ATLANTA, Texas - Atlanta High School has chosen a new athletic director in David Plunk.
Plunk will also be the football team's head coach and comes to Atlanta after a 4-year stint at Denton Ryan High School. He was the athletic director and head football coach at Hallsville for 12 years from 2004-2016.
"It's a great job, and Atlanta has a rich tradition," Plunk said. "I remember back when I first got into coaching that Atlanta was great at football, basketball, baseball and track. They were just good at everything. I think it is a great community, and I am ready to get back to East Texas."
Plunk has been coaching for 29 years. He has been married to his wife, Kelly, for 25 years. Together the couple has three children, Kyle, 23, John David, 21, and Jack, 15. Jack Plunk will attend Atlanta High School.
"Atlanta is a great town, and there is a lot of community support," Plunk said. "I had a lot of success at Denton Ryan, but I always missed the community support. I like that Atlanta is a one-school town. People grow up and dream about being an (Atlanta) Rabbit. It is a great atmosphere, and I look forward to getting back to this area.
"My family likes being a part of a community and a part of a school like Atlanta. My wife has missed being in East Texas.
"She has missed being the head coach's wife and enjoys the duties that come with it. She is elated that we have an opportunity to do this."
Plunk graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, and is filling in the position left by Matt McClure when McClure transitioned into a different position.
"I appreciate the community of Atlanta," the new athletic director said. "They have been more than supportive and welcoming. Two nights ago, as excited I was to get this position, I am even more excited to get down here now that I have met the people. I think it's going to be a great opportunity for me and my family.
"I am excited to be here with Matt McClure. He has been a really good friend of mine for a long time. He has run a really good program for 10 years. I am looking forward to the opportunity to come in here, take something he has built and see if we can take it a little bit further."