09/18/2026
Coach Tunnel was without a doubt, one of a kind!
When my kiddos were little and I hadn't seen him in probably 15 years, he was at a basketball game where my oldest was the little homecoming attendant to the high school ceremony.
I had a different last name, was sitting in the bleachers across the opposing team and (His voice carries!) he yelled my name across the court and everyone there turned to see me. He just smiled and waved.
Of course, I immediately went to say hi and grab my hug and visit with him.
He was certainly a positive contributor and he grew/mentored many responsible gentlemen and outstanding coaches and community leaders, always offering more value than just coaching football.
Happy birthday to former long-time Rush Springs and Lindsay hall of fame head football coach Joe Tunnell, born on this day in 1937 in Chickasha.
Tunnell attended Rush Springs High School and was an All-Wash*ta Valley Conference selection at guard as a senior in 1954. He also played basketball and baseball for the Redskins, graduating in 1955.
He then attended East Central University where he was a two-year starter at offensive and defensive lineman. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in History and Physical Education in 1959 and before he even graduated, he was hired by his high school alma mater to coach the football team.
His first three seasons were difficult, with the Redskins going a combined 6-19-1. But, Tunnell's 1962 team won District 10-C and in 1966, the Redskins went 14-0 and won the Class C championship.
Following the championship, Tunnell was hired away by Lindsay. In his first season with Lindsay, the Leopards went 10-2 and reached the state semifinals.
The 1970 team was the runner-up in Class A. He continued at Lindsay through 1980, coaching the Leopards to a runner-up finish in Class 2A in his final season.
He returned to Rush Springs in 1981 and built a winner again. In 1998 -- thirty-two years after his first championship -- he and the Redskins reached the pinnacle again, winning the Class A title with a perfect 15-0 record.
Tunnell retired following the 1999 season after coaching his football teams to 30 playoff appearances and 20 district championships. At the time of his retirement, he was the state's all-time winningest coach. He remains fourth on the all-time coaching wins list, having won 322 games.
After his retirement, Rush Springs' football field was named Joe Tunnell Stadium in his honor.
In 1984, Tunnell was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 1994, East Central inducted him into its athletic hall of fame. In 2022, Tunnell was inducted into the Rush Springs Public Schools Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into the Grady County Educators Hall of Fame and National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame.
Tunnell passed away in 2021 at the age of 83. A memorial service was held at Joe Tunnell Stadium and he was laid to rest in Rush Springs Cemetery.
Happy birthday Joe!
