Atascocita High School football has seen a transformation under the leadership of Coach Craig Stump. Since his arrival, Stump has built a culture of excellence, turning the program into one of Texas’s and the country’s elite teams. His approach focuses on raising the bar in every aspect, both on and off the field, creating a legacy of consistency, hard work, and accountability.
The Foundation of Success
Coach Stump’s journey with Atascocita began with a bold vision—to elevate the program to compete with the very best. Under his guidance, Atascocita regularly faces powerhouse teams like Katy, Westlake, and East St. Louis, with schedules designed to push the team to higher levels of performance. This challenging approach has paid off, with Atascocita reaching six regional finals in the last eight seasons and even making a semifinal appearance.
What stands out about Stump’s philosophy is his focus on creating a culture where high expectations become the norm. From the varsity to the freshman teams, everyone is expected to compete at a top level. As he noted in a recent interview, “You only get so many games and so many opportunities. These kids move on. So, after the first couple of years, now it’s an expectation—that’s what we do.”
The Power of Accountability
A cornerstone of Stump’s success is his emphasis on accountability. For Stump, accountability goes far beyond the football field. He instills in his players the understanding that they represent not just themselves but their entire community. Whether it’s in practice, in the classroom, or in public, the players are constantly reminded of their responsibility to represent Atascocita with pride and integrity.
Coach Stump reinforces this message by teaching his athletes life lessons that will stick with them long after their playing days are over. “They’re accountable to everybody in this community,” he says. “If you do the wrong thing in the community, it hurts everybody. It’s all about being part of something bigger than yourself.” This focus on the bigger picture has helped Stump’s teams build a strong sense of unity and purpose, which translates into their performance on the field.
Work Ethic and Elevated Standards
Atascocita’s rise to prominence has also been fueled by an intense work ethic ingrained in the players. Stump has developed a culture where showing up, working hard, and being disciplined are expected every day. His teams don’t focus on the results but rather on the process and performance. As Stump explains, “We don’t focus on the results. We focus on our performance. If we do that, then you get the results you want.”
This approach has allowed Atascocita to consistently compete at a high level, even against nationally-ranked teams. Whether it’s flying in teams from across the country, like East St. Louis or Liberty from Las Vegas, or taking on top Texas programs, the Eagles are never afraid to face the toughest challenges. “I just don’t believe in being afraid to put yourself out there,” Stump says. “Even if you lose the game, you get so much out of it.”
The Long-Term Impact
Stump’s leadership has done more than produce wins—it’s built a program that excels in developing young men. His focus on accountability, work ethic, and elevating expectations has created a foundation of success that impacts not just his players but the entire Atascocita community.
Coach Stump’s efforts were recognized recently when he was named the National Coach of the Week, a reflection not just of his own leadership but of the collective effort of the players, staff, and community. As Stump humbly noted, “It speaks for everybody in the program.”
Through his vision and commitment to elevating standards, Coach Craig Stump has transformed Atascocita High School football into a perennial contender. The win over Austin propelled the Eagles to a Top 25 ranking in the country, demonstrating that true success comes from building more than just a winning team—it comes from building a winning culture.
