Schulenburg Replaces Ferguson as Head Football Coach/AD After Year-and-a-Half
Thirty-five years ago Schulenburg won a state football title.
Now the program is entering into it’s fifth different head coach in the last five-anda- half seasons. Coach Clay Ferguson appears to be out as Schulenburg Head Football Coach and Athletic Director after just a year and a half, and a 0-5 start to this season.
Friday afternoon Schulenburg ISD issued the following Athletic Department Update: “Schulenburg ISD has made a temporary administrative change within our athletic department. Coach Marty Bigham will serve as interim head Football Coach and Coach Donald Zapalac will serve as Interim Athletic Director.
“Our focus remains on supporting our student athletes and coaches and providing stability and continuity for our athletic programs. Because this involves a personnel matter, the district will not provide additional details at this time.
“We appreciate the continued support of our students, staff and Shorthorn community.”
The message was signed by Lee Hafley, SISD Superintendent.
When reached for comment, Halfley referred The Record to this original statement.
The Record also reached Ferguson for comment, and he stated he “wanted to refrain from commenting at this time.”
Back in March 2025, Ferguson, the cowboy-hat-wearing then-defensive coordinator at Elgin, beat out 140 applicants to be hired as head football coach and AD at Schulenburg after previous head coach Luke Hobbs went to Giddings.
Prior to Hobbs’ hiring Walt Brock started the 2022 season 0-6 and was fired before interim head coach Gilbert Price finished the season 0-4.
In Ferguson’s first year, last season, the Shorthorns went 6-6, including a win over Freer in the first round of the 2A playoffs before they fell to Mason in the second round.
This year the Shorthorns moved up to 3A, but in the non-district portion of their schedule (all losses) Schulenburg was outscored 245-52.
The Shorthorns were off Friday, but begin district play this Friday at home hosting Thrall (4-1) at 7 p.m. under the direction of Bigham, a Schulenburg native, who will be making his football head coaching debut Friday.