Altus High School coach Dusty Davis will embark on his 20th year as an educator this fall. 

“My first two years were at RISD in Richardson, Texas and the last 17 have been here at Altus High School,” Davis said.

An Altus native, Davis always had a hunch about coaching when he was growing up. He didn’t want his life in sports to end when he was done playing sports – so he gravitated towards education naturally.

“Teaching and coaching was the best way for me to do this,” Davis said. “I had several great teachers and coaches here at Altus that made me realize early that this is what I wanted to do and encouraged me to pursue my career.”
Davis’ students have taught him patience.

“More importantly, they have taught me that people will meet whatever expectations are put on them if they know that you are invested in them and have their best interests at heart,” Davis said. “I think the most important part of teaching is trying to show students and athletes that they are capable of way more than they give themselves credit for.

“My job as an educator is to educate, encourage and inspire them to become everything that they are meant to be.”

It is not easy for Davis to come by free time; with two teenagers in school, it can be tricky. But when he can manage it, he’s an outdoorsman at heart.

“I do enjoy playing golf and fishing,” Davis said. “I do also enjoy cooking.”