Mission Veterans Football: Complete Guide to the Patriots Program
Mission Veterans football refers to the Mission Veterans Memorial High School Patriots, a UIL Class 5A Division II program in Mission, Texas. The Patriots have made 15 playoff appearances and are led by head coach David Gilpin, who has coached the program for over 15 years. Home games are played at Tom Landry Stadium.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots football |
| Location | Mission, Texas (Rio Grande Valley) |
| School | Veterans Memorial High School, Mission CISD |
| Classification | UIL Class 5A Division II |
| District | 16-5A Division II (2026) |
| Head Coach | David Gilpin (Athletic Coordinator) |
| Stadium | Tom Landry Stadium (capacity 10,000) |
| Playoff Appearances | 15 |
| State Titles | |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
What Is Mission Veterans Football?
Mission Veterans football is the high school football program at Veterans Memorial High School in Mission, Texas. The team is known as the Patriots and competes in the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the governing body for public school athletics in Texas. The program is part of Mission Consolidated Independent School District (Mission CISD) and plays in Class 5A Division II.
The school opened in 2002 and was named Veterans Memorial High School to honor military veterans. The football program has since become one of the most consistent in the Rio Grande Valley, with 15 playoff appearances and a reputation for competitive play under long-time head coach David Gilpin.
Why the Name Matters
Veterans Memorial High School was established with a mission to honor the legacy of military veterans. The school’s name reflects the community’s respect for those who served. Students at the school participate in annual Veterans Day observances, and the campus emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. The football program carries that identity through its Patriots nickname and its connection to Tom Landry Stadium, named after the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach and Mission native.
History of the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots
The Patriots football program began competing in the early 2000s after Veterans Memorial High School opened. The program has made 15 playoff appearances, with its deepest run coming in 2018 when the team reached the state quarterfinals.
Program Timeline
| Season | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12-2 | Deepest playoff run in program history |
| 2019 | 8-3 | Playoff appearance |
| 2020 | 1-5 | Shortened season due to COVID-19 |
| 2021 | 8-4 | Playoff appearance |
| 2022 | 5-6 | Playoff appearance |
| 2023 | 7-5 | Playoff appearance |
| 2024 | 2-9 | Down season |
| 2025 | 10-2 | Playoff appearance; bi-district win |
| 2026 | In progress | 5-1 start |
The 2024 season was the program’s worst since 2011, excluding the shortened 2020 season. The Patriots finished 2-9 overall and 1-3 in district play but still made the playoffs by finishing fourth in a five-team district. The team rebounded in 2025 with a 10-2 record and a bi-district playoff win over Brownsville Pace.
The 2025 Season
The 2025 Patriots opened with a 28-0 win over rival Mission High in the Battle of Conway. The team finished the regular season with a 10-1 record and won a share of the District 31-5A title. In the playoffs, Mission Veterans defeated Brownsville Pace 41-14 in the bi-district round before falling to Victoria West 57-14 in the area round.
The 2026 Season
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe Patriots entered the 2026 season looking to build on their 2025 success. Through five games, the team held a 5-1 record and a 4-0 mark in district play. The team took a bye week after five straight weeks of action.
Eligibility: Who Can Play for Mission Veterans Football?
To play for Mission Veterans football, you must be a student enrolled at Veterans Memorial High School and meet UIL eligibility requirements. The UIL sets academic and residency standards that all student-athletes must follow.
UIL Eligibility Requirements
Enrollment: You must be enrolled in and attending Veterans Memorial High School.
Age: You must not be 19 years old or older on or before September 1 of the school year.
Academic Standing: You must be passing at least four classes and maintain a minimum GPA. The UIL uses a no-pass, no-play standard for the six-week and semester grading periods.
Residency: You must live within the Mission CISD attendance zone or have approved transfer status.
Amateur Status: You must not have received compensation for playing football or participated in professional tryouts.
Physical Examination
All student-athletes must complete a pre-participation physical examination before participating in any practice or game. The physical must be completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and must be on file with the school’s athletic department.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from another school must meet UIL transfer rules. In general, a student who changes schools without a corresponding change of residence may be subject to a one-year varsity ineligibility period. Exceptions exist for certain family moves and documented hardships.
Academic Requirements
The UIL requires student-athletes to maintain academic eligibility. The no-pass, no-play rule means that if you are failing a class at the six-week or semester marking period, you cannot participate in games for the next three weeks. This applies to all extracurricular activities.
