After graduating from high school, CJ Hantz's mindset was that of many others when getting ready to leave their hometown.

"When I was 18 and I walked that stage, I was [thinking] ‘thank god I’m leaving this town forever,'" said Hantz.

But as time passed, Hantz says it was the birth of his first daughter that made him reconsider moving back home as the Throckmorton head coaching job opened up.

Hantz, who is now in his third season as coach, helped lead his team to the 2011 state title as a player.

"He definitely carries a legacy here at Throckmorton," said Greyhounds senior Jory Norton. "You see it everywhere. And he’s able to bring that energy and bring that passion to the game. Everyday in practice, no matter what day it is, he’s always there."

When Hantz came back to coach the Greyhounds, the program wasn't quite like what he remembered.

"I came back and it was a little different, wasn’t the same culture. You know, we went 6-6 I believe my first year here. And me, that’s the most games I’ve lost in a season my whole life."

After that 6-6 year, Throckmorton improved to 8-2 in 2020. This season, the Greyhounds made it through the regular season without a loss and in the state rankings before falling to Strawn in the second round of the playoffs.

Now that football-crazed town Hantz remembers from his playing days is back.

"You know when I left - it was like, you go Saturday morning to Clints all the men stop to talk to you and want to know what’s the game plan. And now it’s the same thing. That culture is back. Our boys get asked questions. The stands are just packed with fans again. That culture is back and it means a lot."