By Sophia Torres
Amarillo High—A Deep-Rooted Football Tradition
Amarillo High School, home of the Golden Sandstorm (or “Sandies”), holds one of Texas high school football’s most respected legacies. The program recorded its first games in 1908, and except for 1917, has played continuously ever since. Amarillo has amassed over 800 wins, making the Sandies one of the highest win-total programs in the state. Four state championships—won in 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1940—stand among its proudest achievements.
Recent Seasons & What’s Ahead
In recent years, the Sandies have faced challenges. The 2025 season saw a difficult stretch with only two district wins, though Coach Chad Dunnam has maintained a perfect playoff appearance streak during his tenure. Looking ahead, they’ll lean on a defense that returns eight starters while rebuilding much of the offense. Key early matchups—including the opener vs. Palo Duro at Dick Bivins Stadium—will shape momentum for the season.
Amarillo College: Badgers Making Strides
On the college front, Amarillo College—whose athletics programs relaunched in 2022—are continuing to grow. The Badgers’ baseball team plays in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (NJCAA Division I), hosting its home games at HODGETOWN. Their baseball schedule includes doubleheaders and series against regional rivals like Garden City and Clarendon Colleges.
Volleyball & Beyond</
Another highlight: Amarillo College’s volleyball program recently secured a transformative $760,000 donation to boost growth and support. As the 2026 season approaches, the team pressed into preseason work, including media days, and returns players who saw action in an 18–11 campaign last year.
How Local Sports Reflect Broader Traditions
Texas takes high school football seriously, and places like Amarillo keep that fire burning. Sandies football still draws passionate fan support, and the district rivalries—like the one against Tascosa—remain deeply felt.
Meanwhile, Amarillo College’s revival of athletics shows the rise of community-level sports and investment in junior college programs. With facilities, funding, and attention on supporting student-athletes, this echoes a growing trend in Texas where junior colleges become strong stepping stones in athletic development.
Keep an Eye On…
- How Amarillo High’s offense develops under young leadership after departures.
- Standout individuals—defensive backs, pitchers, or hitters—who can shift games.
- Attendance and community engagement, especially for Amarillo College events and home games.
- District playoff races: with a well-rounded schedule, tipping point matchups matter.
- Facilities and funding changes—how much local support boosts these programs year over year.
Our local sports story is always evolving. Between the legacy of Sandies football and the emerging talent at Amarillo College, there’s plenty for fans, families, and players to watch—for seasons to come.