Community Pushes Holliday ISD to Reconsider Coach Arbogast Contract Decision

Over 40 Holliday community members attended the Holliday ISD School Board meeting on Monday, May 11 to express their support for current Holliday High School softball coach Billy Arbogast after a vacancy for his position was posted on Region 9’s website that same Monday.
During the open forum portion of the meeting, several parents, current, and former Holliday athletes and students gave their personal testimonies regarding Coach Arbogast.
Coach Arbogast has been at the helm of Holliday softball for eight seasons. After a rocky start to his tenure, Coach Arbogast and his Lady Eagles have enjoyed multiple successful seasons, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2021.
Their latest season, 25-26, saw Holliday not only make the Regional Semis, but finish the year with 30 wins.
“Throughout these three years, Coach Arbo(gast) has been such an amazing coach to me,” Holliday junior Meritt Morgan said about her head coach. “I’ve never had a coach provide such a safe and encouraging environment to us. To him, the softball team is not just a group of girls he coaches; it’s a family.”
Fellow junior Kindle Marek, who is also a starter on the softball team, explained Coach Arbogast’s importance extends beyond the softball diamond.
“He made it easier for students like me to able to understand math and use it in the real world. When I had Coach Arbo(gast) as a teacher, he never showed favoritism of other students and treated everyone the same.”
Former Holliday softball standout and current softball player at NCTC Carly Duggins shared her support for her former coach.
“When I started high school, I lacked confidence,” Duggins said. “I struggled to feel like I belonged. Coach Arbo(gast) changed that for me. He took the time to get to know me as a person and not just as an athlete. He encouraged me when I doubted myself. What makes Coach Arbo(gast) different is he truly cares about everyone’s success.”
Holliday parent Zac Beck questioned the board on why Coach Arbogast was allowed to return to teach and coach after an apparent suspension before the Spring 2026 semester began.
“If what happened was so severe and egregious, and Coach Arbo(gast) was no longer fit to teach and coach at Holliday ISD, then why was he allowed to return after a suspension and be with students the entire spring semester?” Beck asked.
Beck went on to explain he supports Coach Arbogast, and firmly believes the coach served his punishment, and that the board should reconsider their decision.
Long time softball coach and current assistant softball Coach Keith Nichols spoke on behalf of Coach Arbogast since the head coach was advised not to attend the meeting. After leading the Lady Eagles himself for multiple successful seasons, Coach Nichols has assisted Coach Arbogast since he took over.
“He wanted me to relay his appreciation for everyone who showed up in support of him today, and the support ever since he’s been here,” Coach Nichols said. “He just wanted me to make sure y’all knew he really apricated the support.”
Amanda Hernandez, mother of freshman Aubree Hernandez, said Coach Arbogast gave her daughter the belief in herself where others did not.
“Coach Arbo(gast) has spent this season helping rebuild her confidence. He sees Aubree for who she truly is, even when others haven’t. He believes in her when others have overlooked her. One percent should not have the power to remove a coach when 99% are fighting for him.”
“Theres one consistent face that I see out there, and that’s Arbo(gast),” Holliday parent Matt Lang said about Coach Arbogast’s appearance at numerous school-related events.
Several other parents, athletes, and students, shared their glowing stories regarding their support of Coach Arbogast, with the open forum section lasting for nearly an hour. Each person urged the school board to change their decision.
Holliday ISD was reached out to for comment, but one was not provided before print deadline on Tuesday, May 12.