A New Era for Frenship Basketball
Ruben Lopez has been named the new head coach of the Frenship High School boys basketball program, succeeding retiring legend Paul Page. The appointment was announced by Frenship ISD officials, who cited Lopez’s proven ability to elevate programs and his deep roots in West Texas basketball.
Lopez comes to Frenship after five years at Dalhart High School, where he turned a program that once managed only eight wins into a powerhouse that posted a school‑record 28 victories. His tenure earned him multiple Coach of the Year honors and a reputation for building disciplined, competitive teams.
Frenship ISD Athletic Director Bryan Gerlich praised Lopez’s mentorship style, noting that he commands respect from players, peers and the broader community. "Ruben is not just a coach; he is a teacher who helps young men see their potential both on and off the court," Gerlich said in a statement.
A 199X graduate of Wayland Baptist University, Lopez earned NAIA All‑American honors as a point guard and later contributed as an assistant coach before rising to head coach. He helped guide his alma mater to an Elite Eight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, experiences that have shaped his coaching philosophy.
Lopez will be joined by his wife Deborah and their three young sons — Rexton, Rayden and Russell — as the family looks forward to becoming part of the Frenship community. He emphasized that mentoring students and guiding them to reach their full potential is at the core of his new role.
In the coming weeks, Lopez plans to meet with coaches and student‑athletes to establish the team’s culture and set expectations for the upcoming season. He aims to blend the strong traditions of Frenship basketball with fresh ideas that prioritize teamwork, resilience and personal growth.
The transition marks a continuation of strong leadership in Frenship basketball, as the school seeks to build on the foundation laid by Paul Page while injecting new energy into the program.