Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD is proud to announce Joseph Gifford as the new Head Cross Country and Head Women’s Track and Field Coach at Chisholm Trail High School.
“Coach Gifford is a proven winner,” Athletic Director Brent Barker said. “He’s done an outstanding job at developing athletes, and I am excited to see what he does at Chisholm Trail.”
Gifford brings 29 years of experience with him to Chisholm Trail, and comes to EMS ISD from Peaster ISD. While at Peaster, he fielded dominant cross-country teams. The women’s team were three-peat district champions, while the men’s team were runners-up last year. He has produced several athletes that advanced to the state cross country meet in Round Rock.
His track and field teams were very strong as well. In addition to producing various district and area champions, he had the 100m and 200m third place regional finisher in 2021. Last year, Peaster had a 400m state qualifier. During his time there, the women’s track and field program set seven new school records.
Prior to EMS ISD, Coach Gifford had stops at Clarendon, Paschal, Randall and Horace Mann Middle School. In his career, he has produced eight state qualifiers and numerous district, area, and regional champions. In addition to coaching track and field, he has coached football, basketball, and powerlifting.
A native Texan, he was born in Houston, but spent much of his schooling in Amarillo. Coach Gifford received his Bachelor’s Degree from West Texas A&M University, and his Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas.
“I am very excited to be at Chisholm Trail High School,” he said. “I believe that the future of our XC and track and field programs are on the upswing. Go Rangers!”
Coach Gifford and his wife Missy have a Vizsla named Jagger.
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District and Chisholm Trail High School are pleased to welcome Coach Gifford to his new role and look forward to many more successful seasons ahead!