Staring the season with optimism. Go Blue! (TRock Photos)
The Kingwood Varsity Mustang Football Team finished with an impressive 9-5 record in one of the most difficult regions and district play this season and made it to the regional finals in the UIL Texas 6A State Football Playoffs. It’s hard to believe that we’re talking about a playoff run in 2024, considering the team’s 3-7 record in previous years. This year, the team set several milestones, including the most points scored in program history, the second-most wins since 1990, and the longest playoff run in school history. A lot of the credit for this success goes to Coach Cale Melton’s and his hardworking team of coaches, staff, students and families, who have worked hard to rebuild the program year after year. Because of his leadership, Coach Melton has been named a finalist for 6A Coach of the Year.
It’s been five years since the last article was written about the leadership change in the Kingwood football program. Back then, Coach Melton had just moved his family from Highland Park High School, where he had experienced great success. Coming into a program that had struggled in a tough district and region, and with re-zoning making things even more challenging, Coach Melton’s job wasn’t easy. Kingwood had always been and continues to be strong in sports like Swimming, Cross-Country, Tennis, Golf, Wrestling, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball and Softball, but football had fallen behind.
Cale Melton, hyping up his football team at the Kingwood HS pep rally and Fox 26. (KHS Photographer)
As a sports writer for three years and a student-athlete at Kingwood, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Coach Melton. What stands out the most is his willingness to help and support others. Whether it’s walking the runway at the DECA fashion show, or showing up to support the Human Trafficking 5K Run this year and many other KHS service projects and programs, Coach Melton is always there for the Kingwood community. He does all of this on top of his role as one of the best 6A football coaches and Athletic Director at Kingwood High School, Humble ISD.
Looking back at the article from May 2020, you can see how Coach Melton’s vision for Kingwood’s athletics has come to life. One thing that really struck me was his perspective on student-athletes and their balance between school and sports. Kingwood is known for its tough academic standards, and with so many great athletes competing for limited spots on each team, it can feel like a grind.
But Coach Melton’s philosophy has always been about more than just winning games. He wants students to excel in all areas of life, both in the classroom and in the community. In the 2020 article written by Jacob Shaw, he said:
“I want us to win the Lone Star Cup, which means we’re not good in just sports, we’re good in everything that we do. My thing is this, it’s been working. Like I said, our business statement is to build champions. That’s champions in the classroom, that’s in athletics, and that’s in the community. I want our students to play as many sports as they possibly can. I was blessed in high school to play four sports. I played football, I played basketball, I did track, and I played baseball. I want our people to play as many sports as they can. Go play, enjoy your time right now. I tell all of our guys that this is a very small time in your life, so enjoy it, have fun and love what you’re doing. We want our students that aren’t athletes to know that we still care about them. We want to get to know them and build those relationships. What we always used to say is when you play one of us, you play all of us. That’s every student, every administrator, every teacher.” – Coach Cale Melton, May 2, 2020
The Kingwood student section was packed this year at every game from student athletes to students excited to rally around something bigger than themselves. (Suzie Peterson)
This mindset has really shaped the Kingwood sports culture, and it’s amazing to see how far the football program and Kingwood Athletics has come under Coach Melton’s leadership. We took some time to sit down with Coach Melton to get his thoughts on the future of Kingwood High School’s football program and the broader Kingwood community. Here’s what he had to say when we asked about the next steps for the program, his reflections on the past five years, and his vision for the future of Kingwood Athletics.
How do you feel, five years later, looking back on what Kingwood has been able to do in football, especially in such a tough district and region? What do you see next for Kingwood High School football, building on this year’s success and the hard work and discipline it has taken to reach the Regional Final?
Students know you outside of being the head coach as someone who is approachable, faith-driven, patient, and kind-hearted. You lend a helping hand to students who are not in your program. Can you reflect on the Kingwood family and community and what you would like to see for Kingwood Athletics as a whole going forward?
Coach Melton’s vision for the future of Kingwood High School football and athletics as a whole reflects the values of a man with a strong faith, hard work, community, and integrity. As he continues to lead the football program and Kingwood Athletics as a whole, his focus remains not only on building a championship-caliber teams and programs but also on helping shape well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to the Kingwood community.
We also took some time to ask the Kingwood community to weigh in on Coach Melton and this season from the Varsity football seniors, other KHS coaches and administrators. Here is what they had to say.
