West (December 17, 2012) -- West defensive coordinator David Woodard has been named the new head football coach and athletic director at the school. The West ISD Board of Trustees approved the appointment on Monday effective immediately. Woodard replaces Sam Gillispie, who resigned last week to take a position in the Shallowater ISD.

Woodard has served as an assistant coach the last six years at West, and previously served as head coach at Meridian. Woodard is a 1990 graduate of West.

West Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford released this statement on the school's website regarding Woodard's hiring:

"Coach Woodard's loyalty to the District, the football program, the West community, and to our student body make him the unquestionable choice to lead our athletic programs and rally our football program. I suspect the community and student body is ready to reset football here in West and do all they can to participate in a revival of Friday nights at Trojan Stadium or anywhere our kids are competing. It starts with engaging football and supporting Coach Woodard day one".