Veteran Coach Weldon Nelms Returns to Lead Iowa Park Football After 27 Years

Weldon Nelms, a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor, has returned to Iowa Park High School as head football coach and interim one outlet director, a role he last held from 1994 to 1999. Taking over in late June, he now oversees a squad of about 32 players, with 12 seniors, as the Hawks transition to Class 4A Division II. Nelms plans to rotate the entire roster to keep players fresh and is weighing a quarterback decision between juniors Reed McClain and CJ McNeill.

He also anticipates that three or four sophomores could see starting time on defense, noting their performance exceeds typical expectations. A recent scrimmage against Paradise showed the team responding well to physical play, boosting Nelms' confidence. The Hawks open the season at Henrietta High School on Aug. 28 and will face several nondistrict opponents before entering district competition, where success will depend on collective effort rather than a single star.