January 30, 2023
LANCASTER, Texas -- As the buzzer sounded during a Friday night men's basketball game against Red Oak High School, the Lancaster Tigers secured another win. But this triumph was different for Head Coach Ferrin Douglas. The 70-42 win against the Hawks marked the coach's 400th career victory in Lancaster ISD.
"Accomplishing 400 wins is no easy feat," said Douglas. "These 400 wins tell a story of hard work, sacrifice, struggles, tragedies, disappointment, commitment, strength, but most of all, gratitude for the experience."
Douglas first joined Lancaster in 1996-1997 as the assistant coach for junior varsity women's basketball under Phil Hale. Two years later, he was the freshman men's basketball assistant coach under Joe Rushing. Next, Douglas transitioned to Lincoln High School as the varsity assistant coach under Leonard Bishop. At Lincoln, he coached the 2002 state and national championship team, led by NBA Hall of Fame member Chris Bosh.
Douglas returned to Lancaster ISD in August 2007 and has created a winning legacy and set the standard for athletic excellence.
While serving as head coach at Lancaster High School, Douglas has had a tremendous career and built a basketball program known throughout Texas. His accomplishments include three state championship titles, four regional championships, and 12 district championships. In addition, Douglas was named District Coach of the Year eight times, the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016, and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2020.
"As head coach, more than anything, my goal has always been to inspire young boys to become great young men. The winning is great, but most importantly, my greatest success stories are the young men who have gone through my program."
Douglas has a proven track record of inspiring great young men. Several young men who played under Douglas have gone on to play college and professional basketball and are successful in many other industries. Three have even decided to follow in his footsteps and are now coaches on Douglas' coaching staff. Saidrick Jackson, Ronnie Atkins, and D'Aris Johnson each played for Coach Douglas throughout his coaching career and have helped him achieve his 400th win.
"It's amazing to see my former players leading the new generation of Lancaster basketball. It's a full-circle moment that is hard to explain. I am proud."
As Douglas reflects on his successful coaching career, he remembers his first group of boys at LHSl.
"It seems like it was just yesterday that my journey as a head coach at LHS started. My oldest son was a baby, and my youngest son was not born. So to have my sons as players on my team for the 400th win, along with all of my boys, is special. I will cherish this moment forever."
Douglas is just one of many Lancaster ISD coaches helping to create the championship culture that the district is known for. He's proud of his victories and recognizes those who helped him get to this point in his career.
"I have to credit my coaching staff, especially Coach Joseph Mayberry, who has served as my varsity assistant coach since the start of my head coaching career. Most importantly, I give credit to every young man I have been able to coach and inspire. Here we are, 16 seasons later, celebrating this win."
The Lancaster ISD Athletics Department will celebrate Coach Douglas' 400th win during the Senior Night home game on Tuesday, February 7.