Hulin "Hoot" Smith
The Man - The Legend
"The Hoot"
The Man - The Legend
"The Hoot"
Born August 10, 1927
Hulin "Hoot" Smith was the first inductee in the HEB Sports Hall of Fame. He went to high school in Grand Saline , Texas, were he was the all around high school athlete. Career highlights as follows: He received football scholarships to UTA and Texas A&M University. Hoot coached L.D. Bell to their first district championship in 1962. Founder of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association. Director of Athletics and Physical Education in HEB ISD for 33 years. Two high schools, five middle schools, 18 elementary schools, Pennington Field and the HEB Athletic Complex were all constructed during his tenure. Brought competitive gymnastics as well as the first Athletic Trainer to Texas Public Schools. Founder of the HEB Recreation Federation and Mid-Cities Youth Activity Council. Initiated state recognized motor development programs for young children. Hoot's philosophy was to teach the children well so they could reap the benefits of a quality developmental program and participate in a safe, satisfying and successful environment. The physical education program was a state and national model; the athletic program was respected as one of the best in the state. Honor Teams: 1965 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 2007 1986 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 2008 |
Emil Milan
The "Father" of Texas High School Gymnastics
The "Father" of Texas High School Gymnastics
Born September 20, 1929
Emil Milan was an outstanding gymnast who graduated from Fort Worth Northside HS, The University of Texas, and The University of North Texas. Career highlights as follows: At L.D. Bell, Emil coached 14 boys and 3 girls State Gymnastic Titles, 51 individual State Champions. He was a four time Texas Coach of the Year, four time National Coach of the Year. He had 12 All American Teams with 123 All American honors and the highest scoring team in U.S. In 1980 he was a consultant in construction of Forrest E. Watson Gym and the Hoot Smith Activity Center. He received the National Association Collegiate Gymnastics Honor Coach Award and the U.S. Gymnastics Federation Service Award. Emil was founder of gymnastics programs in Texas public schools; Gymnastics Association of Texas, Texas HS Gymnastics Coaches Association, and Texas Gymnastics Judges Association. He was a member of the Men's and Women's US Olympic Committee as well as Staging Manager at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and World Gymnastics Championship. He won the first Texas High School State Gymnastics Title at L.D. Bell High School 1967. He was a teacher and coach for 30 years. Emil Milan Gymnastics Scholarship Fund established 1982. He devoted his life to gymnastics and the growth of the sport and his family of gymnasts for more than a quarter of a century. Honor Teams: 1967 L.D. Bell Men's and Women's Gymnastics Team inducted 1996 1975 L.D. Bell Men's Gymnastics Team inducted 2003 1977 L.D. Bell Men's Gymnastics Team inducted 2003 1980 L.D. Bell Men's Gymnastics Team inducted 2003 1968 L.D. Bell Men's and Women's Gymnastics Team induced 2009 |
John Reddell
The Athlete - The Competitor - The Gentleman
The Athlete - The Competitor - The Gentleman
Born February 17, 1930
John Reddell was an outstanding three sport athlete at Classen High School in Oklahoma City. Career highlights as follows: He received a football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. John was Starter in football and baseball on OU National Championship teams. He was Head Football Coach 39 years in Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Arlington, Midland, and HEB. His career record: 260 wins, 135 losses, 12 ties. He received 17 Coach of the Year Awards; Gordon Wood Distinguished Service Award; National High School Coaches Award; and was Director Texas High School Coaches Association. John was at Trinity High School for 16 years where he had 116 wins, 53 losses, 4 ties. Under John, Trinity enjoyed their first district championship and undefeated regular season in 1976. They won nine district titles and 13 playoff games, 10 at Texas Stadium. He holds the Texas High School attendance record for a district football game: Trinity vs Bell (27, 661). He was a promoter and adviser in construction of Pennington Field. John is grateful to coaches and players for the spirit of sheer grit and courage that time and again changed certain defeat into victory, which was an inspiration for 39 wonderful years in coaching. Honor Teams: 1982 Trinity Football Team inducted 2005 |
Floyd Glenn Smith
The Volunteer - The Friend - The Legend
The Volunteer - The Friend - The Legend
Born May 22, 1932