How to Join the Mission Veterans Football Program
Joining the Mission Veterans football program starts with enrolling at Veterans Memorial High School and contacting the athletic department. There is no online application for the football team. Tryouts and workouts are typically held in the spring and summer.
Step-by-Step Process
Enroll at Veterans Memorial High School. You must be a student at VMHS to play for the Patriots.
Complete a physical exam. Obtain a physical from a licensed healthcare provider and submit it to the athletic department.
Meet with Coach Gilpin or the athletic coordinator. Contact the athletic office at (956) 323-3100 to express interest.
Attend summer conditioning. The Patriots run a summer workout program open to all athletes, not just football players. This is an opportunity to be evaluated.
Try out for the team. Tryouts are typically held before the season. Roster decisions are made by the coaching staff.
Maintain academic eligibility. You must pass at least four classes and meet UIL no-pass, no-play standards throughout the season.
Summer Workout Program
Coach David Gilpin implemented a summer workout program that is open to all athletes. The program has grown from 40-50 participants to over 300. “Our summer conditioning program used to have 40, 50 kids show up and that was it,” Gilpin said. “Now we have 354 today.” The program emphasizes strength, conditioning, and discipline.
Mission Veterans Football Schedule and District
Mission Veterans competes in District 16-5A Division II for the 2026 season. The district includes Sharyland, Sharyland Pioneer, and other Rio Grande Valley schools.
2026 District 16-5A Division II
The Patriots compete against schools from the Sharyland and McAllen areas. District games determine playoff seeding. The top four teams in the district qualify for the UIL playoffs.
Rivalry: Battle of Conway
The Patriots’ biggest rivalry is against Mission High School in the Battle of Conway. The two Mission CISD schools meet annually to open the season. The rivalry draws thousands of fans and is one of the most anticipated games in the Rio Grande Valley.
Mission Veterans defeated Mission High 28-0 in the 2025 Battle of Conway.
Non-District Games
The Patriots typically schedule non-district games against RGV opponents, including PSJA, Laredo Johnson, Alice, and Roma. These games help prepare the team for district play and provide additional playoff points.
Tom Landry Stadium: Home of the Patriots
Tom Landry Stadium is the home field for both Mission High and Mission Veterans. The stadium is named after Tom Landry, the legendary Dallas Cowboys head coach who was born in Mission, Texas. It is one of the most recognizable high school football venues in Texas.
Stadium Renovation
The stadium underwent a major renovation completed in 2026. Upgrades include:
New bleachers
New press box
A statue of Tom Landry
Updated turf and track facilities
The first game at the renovated stadium was a playoff game between Mission Veterans and Brownsville Lopez in 2026.
Capacity and Atmosphere
Tom Landry Stadium has a capacity of 10,000. The stadium is the only high school football field in the country outside of Canton, Ohio, named for a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach. Game nights at Tom Landry Stadium are a community event, with the band, cheerleaders, and fans filling the stands.
Stadium History
Tom Landry Stadium has been a Mission landmark for decades. It was closed for repairs during the 2021 season, forcing both Mission High and Mission Veterans to play “home” games at other stadiums across the Valley, including Hidalgo’s Bill Pate Stadium, Mercedes’ Tiger Stadium, and Sharyland’s Richard Thompson Stadium. The stadium reopened in 2022 after an $8 million renovation.
Coaching Staff and Program Leadership
David Gilpin is the head football coach and athletic coordinator at Veterans Memorial High School. He has led the Patriots since the program’s early years and is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the Rio Grande Valley.
Coach David Gilpin
Gilpin began his coaching career in 1990 with Mission Junior High School. He was hired as head coach and athletic coordinator at Veterans Memorial High School and has devoted nearly 30 years to coaching student-athletes. Under his leadership, the Patriots have made eight consecutive postseason appearances and won multiple district titles.
Gilpin’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, character, and hard work. He has said that the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing players who don’t always get playing time step into starting roles and succeed.
Coaching Staff
The Patriots coaching staff includes offensive and defensive coordinators, position coaches, and support personnel. Landry Gilpin, David Gilpin’s son, joined the staff after his own playing career. The younger Gilpin plans to stay on staff as long as his father is head coach.
The Patriot Way
The program’s summer workout initiative, known as “The Patriot Way,” is open to all athletes, not just football players. The program has grown significantly under Gilpin’s leadership and reflects the program’s commitment to developing student-athletes in all sports.
