coordinator and Head Football Coach Randy Allen said. "He will be missed, both as a close friend and as Athletic Director.”
"Coach Ringo has been very supportive of the girls' athletic program over the past nine years, and he is always willing to listen," Girls Athletics Coordinator and Head Coach of Cross Country and Track/Field Susan Bailey said. "He truly cares about the coaches and student-athletes and has done a great job working with the leaders of each team. He is a great Scot and his leadership will be missed."
After playing football for the University of Texas, Coach Ringo began his coaching career at Austin Westlake, followed by stints at Uvalde, Irving MacArthur and Coppell. He was an assistant coach at SMU, then coached for nine years at Plano East. Throughout his career, in addition to his many victories, he received numerous awards and served as president of the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Ringo will remain in his position until the end of his contract in June. A search for a new athletic director will begin immediately.