Coach David Husmann of Schulenburg went to be with The Lord on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 in Austin at the age of 67. He is predeceased by his parents, Ed and Donna Husmann. He is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, Karen Howard Husmann. He is lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Angela Ebrey and James of The Woodlands, Kristin Fisher and Brandon of Orange and Bonnie Seydler and Alex of Weimar. Coach leaves behind ten grandchildren, Madeline Kate Ebrey, Lily Grace Ebrey a Hall ie Wren Ebrey, Carly Grace Fisher, Zachary Brandon Fisher, Elise Faith Fisher, Abigail Joy Fisher, Seth Adrian Seydler, Simon David Seydler and Savannah Leigh Seydler. He is also survived by his brother, Gregory Kurt Husmann and wife Sandra of Round Rock.
David was born in Cushing, Neb. on Aug. 17, 1953. From organizing neighborhood front yard pick-up games, to excelling at little league, the love of the game was imprinted on his heart at an early age. Football brought the Husmann Family to Houston in 1961 for David’s father’s career with the Houston Oilers. As a young boy, spending time in the NFL locker rooms with his father and heroes was one of his fondest memories.
Always an elite athlete, Husmann lettered in baseball and football at Madison High School. At quarterback, David was the second leading passer in all of Houston his senior year. Athletics were not his only achievement. He had pursuits off the gridiron as well. He was selected for Boy’s State, was a journalist for the high school newspaper, and was responsible for establishing the first chapter of Key Club at Madison in 1970. David was also voted Mr. Madison his senior year. Upon graduation, David was
offered the opportunity to play quarterback at both Rice and the University of Houston. He ultimately chose U of H and played under the legendary Bill Yeoman. David also played baseball for the Cougars. Following the ’72 season, Husmann married his junior high sweetheart, Karen Howard. That summer, David practiced football during the day and worked the night shift to support his young family. The pinnacle of his college career was leading his team to a decisive victory in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl in 1973, relying on his passing prowess rather than gaining yards through rushing which had been customary for his team’s offense. The Cougars defeated Tulane, 47-7. Husmann was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons after graduation, but opted to coach the game he loved instead.
He began his professional career as an assistant football coach at Pearland and Gonzales High Schools. He ultimately landed his first head coaching job at Schulenburg where he created a football dynasty in the `90’s. From 1990-1994, he led the Shorthorns to an outstanding 69-6 record including 3 perfect seasons. The Shorthorns won back-to-back State Championships in 1991 and 1992. The Horns made the playoffs 11 out of 13 seasons, amassing 139 wins. Husmann was named Class 2A Coach of the Year from 1991-1995. Coach also had several quarterbacks go on to play at the collegiate level. At various times, he also coached basketball, golf and tennis while at Schulenburg.
In 1998, David began a new chapter as head coach of the Gladewater Bears. He led the Bears to the playoffs 5 of his 8 years there. 2001 was the most successful year for the team as they made it to the State Quarterfinals. That same year, David was named All East Texas Football Coach of the Year. Again, several of his players went on to play college football. As Athletic Director, he oversaw State Championships in both girls track and tennis.
Returning to South Central Texas, Husmann made stops at Shiner High School as principal, Hallettsville High School as Offensive Coordinator and Head Track Coach and Victoria Memorial as Offensive Coach.
A brief retirement ensued, but didn’t last long as the love of the game called once again. Husmann took on the roles of assistant football coach and head golf coach at Weimar High School. He eventually became the head football coach and athletic director in 2013. As head golf coach, he led the boys to state titles in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The girl’s team achieved a state title in 2014 as well. As head football coach from 2013- 2017 the Wildcats went to the playoffs each year. 2015 was a banner year for the Wildcats as they won nine games, including two consecutive playoff games, the first time in 55 years. This same year, Husmann achieved his 200th career win, placing him in an elite group of high school football coaches. Husmann secured the record for most playoff wins in Weimar football history.
Following this season, Coach spent the next two years in retirement. However, he was unable to stay away for long when a call came from Hallettsville Sacred Heart High School in the summer of 2020, opening the door to one more head coaching opportunity. He was overjoyed with the possibility of leading another group of young men to success. Though his tenure was brief, the impact on the players and Husmann alike was profound. Coach felt purposeful and had a renewed passion for the game.
David’s career spanned over forty years and touched the lives of many young people. He was blessed with the gift to inspire. He was a Dreamer, Believer and Achiever! Students and players believed they could become greater because of his encouragement and support.
Husmann’s faith had deepened and matured in recent years and was visible in his relationships with his students, athletes, coworkers and friends. He found joy in service at the Food Pantry, Bible Study and Sunday School teaching. David enjoyed time competing on the golf course, recently winning the Weimar Golf Club Senior Championship. He relaxed by driving to the country house with Karen to feed the sheep. He began to find happiness in the simple things.
Thank you to all of our family and friends for your generous outpouring of love and support during David’s brief illness. Your prayers have been felt and appreciated.
The family wishes to invite you to a Memorial in Coach’s honor at Shorthorn Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. We encourage you to wear your school colors.
In Memoriam