SAN ANGELO, TX — Sam Singleton has experienced some unforgettable moments at San Angelo Stadium over the years.
He played football for San Angelo Central from 1994-96, and he set the school record in the 400-meter dash at the San Angelo Relays in 1997, a record that still stands 27 years later.
Singleton is ready to enjoy the atmosphere of his hometown’s stadium again Friday, but this time it will be as part of the visiting Odessa Permian coaching staff.
Singleton is in his first year as an assistant defensive backs coach with Permian, and he is also an assistant coach for the freshman team.
“Coming back and being able to be a part of this and see it from this side, I feel that it’s very epic and humbling to be able to be a part of that,” Singleton said.
Permian is off to a 6-0 start, so the Panthers’ legendary Mojo mystique will be in full effect when they take on Central (3-3 overall and 0-1 in district) at 7 p.m. Friday.
Singleton played against Permian in 1995, when the Panthers made their last trip to the state final. He was a running back and defensive back for the Bobcats.
“It’s one thing to play in this district. It’s another thing to experience it as a coach,” Singleton said. “And now coming to my hometown and being able to play my alma mater, it’s a blessing. But also, it’s a business trip. We know what we’re trying to do for our season.”
Sam Singleton played football for San Angelo Central from 1994-96, and he set the school record in the 400-meter dash at the San Angelo Relays in 1997, a record that still stands 27 years later. He's now an assistant coach at Odessa Permian.
Singleton went on to play football at UTEP as a kick returner and defensive back.
He helped the Miners win the 2000 Western Athletic Conference title.
Yet Singleton may be best remembered by San Angelo fans for what he accomplished on the track.
He won a silver medal in the 400 at the 1997 UIL State Track andn Field Meet, and he was part of back-to-back conference champion mile relay teams at UTEP in 1998 and ‘99.
Singleton also had the opportunity to be an extra in the movie “Glory Road,” which is about the 1966 Texas Western men’s basketball team that won the national title with the first all-black starting lineup.
After college, Singleton briefly played arena and indoor football. He also served as the director of the San Angelo Boys and Girls Club.
Singleton was later an assistant coach for a semi-pro football team in Odessa, which led to a connection that brought him to his current role as a Permian coach.
After football, Singleton said he’ll help with basketball and, of course, track.
He said he loves the opportunity to give back to athletics after everything it gave to him.
“Just being around young men and woman, I get to pour into their hearts and minds about their ability but also character. Those were seeds sown into me by my family and close friends, but also my coaches and teachers,” Singleton said.
“Now, being able to give back in this way, it’s very, very humbling, but it’s also God ordained. I feel it’s my destiny to be in this role. I can’t say if I’ll be a coach in the next 5 or 10 years, but maybe somewhere in the education realm as an administrator or counselor, or even just as a mentor.”
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