When Da’on Savage decided to follow his dreams and become a mentor in the community, he never imagined that almost a decade later, he’d be working with two of the most influential people in life.
“Being reunited with my high school basketball coach/mentor, Billy Mack Steed and working for athletics director Steven Hohenberger, who pushed me 10 years ago to get involved and become a mentor in the community, I’m really looking forward to,” Savage said.
On Monday, Savage announced he’d be leaving his position as coach at Chisum ISD and that he had accepted a job at Paris ISD.
“I’m grateful to Chisum ISD for allowing me to be a part of a great school district and having the opportunity to love, coach, teach and mentor kids. You have great administrators, teachers, custodians, lunch ladies, maintenance men and a supportive community that will do anything for its kids,” said Savage. “Thank you to all my kiddos. During some of my darkest days, you guys and girls were my sunshine.”
While the move is bittersweet, Savage is ready to “love, coach, teach and mentor” students at Paris ISD and be reunited with Steed and Hohenberger but family friend and former coach, superintendent Althea Dixon.
“Superintendent Althea Dixon has always been a great family friend and she was a coach and I’m happy to be a part of the team she has a Paris ISD.”
Savage himself was a Wildcat K-7th grade and grew up watching Wildcat basketball and football.
“I knew I wanted to be a coach in the 7th grade at Crockett Middle School,” said Savage. “My brother was also a Wildcat and, of course, my son”
His son, Kobe, is also a Paris High School graduate and played a crucial role in helping the Wildcats win district, bi-district and area championships. He currently attends Kansas State University majoring in communication studies while playing safety for the Kansas State Wildcats.
Coming “full circle,” Savage said he is most looking forward to building relationships with all the students at Paris ISD and pushing them to be the best that they can be.
“For me, it’s all about the kids, not just the athletes, but all the kids. Paris ISD, get ready, because a great time will be had by all cats.”
