Temple ISD athletics reports rising participation, new staff and facility usage

Temple ISD’s athletic department reported measurable growth and several operational improvements during an informational presentation May 11.

Athletic director Steve Prrenis told the board the district has steadily increased student participation in athletics over recent years and that 17 of 18 programs made the playoffs this school year. He highlighted six state qualifiers, one state champion in powerlifting, 33 academic all-state students, and a 90% passing rate among student-athletes in district coursework.

Prrenis detailed several operational changes and hires: expanded CDL certification among coaches (a 40% increase and a goal of about 40 certified by summer 2026), hiring a district strength and conditioning coach who introduced Rack Coach performance software, and a new middle-school athletic trainer who completed more than 70 treatments in her first month and increased parent communications.

The department also implemented Honest Game software to coordinate academic eligibility tracking and NCAA course approvals; Prrenis said the district was able to secure NCAA approval for 72 courses after revising course descriptions and submitting them for review. He described wider use of the district’s new athletic complex by academic departments and outside visitors, noting the facility is being used for testing, staff development and as a model for other districts touring the site.

Trustees praised the department’s emphasis on both athletic and academic achievement and on community-service events run by athletic teams. Prrenis said future priorities include retaining quality coaches, recognizing multisport athletes and increasing in-person attendance at events despite expanded streaming.

The athletics update was presented as an informational item; trustees did not take action on the presentation.