Notable Players and Alumni
Mission Veterans has produced several standout players who have gone on to play at the college level. The program emphasizes development and preparation for the next level.
Roman Reyna
Roman Reyna is the Patriots’ starting quarterback. He got varsity experience as a freshman, throwing for 900 yards and six touchdowns. He has been a key leader for the offense and was named Athlete of the Week during the 2025 season.
Mark Champion
Mark Champion is a defensive end who recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss during his sophomore season. He has been a disruptive force on the Patriots’ defensive line.
Other Notable Players
Ruben Reyna: A standout player with multiple game performances.
Ryan Guerra: Senior linebacker and team leader.
Jared Chapa: Senior lineman.
Quinten Valverde: Wide receiver.
How Mission Veterans Football Honors Veterans
Veterans Memorial High School and its football program honor military veterans through annual observances, community events, and the school’s founding mission. The school’s name is a permanent tribute to those who served.
Veterans Day Observances
Students at Veterans Memorial High School participate in annual Veterans Day events. In 2023, students honored local veterans, including those who served in various U.S. military conflicts. These observances are a tradition at the school and reflect the community’s respect for military service.
The School’s Mission
Veterans Memorial High School emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and extracurricular involvement in a supportive environment that honors the legacy of military veterans. The school’s principal has stated that the campus takes pride in fostering a safe, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment where students honor the legacy of veterans by building a brighter future.
Community Connection
The Mission community has a strong connection to the military. The Rio Grande Valley is home to many veterans and military families. The Patriots football program provides a gathering point for the community and a way to celebrate the values of service, sacrifice, and teamwork.
Playoff History and Achievements
Mission Veterans has made 15 playoff appearances, with the deepest run coming in 2018 when the team reached the state quarterfinals. The program has won multiple district titles and has been a consistent playoff contender in the Rio Grande Valley.
Playoff Appearances by Year
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2018 | State quarterfinals (12-2) |
| 2019 | Playoff appearance (8-3) |
| 2021 | Playoff appearance (8-4) |
| 2022 | Playoff appearance (5-6) |
| 2023 | Playoff appearance (7-5) |
| 2025 | Bi-district win (10-2) |
| 2026 | In progress |
District Titles
The Patriots have won multiple district championships, including a share of the 31-5A title in 2025. The program’s consistency under Coach Gilpin has made it one of the most respected in the RGV.
State Titles
Mission Veterans has not won a state championship. The program’s best playoff run was in 2018 when the Patriots reached the state quarterfinals.
Common Mistakes for Prospective Players
The most common mistake prospective players make is failing to maintain academic eligibility. UIL no-pass, no-play rules can sideline a player for weeks.
Top Mistakes
Failing to complete a physical. You cannot practice or play without a current physical on file.
Ignoring academic requirements. UIL no-pass, no-play rules apply to all student-athletes.
Missing summer workouts. The summer conditioning program is an opportunity to be evaluated by coaches.
Not communicating with coaches. Express interest early and attend informational meetings.
Assuming transfer eligibility. Transfer students must meet UIL residency rules.
Underestimating the commitment. Football requires year-round dedication, including summer workouts.
Not checking eligibility with the athletic department. Always confirm your eligibility status with school officials.
Appeals Process for Eligibility Disputes
If you are ruled ineligible by the UIL or Mission CISD, you have the right to appeal. Appeals are handled through the UIL State Executive Committee and, in some cases, the school district.
How to Appeal
File a written appeal with the UIL district executive committee.
Provide documentation supporting your eligibility (residency, academic records, etc.).
Attend the hearing. The committee will review your case and issue a decision.
Appeal to the UIL State Executive Committee if you disagree with the district committee’s decision.
Consider legal options in rare cases involving fundamental fairness.
Deadlines
Appeals must be filed within a specific timeframe, typically within 15 days of the eligibility ruling. Missing the deadline can waive your right to appeal.
State Differences: UIL vs. Other States
Mission Veterans football operates under UIL rules, which differ from high school athletic association rules in other states. Texas is one of the few states where high school football is governed by a single statewide organization.
UIL vs. Other State Associations
| Feature | UIL (Texas) | Other States |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Single statewide body | Often multiple associations |
| Classification | 6A to 1A | Varies |
| Playoff Format | District-based | Varies |
| Transfer Rules | Strict residency requirements | Varies |
| Season Length | 10 regular-season games | Varies |
Why It Matters
Understanding UIL rules is essential for student-athletes and families. Texas high school football is highly competitive, and UIL regulations govern everything from eligibility to playoff seeding.
