Arthur Louis, Jr.
is a seasoned educator and coach from Beaumont, Texas, with a rich history in Southeast Texas sports and education.
After graduating from South Park High School in 1977, he made history at Sam Houston State University by becoming the first African American starting quarterback in the school's history. His exceptional performance earned him All-Lone Star Conference honors in 1978 and led to his induction into SHSU’s Hall of Honor in 1990.
In 1981, Louis broke new ground by becoming the first Black quarterback signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. This milestone marked a significant moment in the team's history and paved the way for greater diversity in the NFL.
Transitioning from player to mentor, Louis began his coaching career at Beaumont's Charlton-Pollard High School in 1981. He later served as an assistant coach at West Brook High School, where he led the track team to a 5A State Championship in 1994. In 1998, he became the inaugural head football coach at Beaumont Ozen High School, guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances and a district title.
In 2018, Louis came out of retirement to lead the newly formed Beaumont United High School football program, laying a strong foundation for the team. Beyond coaching, he has served as an assistant principal and currently works as a physical education teacher and mentor at the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center in Beaumont.
Coach Lou holds a bachelor's degree in education from Sam Houston State University and a master's degree in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University. His guiding philosophy, "Discipline, Academics, and Athletics," reflects his commitment to holistic student development.
Dr. Rodney Cavness
is a seasoned Texas public education leader with nearly 30 years of experience. A Beaumont native, he began his career as a teacher and coach in Beaumont ISD, eventually serving as assistant principal in Silsbee ISD and Beaumont ISD and then principal of Beaumont’s West Brook High School.
In 2007 he became superintendent of Evadale ISD (East Texas) and in 2010 moved on to lead Port Neches-Groves ISD. Under his leadership, PN-G saw strong academic gains and sound finances. In 2017 Cavness was chosen as superintendent/CEO of Texas City ISD, where he guided the district through financial turnaround and post‑Harvey recovery until his retirement in 2020.
Throughout his career he has been praised for a “proven track record of strong financial accountability” and for championing comprehensive programs – he actively supports academic, athletic and fine arts enrichment as well as CTE/STEM initiatives
Dr. Cavness holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Lamar University, 1990), a Master of Education in Administration (Lamar University, 1994), and an Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision (University of Houston, 2004).
He is a multiple award-winner: named Region 5 Secondary Principal of the Year (2005) and Region 5 Superintendent of the Year (2010). He also serves on state education committees and has been on the Texas Education Agency Commissioner’s Cabinet. Dr. Cavness is respected for his hands-on, community-focused approach and plainspoken leadership – qualities that make him a trusted voice in Texas education and athletics.