Biography

Howell, who grew up in Lisbon in a family of nine children, was hired at his hometown high school to fill in for a teacher who was given some time off to try to sell his business. The business never sold, and Howell is still coaching track and field 29 years later – and handling athletic director duties as well.

Howell was also the school’s head basketball coach for eight seasons in the 1980s, started the school’s cross country program without a stipend, also coaching baseball and football. Howell’s track program at Lisbon has become a small-school powerhouse, winning 26 region championships to go along with three Class B state team titles.

This year’s boys’ and girls’ teams finished eighth. A seven-time state Coach of the Year, Howell was selected National Track and Field Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in 2005.

Since being honored in 2007 Howell continued to coach Lisbon until his retirement in 2011, after 33 years. While he retired, he stayed on as an assistant coach.

Howell has also helped coach football, basketball, volleyball, cross country, baseball and softball programs throughout his tenure at Lisbon.

Records

Coached team to 4 ND B State Championships

Professional Achievements

2005 NHSACA Coach of the Year