Career highlights as follows: Floyd Glenn Smith went to North Texas Lab High School, Denton, Texas where he was the Basketball Team Captain. In the US Navy. he played basketball and won Navy Championship two consecutive years. Won all Far East Tournament. Floyd was offered to tryout with Detroit Tigers. He decided on profession in the concrete construction business. His volunteer work includes coaching basketball 32 years; Optimist Club eight years, Mid-Cities Little Dribblers for 24 years. He has 14 League Titles, 18 Division Championships, Five Undefeated Seasons, 309 wins, 110 losses. All Star Teams Coached: Three A.A.U. Teams; Six Major Division Teams; One state Runner-up, Two State Titles, Two National Titles; Nine Senior Division Teams; Two State Titles, One National Title. Volunteer Coaching: 32 years so far; teaching young children teamwork, sacrifice, patience, kindness, compassion and friendship. A positive example and a friend to many. |
Larry McWilliams
The Player - The Professional - His Servant
The Player - The Professional - His Servant
Born February 10, 1954
Larry McWilliams attended Shady Oaks Elementary and Hurst Junior High. Career highlights as follows: Played Tri-Cities Baseball. L.D. Bell High: Baseball All District, District 7-4A Most Valuable Player. Paris Junior College: Baseball scholarship, two no-hitters, All Conference, Most Valuable Player, Outstanding Athlete Award. Professional Baseball: 16 years; drafted first round Atlanta Braves 1974. Major Leagues: 10 seasons; Braves, Pirates, Cardinals, Phillies, Royals; Rookie season 1978, won first seven decisions, winning pitcher in game that stopped Pete Rose's National League Record 44 game hitting streak; National League Player of the Week July 14-21, 1980; One Hit San Francisco Giants 1983; 5th in voting Cy Young Award 1983; Top 10 among National League pitchers in shutouts, strikeouts, wins, complete games, innings pitched 1983 and 1984; Left Handed Starting Pitcher, Sporting News National League All Star Team 1983; Career total 3.99 ERA, 13 shutouts, 940 strikeouts. He is committed to his family, the Church and the One he serves. His lifestyle and character speak for themselves. Honor Teams: 1972 L.D. Bell Baseball Team inducted 1997 |
Mike Janszen
A Husband - A Father - A Leader
A Husband - A Father - A Leader
Born November 14, 1945
Mike Janszen attended HEB Schools from first grade to graduation in 1964. Career highlights as follows: He played on the first Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football Championship Team as well as State Playoffs, Tri-Cities Baseball. AT L.D.Bell High School, Mike had 10 Varsity Letters. In football, three time All District, All State, Team Captain and Most Valuable Player 1963. Other accomplishments were the THSCA All Star Game and Texas/Oklahoma Oil Bowl, Most Valuable Player. In baseball, three year starter. Track: Two year letterman. Basketball: Two year letterman and member of first State Tournament Team. Mike was All School Favorite, Mr. Bell High School and won the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1984. He went to Southern Methodist University on a Football Scholarship. They were SWC Champions in 1966. Awards include Honorable Mention All SWC, Team Captain and Defensive Lineman of the Year 1967; SMU Alumni Leadership Award, FCA College Athlete of the Year, Assistant Coach SMU 1968-1969. Support of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mike's vocation is Licensed Physical Therapist. Honor Teams: 1962 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 1995 1963 L.D. Bell Men's Basketball Team inducted 1998 |
Nelson "Nellie" Moore
"A Man For All Seasons"
"A Man For All Seasons"
Born May 27, 1937
Nelson Moore attended Artesia High School, Artesia, New Mexico, where he was a five sport letterman. Career highlights as follows: In basketball he was in All District, All State, All Star Game. Nelson went to Wayland University on a Basketball Scholarship. He was three year leading scorer, third in nation field goal percentage, he received Honorable Mention Little All American. At Euless Junior High Nelson was a teacher and coach for two years. L.D. Bell High School for 11 years, during which time he was Head Coach Basketball, Baseball and Golf; Varsity Assistant Football. In basketball he had one Zone, two District, and one Bi-district Title. He was three time Coach of the Year. In baseball he took Bell to their first district championships. At Trinity High School, Nelson was a teacher for 12 years as well as Student Council and Class Sponsor. At Pennington Field, Nelson was the first Stadium Director and served in that role from 1987 - 2015. He enjoyed over 35 years in the HEB School District. He was on the Bedford City Council as well as a Founder of the Bedford Historical Commission. Nelson was involved with the "Old Bedford School" renovation, Bedford Teen Court, and HEB Sports Hall of Fame. To some he was a Coach, to some he was a Teacher, to some he was a Leader, to many he was a Great Man. Honor Teams: 1966 L.D. Bell Basketball Team inducted 1996 1969 L.D. Bell Baseball Team inducted 2000 1965 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 2007 |
Tim Edwards
The Coach - The Man - The Promoter
The Coach - The Man - The Promoter
Born November 26, 1944
