Seventeen Years, Countless Memories
Aaron Marks has coached at Sterling City, Whitharral, and Farwell, but now calls Canadian home, leading girls basketball and cross country.
His most memorable coaching year came in 2021-2022, when his teams reached the state meet in cross country and the regional finals in the same season—a testament to the high standards he sets.
For Coach Marks, the toughest competition comes from Panhandle and Idalou, schools that push his teams to be their very best.
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“A Little Stitious,” Hungry for Success
Coach Marks may not call himself superstitious, but admits to being “a little stitious” on game days.
Nerves keep him from eating before games, but his energy and drive are never in question.
His players might be surprised by his many hidden talents, but one thing is clear: if he weren’t coaching, he jokes he’d be homeless, showing just how much he lives for the sport. The best coaching advice he’s received? Never stop learning.
Dedicated, Passionate, and Energetic
Described by his team as dedicated, passionate, and energetic, Coach Marks leads by example.
His favorite sports movie is Hoop Dreams, and Twitter is his sole social media outlet. In his office, The Red Clay Strays set the soundtrack for hard work and focus.
Coaching Philosophy: Work Hard, Love Harder
Coach Marks believes sports teach accountability and teamwork above all else. His coaching motto? “Work them hard, love them harder.”
He’s an advocate for offensive play and loves running the “get back/2-2 continuous” drill at practice.
For him, the best part of coaching in Canadian is the community’s commitment to excellence and the people who make the Texas Panhandle sports scene so special.
Keeping the Standard High
This season, Coach Marks aims to continue Canadian’s tradition of excellence and uphold the high standards that have become the program’s hallmark.
Whether it’s on the court or the course, he’s committed to helping his athletes grow, compete, and carry on a legacy of success.