Joel Fagan compiled an impressive resume after establishing La Porte High School’s girls cross country program in 1987.  What he has done since his retirement is equally extraordinary.  

Under his 24 years of leadership, many Lady Bulldogs runners exceeded their own expectations by setting personal and school distance running records while also excelling in the classroom. His teams won 18 district championships, qualified for Regionals 20 times, and qualified to run at state 10 times. Many of Joel’s students attended colleges and universities with cross country scholarships, and they undoubtedly were encouraged along the way with Joel’s positive outlook and regular practice of setting goals.  

While coaching at La Porte High School, Joel also served as Track Coordinator for the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Youth Track & Field Program, and he helped coordinate the La Porte Invitational in 2005. For the successes of his many students, Joel was inducted into the Gulf Coast Scholastic Track & Field Hall of Honor Class of 2019. Though he eventually passed the cross country baton some years ago at La Porte High School, Joel has remained a fixture at the tracks and at cross country events, where he volunteers to help young people achieve their aspirations. Joel Fagan has planted plenty of seeds, and it is no wonder the Lady Bulldogs Cross Country Team continues to be regarded highly across the state.