Career highlights as follows: Tim Edwards was a Head Football Coach for 26 years. He was the only Head Coach to coach all classifications, B through 5A. He coached Texas High School Coaches All Star Game, North Squad in 1984. He was President of the Texas High School Coaches Association as well as Chairman of the Board of the North Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Tim appeared on the Donahue Program, Nightline, and was quoted in Time Magazine promoting Texas High School Athletics. He served as color commentator on The Coaches Corner on Channel 4's show, Inside High School Football. At L.D. Bell High School, Tim was Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator for 19 years. He took his teams to 10 District Championships. His was the first HEB football team to play in the State Finals in 1982. His teams played 22 times at Texas Stadium; won District Championship in three decades. He had Texas High School attendance record for the district football game, Bell Vs. Trinity in 1982. His was the first Varsity Football Team to play at Pennington Field. Tim saw 100 plus of his players receive football scholarships; eight played professional ball and two were number one draft choices in the NFL. Tim led his teams in the Lord's Prayer and after every game. Honor Teams: 1982 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted inducted 2004 1986 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted inducted 2008 1991 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted inducted 2012 |
Bill Bookout
The Coach - The Man - The Example
The Coach - The Man - The Example
Born June 1, 1932
Bill Bookout attended Wichita Falls High School, Wichita Falls, Texas, where he was All District, All State in football and baseball. He was Starter for both offense and defense. He played Texas All Star and Oil Bowl Football Games. Career highlights as follows: Football scholarship to Oklahoma University where he was All Big Seven Cornerback. Austin College he was co-captain, All Texas Team, Little All American. His professional football career includes playing for the Green Bay Packers, where he was named Outstanding Player of the Week, two times. Midwestern University, he was the football coach. Bill coached at L.D. Bell High School as Assistant Football, Head Basketball, Golf. At Trinity High School, he was the first Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator where he coached eight years and developed the foundation for the quality all around athletic program. More than thirty of his players received college football scholarships, two played professional ball. When inducted into the HEB Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, Bill had over 32 years of teaching and coaching in the HEB School District. He instructed his players on athletic's application to every day life and taught in the classroom not only facts and figures, but life, and how to live it. Honor Teams: 1970 Trinity Football Team inducted 2003 1965 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 2007 |
Gene McCaughan
The Volunteer - The Worker - The Optimist
The Volunteer - The Worker - The Optimist
Born January 31, 1929
Gene McCaughan attended Hillcrest High School in Dallas, Texas. He was a four sport Letterman, recipient of the Linz Award for Academics, the Sears Scholarship for Math and was a member of the National Honor Society. Career highlights as follows: Texas Tech University: Scholarship Football and Track, Bowling. Gene was the top bowler in the Texas Semi-Pro League in 1960. He was a TV commentator and also volunteered to teach bowling to youth with disabilities. Mid Cities Optimist Club: Boys Club Chairman, Founder of Youth Basketball League, Established Punt, Pass and Kick Competition, Honor President, Chairman of the Board. Hurst Baseball Association: Board of Directors, Parade Marshall 1963. Mid Cities Pee Wee Football Association: Head Coach from 1962-1965. Coach of the Year, Member Board of Directors. Bell Booster Club: President from 1968-1971. HEB Sports Hall of Fame: A founder and Charter Member and on the Board of Directors The best portion of a good man's life ... the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. |
Julia Terry Wakely
A Lifetime Commitment To Youth Sports - The Innovator
A Lifetime Commitment To Youth Sports - The Innovator
Born December 14, 1935
Julia Terry Wakely served the City of Euless as Manager of Park and Recreation. She pioneered the first Soccer Leagues in the Mid Cities and was Instrumental in the Founding of the Bedford-Euless Soccer Association. Julia was co-founder of the Mid-Cities Little Dribblers. She established Learn to Bowl and Learn to Golf Programs and developed the baseball fields at Midway Park. She developed school and city partnerships for practice fields, assisted in planning an 80 acre athletic park,and promoted participation in the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation's Swimming, Tennis, Golf and Summer Track Programs where over 150 State Champions have been crowned in a 25 year period. Julia believed that "sports provide us with physical fitness. They challenge us, the test us, they bring out our determination, they create a new experience, a new encounter. That's why we need to foster sports. It brings out the best in all of us." |
Mark Davis
