Estacado Coach Faces Disciplinary Action After Transporting Students in Personal Vehicle Due to Bus Key Shortage

Estacado Coach Detained With Students Near Liberty High School, Insists He Wasn’t Speeding, Says Officer Cited Stop Sign Violation, and Clarifies Months-Old Insurance Tickets Are Already Resolved

It doesn’t seem fair!

January 12, 2026

Estacado High School coach Tamarick Courtney was detained by officers after transporting his students in his own vehicle, while the school bus keys were reportedly not available.

Tamarick serves as an assistant coach on the Estacado High School boys basketball coaching staff for the 2026–26 season, operating under head coach Tony Wagner.

Recently, Tamarick encountered complications while attempting to shuttle the basketball squad to Cooper Liberty High School for competition.

When the designated bus lacked operational keys, Tamarick opted to move the athletes using his personal automobile, resulting in a traffic enforcement encounter.

While Lubbock ISD Requests Estacado Coach Resignation Amid Transportation Controversy, Public Backs His Decision-Making!

On January 6, 2026, Estacado High School prepared for a competitive matchup against Cooper Liberty High School’s basketball team.

With the institutional bus unavailable due to key deficiencies, Coach Tamarick Courtney assumed responsibility for student transportation via private means.

Subsequently, law enforcement issued a citation for alleged excessive speed, a claim the coach disputes vehemently. His social media statements articulate: "I was not exceeding velocity limits with those minors in my possession; the citation originated from an officer’s assertion that I failed to execute a full stop at Liberty High School’s entry point, despite possessing valid insurance documentation eight months prior."

Despite demonstrating appropriate judgment in ensuring athletic participation, district leadership demanded resignation or termination via Human Resources protocols.

Maintaining integrity and student welfare, the coach declined to comply and initiated formal grievance procedures. Additional support was solicited through the Lubbock Branch NAACP for a Level One Grievance evaluation.

Community members voiced appreciation for the coach’s actions, emphasizing equitable treatment amid procedural discrepancies.

Public sentiment highlights expectations of institutional fairness while acknowledging the coach’s principled stance.

Additional Coverage:

Explore more Articles on

Nishan Dahal contributes sports journalism infused with empathetic storytelling, capturing narratives beyond statistical boundaries. His commitment to authentic representation elevates athlete experiences across PlayerBio platforms.

May 22, 2026

May 21, 2026

May 20, 2026