Alan Wartes: The Coach Behind
Air It Out Passing Camps

More Than Three Decades of Developing Quarterbacks, Receivers, and Leaders

Few coaches have influenced Texas quarterbacks and receivers more than Alan Wartes.

For more than three decades, Coach Wartes has dedicated his life to helping young athletes improve their skills, strengthen their character, and prepare for success both on and off the field. As founder of Air It Out Passing Camps and former offensive coordinator at Hardin-Simmons University, his impact reaches far beyond wins, losses, statistics, and championships.

His story is one of leadership, innovation, mentorship, and a commitment to developing young people.

Coach Wartes served as Offensive Coordinator at Hardin-Simmons University from 1990 through 2010, helping establish one of the most productive and respected offensive programs in the nation.

During that time, Hardin-Simmons offenses generated more than 60,000 passing yards and 576 touchdown passes. His quarterbacks and receivers became known for their preparation, discipline, and understanding of the game.

His offensive systems became so successful that coaches from high schools, colleges, and football programs throughout the country studied and adopted concepts from the Hardin-Simmons playbook.

While Coach Wartes enjoyed tremendous success at the collegiate level, he saw an opportunity to help athletes long before they reached college.

In 1990, he founded Air It Out Passing Camps with a simple mission:

To provide young quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, and tight ends with the highest level of instruction, skill development, and mentorship possible.

What began as a football camp grew into one of the most respected passing camp organizations in Texas and the Southwest.

Thousands of athletes have attended Air It Out events over the years, learning not only the technical skills required to compete at a higher level, but also the habits and attitudes necessary for long-term success.

What separates Air It Out from many football camps is its commitment to developing the whole athlete.

From the beginning, Coach Wartes believed that football provides an opportunity to teach lessons that extend far beyond the field.

The camp’s mission emphasizes helping young men become successful not only as athletes, but also as students, leaders, teammates, husbands, fathers, and members of their communities.

Over the years, countless athletes have improved their throwing mechanics, route running, footwork, and football IQ under Coach Wartes’ instruction.
Yet many former campers and players speak just as highly about the life lessons they learned as they do about the football instruction they received.
That influence continues today through Air It Out Passing Camps and the coaches, players, and leaders whose lives have been shaped by Coach Wartes’ example.

Shockley Sports Camps is honored to partner with Air It Out and Coach Alan Wartes as part of our mission to develop athletes, build leaders, and strengthen communities.

The values that have guided Air It Out for more than three decades—athletic excellence, leadership, character, and personal growth—are the same values that guide Shockley Sports Camps today.

Coach Wartes’ legacy serves as a reminder that great coaches do more than teach sports.

They help shape lives.

And for more than thirty years, Alan Wartes has done exactly that.