January 24, 2020

News Release

Castillo named Highlands High School football coach

Chris Castillo has been named the head football coach at Highlands High School. Castillo has coached at the high school and collegiate levels. He most recently was the assistant football coach at John Jay High School, where he helped the team race to a 6-4 record in 2019. 

The Waco native inherits a Highlands team that won a co-district championship in 2016 and last made the state playoffs in 2017. However, the Owls have managed to win only three games in the last two football seasons. 

“We want to get people excited and involved all around the campus,” said Castillo. “We want to take advantage of the multiple talents of the student athletes there. I think if we can take care of the little things at Highlands, it will definitely change not only the record but the perception of the football program.”

This will be the second head football coaching stint for Castillo. He was the head football coach at Sunset High School in Dallas for three seasons between 2016-2018. He was an assistant football coach at three other Texas high schools, including a span at Lytle High School. Castillo also worked three years as a defensive line coach at John Hopkins University.  

"Coach Castillo brings a wealth of athletic leadership and successful coaching experience to Highlands High School,” said Todd Howey, SAISD senior executive director of Athletics. “We are thrilled that he will be creating a new environment of athletic and academic success at the Owls nest."