Jackson Sitton (JFlics)
Dr. Michael Nasra, Principal of Kingwood High School, praised Coach Melton’s transformative impact on the football program, saying,”Coach Melton’s dedication and leadership over the past five years have been nothing short of transformative. Under his guidance, our football team has reached unprecedented heights, setting a new standard for excellence at Kingwood High School. His unwavering commitment to discipline, hard work, and belief in each player’s potential has led us to achieve historic success. Coach Melton has not only built a winning program, but he has also instilled a sense of pride and unity in our team that will be felt for years to come.”
Jailen Monegan reflected on the important role Coach Melton has played in his development and the team’s journey over the past four years.
“Coach Melton is like no other. He’s done so much for me over the past four years, and a lot of our success can be attributed to his motivation. It’s been a long road, and there were times when things weren’t going well, but Coach Melton never lost faith in us. He kept pushing us to be better, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.” – Senior Jailen Monegan
Coach Jared Burt, shared his admiration for Coach Melton, highlighting the strong foundation of faith and character that defines him both on and off the field.
“Coach Melton is above all, a Man of Faith. That faith permeates every other aspect of his life. He is a devoted husband, an amazing father, and yes, he’s an outstanding football coach. It has been and will continue to be an honor to work beside him. Being nominated for Houston’s Touchdown Club Coach of the Year is a well-deserved honor. I am privileged to call Coach Melton friend.” – Coach Jared Burt
Brothers on and off the field with KK and Adeolu Dada. (Jackson Sitton (JFlics))
Reflecting on the impact a coach can have on and off the field, Adeolu Dada speaks about the lasting effect Coach Melton had during his four years with the team. From turning around a struggling program to instilling invaluable life lessons, Dada’s words highlight the profound relationship between player and coach, grounded in leadership, trust, and mutual respect.
“These 4 years with Coach Melton have meant everything he made me into the player and man that I am now. He came to a program that was content with losing and turned it into a team that had belief and felt like we could play with anyone in the State. On top of this he taught me lesson that are bigger than football and will stick with me for my entire life. He showed me the importance of leader, belief, and the importance of loving each other instead of tearing each other down. No matter how rough of a practice we had or whatever stupid thing we did or however much he yelled at us he always made sure to let us know that he loves us, and believed we all had what it took to be great. Great Coach and even better man and it was a blessing to play under him for 4 years and I’m happy he is getting his recognition now because it is all deserved.” – Senior, Adeolu Dada
Coach Shellie Dick’s admiration for Coach Melton’s character and leadership speaks volumes about the profound impact he’s had on both his athletes and the community. Here’s a reflection of that admiration:
“What stands out to me about Coach Melton is his unwavering dedication to his craft. He’s such an outspoken and passionate individual who truly means well—for the community, for his athletes, and for his family. I deeply admire how he carries himself within the staff, always prioritizing family above all else. To him, family is key, and he lives by that principle every day, embodying the true meaning of his name. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed his impact. I want to thank Coach Melton for coming to this town five years ago and for making a change—slowly but surely—in a respectful and thoughtful manner.” – Coach Shellie Dick
Hayden Wright, Senior headed to Northwestern. (Jackson Sitton (JFlics))
For Hayden Wright, joining a new school was a daunting experience, but it was Coach Melton’s immediate warmth and guidance that made all the difference. Reflecting on his journey at KHS, Wright shares how Coach Melton not only helped him grow as a football player but also as a person, offering the support and mentorship of a father figure during his transition.
“I was a transfer to KHS at the beginning of the spring semester last year and the first face I saw as I stepped into the school was coach melton. He welcomed me with open arms and made me feel welcome to my new family. As we progressed through the year and into summer with workouts he pushed us to our limits to help us achieve greatness. Coach melton not only taught me the game of football but also how to be a man. Coach melton has been like a father to me and I am incredibly grateful for that.” – Senior, Hayden Wright
Last but not least is Coach Ronald Melton who coaches alongside his son, Cale Melton, at Kingwood HS.
“Coach Melton has worked tirelessly for the last 5 years for all of the athletic programs at Kingwood High School. In football his leadership and organizational skills have created a culture of winning. He leads by example and truly loves his players and coaches.” – Coach Ronald Melton
Last meeting with the Mustang Seniors, bittersweet to see this season end for these student athletes. (Kingwood High School Football Twitter)
We also took some time to ask the Kingwood community to weigh in on Coach Melton and this season from the Varsity football seniors, other KHS coaches and administrators. Here is what they had to say.
Coach Shellie Dick’s admiration for Coach Melton’s character and leadership speaks volumes about the profound impact he’s had on both his athletes and the community. Here’s a reflection of that admiration:
