Buchanan helps Aledo make history
ALEDO, Texas (BVM) — The COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on the country’s high school season last year. But Aledo High school, which is part of the University Interscholastic League (UIL), found a way to keep on winning.
It all started back in 1993 when current head coach Tim Buchanan took over the football program. It took him five years to win his first state title, but following that victory, the Bearcats would become one of the state’s premier football programs.
“When we arrived in 1993, Aledo was a place we hoped to stay a few years, but it soon became the place we call home,” Buchanan said in a press release.
Following the Bearcats state title in 1998, it would be 11 years before Aledo would capture another championship. Little did everyone know, in 2009, the Bearcats would go on a championship run few schools have ever done.
During the 2009-2011 seasons, Buchanan led the Bearcats to three straight state titles. Even then, winning three consecutive championships in Texas is no small feat. Buchanan then led Aldeo to another state championship in 2013. That championship team was the first-ever high school football team to score over 1,000 points during a single season.
Following that historic season, Buchanan would step down as the football head coach and take over as district athletic director. At the time of his retirement from coaching, Buchanan had an overall record of 227-53-3.
That didn’t stop the Bearcats from winning state titles, though. Steve Wood, who took over from Buchanan, led the program to three championship wins. With those three titles, the Bearcats had captured eight UIL championships.
With those eight trophies locked up, Buchanan was planning on retiring after his stint as athletic director. He soon realized how much he missed it, and he would be back on the sidelines during the 2019 season.
“In my time as the full-time athletic director, I have come to realize how much I have missed coaching,” Buchanan said in a press release. “This led me to announce my intention to retire last spring. The chance to coach again in Aledo ISD is something I couldn’t turn down.”
Making his return to the sidelines, Buchanan didn’t wait long to capture another state title. The Bearcats defeated Fort Bend Marshall High School 45-42.
Back on the sidelines and better than ever 😄@AledoISD head coach Tim Buchanan didn't miss a beat in his first season back on the sidelines as he helped lead the Bearcats to a 5A DII state title!#ForeverTexas | #TXHSFB | #UILState pic.twitter.com/JS9KYHX0fc
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) December 21, 2019
Then just this past January, Buchanan and the Bearcats made history. The football team captured their 10th championship. With nine championships in the last 12 seasons, they are the only school in the UIL to win three or more consecutive titles, twice. Buchanan now has an overall coaching record of 255-55-3.
"I know they're great football players, but they're really great kids."
Aledo Head Coach Tim Buchanan after leading Aledo to their 10th State Championship.#TXHSFB | #UILonFSSW | #UILState | @KatieEngleson pic.twitter.com/wncGu3OrQa
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) January 15, 2021
He was the man who built the program from the ground up. They (the Bearcats) would not have made history if he didn’t join that program back in 1993. Tim Buchanan is one of the greatest coaches in Texas high school football history, and he’ll be remembered as one of the greats. Buchanan is still currently the head coach at Aledo and is looking forward to leading the Bearcats to another state title.
“Coach Buchanan has done a tremendous job working with the student-athletes of Aledo ISD,” Aledo ISD Superintendent Dr. Derek Citty said. “The leadership and vision he brought to our district in 1993 have enhanced and grown the Bearcat tradition. I look forward to the coming years when Coach Buchanan is sure to be inducted into a number of state and national halls of fame.”
