Spokane Schools Tap Local Legends for Coaching Overhaul
Ferris High School announced this week that Billy Newman, a former Washington State University defensive back, will take the reins of its football program, bringing a blend of playing pedigree and community ties to a squad that has managed just 11 victories over the past six seasons.
Newman’s résumé reads like a football encyclopedia. He starred at WSU, amassing over 300 career tackles that still place him among the Cougars’ all‑time leaders, and later pursued professional stints with the Tennessee Titans, NFL Europe and the Spokane Shock. For the last eight years he has also been a familiar voice on WSU radio, breaking down the game for listeners while coaching youth leagues in Spokane for more than 15 years. His own children are enrolled at Ferris, underscoring his personal investment in the school’s athletic future.
North Central High School, meanwhile, named alum Isaiah Lockett as its new boys basketball head coach, filling the vacancy left by Robert Sacre, who steered the team to two state tournament appearances in three seasons and orchestrated a memorable road upset of No. 1 Auburn that propelled the team to the final eight in 2024. Sacre departs with a 53‑22 record, leaving behind a culture of resilience that Lockett hopes to build upon.
Lockett, a 2018 graduate of North Central, went on to play at Division III Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, before returning to his hometown with a fresh perspective. The school board cited his deep local roots and his experience both as a player and a student‑athlete as key factors in the decision, noting that his appointment signals a commitment to continuity and community‑driven leadership.
The simultaneous hiring of Newman and Lockett reflects a broader trend in Spokane’s high school sports strategy: leveraging former athletes who have remained embedded in the region to revitalize programs that have struggled for relevance. Both coaches bring not only technical expertise but also a personal stake in the schools’ success, a factor that administrators say could translate into greater student engagement, stronger fan support, and ultimately, more wins on the field and court.