Kaiser, Melton, Bonner leaving THS

Three of the most familiar faces atTomballHigh Schoolwill be leaving at the end of this semester.

Football coach Tommy Kaiser, Charms director Debbie Melton and debate coach Julie Bonner are all leaving THS at the end of this semester.

Kaiser has been with the school for decades and was once the baseball coach, winning Tomball its first district title in baseball. As head coach of the football team, he has compiled a 67-61-1 record and took the Cougars deep into the playoffs in 2010.

That year, Kaiser was named Houston Area Coach of the Year by the Houston Texans.

“Tommy has done an outstanding job in leading the THS football program,” said athletic director Ronny Peacock. “The district could not have found a better man and role model for the athletes of this district.  His dedication, work ethic, and love for the youngsters were evident in his program.”

Players were surprised by the news, although seniors were sympathetic toward the man that had been their head coach throughout their years at THS.

“Coach Kaiser will be missed, but he has coached for 38 years and is in his 60’s now,” senior Kyle Harden said. “I’m sure the school will find someone good to replace him.”

With Kaiser leaving, the team and assistant coaches are waiting to hear who will take over, and what changes might be coming.

“I just learned tight end and it just complicate things,” said freshman Zach Cummings, who had hoped to play varsity under Kaiser.

Melton has had great success in her time as Charms director, claiming numerous state and national awards.

“It’s a great loss to our school as she’s an inspirational role model and she really cares about what she does,” junior Emily Lanier said. “She will be missed not only by the students she had, but students she met randomly down the hallway.”

Bonner not only directed the debate team but was in charge of all academic UIL for the school. These activities take a toll on family life.

“My kids are in sports and choir and I’m missing all their things because being the debate coach, we’re gone 15 weekends out of the year,” Bonner said. “It’s gotten to be too much. But I’m definitely going to miss it.

“I’m going to miss a lot of things about the high school.”

Principal Greg Quinn said the school is beginning the process of looking for replacements, but cautions that this trio leaves very big shoes to fill.

“I am very sad at their departure because it ends an era,” he said. “These are three amazing people as well as teachers who have had tremendous impact on young people for a long time.  They will be sorely missed and not easily replaced.

“The challenge will be to create a new direction in these areas rather than trying to replicate what has been done.  It would be impossible to try and imitate what they have accomplished.”