On Sept. 10, 2025, El Paso High honored late track and field coach, Danny McKillip, by naming the school’s track after him.
“He was at El Paso High for forty-one years, he taught science, taught physical education, he was the head cross country coach for boys and girls, and he was the head coach for the boy track team,” wife, Sylvia McKillip said.
Coach Mckillip took the El Paso high cross-country team to five state championships during his tenure. One of the signs on the track show his name and the championships won when he was the cross-country coach. His former athletes had t-shirts saying “#teammckillip” on the front and their cross-country state championships on the back to honor his legacy.
Before teaching and coaching at El Paso High, Mckillip was a long-distance runner at UTEP where he won the 1969 NCAA cross country title. Mckillip was also an inductee of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame.
Several of his former athletes and students gathered during the ceremony and spoke about his legacy, together they unveiled the sign that revealed coach Mckillip’s name.
“Coach wasn’t just a coach we’ve heard this before he was a father figure. He taught us discipline, humility and perseverance just as much as speed strength and stamina,” Alex Bustillos said.
Many of coach McKillip’s former athletes attribute their successes in their life and in their professions to his teachings.
“After 35 years of teaching and coaching none of this would be possible without coach McKillip’s relentless pursuit and helping all those who crossed his path,” Manny Rodriguez said.
Coach McKillip passed away in 2024 but his love and dedication for his runners will forever be remembered at El Paso High with a track dedication with his name
“Coach McKillip’s legacy will be enshrined forever. El Paso High’s track now bears the name of the champion in every sense of the word this dedication is more than a tribute it’s a promise that coach McKillips influence will continue to inspire future tigers for generations to come.” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre.
Coach McKillip’s name now lives at El Paso High’s track and field.
“Rest easy Coach, we’ll keep running with you in our hearts,” Bustillos said.
