Congratulations to the Class of 2025

Max O’ Banion | 1955-1986 | Lubbock ISD Athletics | Leadership & Support

Max O’Banion was a pillar of leadership and dedication in the Lubbock Independent School District from 1953 to 1986. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as both a coach and an educational leader who devoted over three decades to shaping the lives of students and athletes in Lubbock through his unwavering commitment to excellence, character, and teamwork.

In the fall of 1955, Lubbock ISD opened Monterey High School. Dave Cook, who had been the Head Basketball Coach at Lubbock High, went to Monterey to fill the same position. Max O’Banion, who had begun his tenure in Lubbock ISD in the fall of 1953, found himself as the Head Basketball Coach at Lubbock High.
He faced a daunting challenge during the 1955-56 season. He inherited a team with no returning players, and they were playing in the very competitive 3-4A District. That year, he guided the Westerners to a respectable 16-14 record. Through perseverance and effort, O’Banion’s teams continued to improve. The 1963 season saw an impressive 22-5 finish, followed by a 21-7 record in 1964, and 21-6 in 1965. The 1964 campaign was especially notable, as Coach O’Banion earned his first District Co-Championship. He spent 13 years as a Head Basketball Coach.

Due to the respect the students had for Coach O’Banion, the 1965 Westerner Yearbook was dedicated to him. Max was more than a basketball coach. He was a teacher, counselor, and mentor who profoundly impacted the lives of his players far beyond the basketball court. O’Banion emphasized the importance of integrity, respect, and self-discipline, teaching his teams not only how to handle a basketball but also how to conduct themselves with honor and confidence in all aspects of life.

Max eventually went into administration. He would carry those same coaching qualities to his new position and earn the same success. In 1973, He became the principal at Coronado High School, where he continued to influence Lubbock’s youth through his leadership and dedication. He was so admired and respected at Coronado that the Coronado Baseball Field was named in his honor as Max O’Banion Field in 1987.

Max O’Banion’s impact on Lubbock ISD is a testament to his lifelong dedication to youth development, leadership, and community. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Max O’Banion is being posthumously inducted into the Lubbock ISD Athletic Hall of Honor, celebrating a lifetime of service, leadership, and lasting influence.
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