Back to Backs: Former Tiger takes job with Class 6A Lewisville

In an eight-year coaching career with stops in Sealy, Waco Conally, Hillsboro and, most recently, Nacogdoches, Rockdale High School grad Kortlin White is headed for the big time after being named the strength and conditioning coordinator at Lewisville, a Class 6A program on the rise that has made it to the playoffs the last three seasons under alum Michael Odle.

“It’s a very exciting time to go up to Lewisville,” White said. “There’s a big tradition I’m walking into with a couple of state championships in the ’90s.”

“It’s going to be a different type of football. They breed success and Dallas ball doesn’t stop,” he said. “In-season, off-season, kids are training 24/7, which I’m very excited about.”

With experience at the junior high level, and at the varsity level as an inside linebacker and receivers coach, White will also get to specialize in coaching running backs, the position he played at RHS and rushed for more than 2,200 yards in three seasons in the Blue-and-Gold.

“The times I’ve been up there coaching those guys, it’s been second nature,” he said. “Just my expertise blending in with what they’ve already been doing, it’s kind of a coming home (situation).”

White was also quick to mention all the people who helped him get to this point, which included many people with ties to Rockdale.

“I feel like I have to start with Aunt’s Angela, Teresa and Wanda,” White said. “Those three have been my foundation even before getting into this profession. (Just) seeing them go through the whole process and seeing the success they’ve had.”

White also mentioned coaches he had at Rockdale, including James Saegert, Brent Hasselbach and former Tiger coach Jeff Miller, whom he says he still talks to on a monthly basis.

“I always thank (Miller) for everything he poured into me” White said when speaking of Miller.

He also mentioned Lewis Edmonson, who has been the Tiger track coach for the last five seasons.

“He’s big into training and the speed work,” he said. “I’m always picking his brain and reaching out to him. He’s been a big help in my young career.”

White graduated from Rockdale in 2008 before playing at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he played for three seasons and was a part of a Division III National Semi-finalist team his freshman year.