Latest Rule Changes Affecting Mission Veterans Football
The most significant recent change affecting Mission Veterans football is the 2026 UIL realignment, which placed the Patriots in District 16-5A Division II. The new district includes Sharyland and Sharyland Pioneer, creating new rivalries and travel considerations.
2026 UIL Realignment
The UIL realigns districts every two years based on enrollment and geographic proximity. Mission Veterans moved from District 31-5A to District 16-5A Division II for the 2026-2027 cycle. The new district alignment affects playoff seeding and travel schedules.
NIL and Transfer Rules
The UIL has updated rules regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) and transfer eligibility in recent years. Student-athletes should consult with the athletic department for the latest guidance on these issues.
Common Questions
1. What is Mission Veterans football?
Mission Veterans football is the high school football program at Veterans Memorial High School in Mission, Texas. The team is known as the Patriots and competes in UIL Class 5A Division II. The program has made 15 playoff appearances under head coach David Gilpin.
2. Who is the head coach of Mission Veterans football?
David Gilpin is the head football coach and athletic coordinator at Veterans Memorial High School. He has coached the Patriots for over 15 years and is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the Rio Grande Valley. His son, Landry Gilpin, is also on the coaching staff.
3. Where does Mission Veterans play home games?
Mission Veterans plays home games at Tom Landry Stadium in Mission, Texas. The stadium was recently renovated with new bleachers, a press box, and a statue of Tom Landry. It has a capacity of 10,000.
4. How do I join the Mission Veterans football team?
Enroll at Veterans Memorial High School, complete a physical, and contact the athletic department. Attend summer conditioning and try out for the team. You must meet UIL academic and residency requirements.
5. What district is Mission Veterans football in?
Mission Veterans competes in District 16-5A Division II for the 2026 season. The district includes Sharyland and Sharyland Pioneer. District games determine playoff seeding.
6. What is the Battle of Conway?
The Battle of Conway is the annual rivalry game between Mission High School and Mission Veterans Memorial High School. It opens the season and draws thousands of fans. Mission Veterans won the 2025 meeting 28-0.
7. Has Mission Veterans football won a state championship?
No. Mission Veterans has not won a state championship. The program’s best playoff run was in 2018 when the Patriots reached the state quarterfinals with a 12-2 record.
8. What are the UIL eligibility requirements for football?
You must be enrolled at VMHS, not be 19 or older on September 1, pass at least four classes, meet residency requirements, and maintain amateur status. A current physical is also required.
9. How does Mission Veterans honor veterans?
Veterans Memorial High School honors veterans through annual Veterans Day observances, the school’s founding mission, and community events. The school’s name is a permanent tribute to military service.
10. What is the summer workout program at Mission Veterans?
Coach Gilpin implemented a summer conditioning program open to all athletes, not just football players. The program has grown to over 300 participants and emphasizes strength, conditioning, and discipline.
11. How can I contact the Mission Veterans athletic department?
Call (956) 323-3100 or email dgilpin@mcisd.org. The athletic coordinator is David Gilpin.
12. What is Tom Landry Stadium named after?
Tom Landry Stadium is named after Tom Landry, the legendary Dallas Cowboys head coach who was born in Mission, Texas. It is one of the only high school stadiums in the country named for a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach.
Key Takeaways
Mission Veterans football is the high school program at Veterans Memorial High School in Mission, Texas, competing in UIL Class 5A Division II.
The Patriots have made 15 playoff appearances and are led by head coach David Gilpin.
Home games are played at Tom Landry Stadium, capacity 10,000.
The program’s biggest rivalry is the Battle of Conway against Mission High School.
UIL eligibility requires enrollment, academic standing, residency, and a physical exam.
The 2026 team plays in District 16-5A Division II.
The school honors veterans through annual observances and its founding mission.
The summer workout program is open to all athletes and has over 300 participants.
Mission Veterans has not won a state title; its best run was the 2018 quarterfinals.
Coach Gilpin has led the program for over 15 years and emphasizes discipline and character.
Official Resources
Veterans Memorial High School Athletics: https://vmhs.mcisd.net
Mission CISD: https://www.mcisd.net
UIL Texas: https://www.uiltexas.org
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football: https://www.texasfootball.com
MaxPreps Mission Veterans: https://www.maxpreps.com
VA.gov (for veterans benefits): https://www.va.gov
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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