Ron Faurot
The Player - The Gentleman - The All American
The Player - The Gentleman - The All American
Born January 27, 1962
Ron Faurot played youth sports at Shady Oaks Elementary and later at Bedford Junior High, he played football, basketball and track. At Bell High School, he was named Mr. Bell High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was named Daily News Senior of the Year. Career highlights are as follows: Football: All District 2 years. All Area 2 years. All Tarrant County, All State High School All American, National Athletic Coaches Association Prep Team, Mr. Blue Chip of Texas. Basketball: All District, All Area. Track: Shot Put 1st in District 2 years. 1st in Regional, 2nd in Sate; Discus 1st in District, 1st in Regional, 4th in State. University of Arkansas: All Southwest Conference, UPI All American, Playboy All American. Bowl Games: Hall of Fame, Gator, Bluebonnet, Hula, Japan. Professional Football: New York Jets, San Diego Chargers. As a volunteer, Ron was coach of Youth League Sports Charities; Wheel Chair Basketball for the Heart Fund, Celebrity Golf Tournaments for Big Brother and Sister, a Sponsor of Youth Sports Teams. Honor Teams: 1978 L.D. Bell Basketball inducted 2002 |
Scott Murray
Bill Curtis
The Coach - The Administrator - The Athlete
The Coach - The Administrator - The Athlete
Born May 18, 1933
Bill Curtis went to high school in Waurika, Oklahoma, where he was involved in football, basketball and track. Career highlights are as follows: Football: 4 Year Starter, All Star, State Champion. Basketball: 4 year Starter, All Southern, All Region, Conference Player of the Year. Track: State record 180 yard low hurdles, National record 120 yard high hurdles 13.7 (State record for 33 years). He played football at Texas Christian University. He was named Outstanding Freshman Player in 1952. Track: Never lost high hurdles race from 1953-1954; Southwest Conference Champions; set record in high hurdles in Meet of Champions, Southern AAU Meet, Forth Worth Rec Meet, North Texas Relays, 6th Place NCAA. Professional Football: Drafted San Francisco 49's. Bill coached in Graham for 1 year, Fort Worth North Side for 7 years. At Central Junior High, he was Head Coach for 3 years. Hurst Junior High's Head Coach for 2 years Trinity High School's Track and Assistant Football coach for 2 years. Bill was Vice Principal at Harwood Junior High for 3 years, Bell High School for 2 years, and Principal at Euless Junior High for 15 years (1979-1994). Bill has been the Pennington Field Score Board Operator since 1988. Honor Teams: 1970 Trinity Football Team inducted 2003 |
Burt Hyde MD
The Person -The Doctor - The Team Physician
The Person -The Doctor - The Team Physician
Born January 18, 1930
Burt Hyde was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, son of a concert pianist and member of a family composed of ranchers, doctors, and teachers. He was a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force for 4 years. He went to the University of Nebraska on Regents & William Height Scholarships, where he played baseball for 2 years. He graduated from medical school in 1956. He treated Olympic Gold Medalist Nadia Comaneci at the World Gymnastic Championships. Burt moved to the HEB area in 1961. He provided free physicals to HEB Junior High Athletes and was Team Physician at Trinity High School for almost two decades (1968-1986). Burt dedicated time and talent to student athletes of HEB. He provided medical attention to Trinity High School swimmers, gymnasts and other athletes as well as volunteered as team physician for junior high football games. He was Team Physician for many of the athletes he delivered. |
Corky Cobern
The Volunteer - The Mentor - The Youth Coach
The Volunteer - The Mentor - The Youth Coach
Born December 12, 1937
Corky Cobern went to high school in Brady, Texas, where he was involved in football and track. He graduated in 1956. Career highlights are as follows: Tarleton State University: Scholarship for Football and Baseball. Texas A&M: Graduated 1961. Moved to the HEB area in 1967. Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football: Assistant Coach 1974, Head Coach 1975 - present, 19 winning season, 10 conference championships, Super Bowl 8 times, Coach of the Year 4 times, Overall record 148-56-13, Board Member 1996-present. Tri-Cities Baseball: Head Coach all leagues 1974-1984, Head Coach American Legion 1983-1993, 11 consecutive conference championships, coached 9 All-Star teams, Commissioner and Board Member 1980-1993. Basketball Coach: Little Dribblers 1978-1981, St John's Catholic School 7th & 8th grade 1986-1987. Coached Hurst Girls Softball 1986-987. Charter Member of HEB Sports Hall of Fame and Mid-Cities Youth Activities Council. Corkey has accumulative total of 61 seasons of volunteer work dedicated to youth sports in Hurst, Euless and Bedford. |
Jeff Gossett
John Burns
The Volunteer - The Man - The Model
The Volunteer - The Man - The Model
Born April 1, 1923
John Burns was born in a log cabin in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. He served in the armed forces in France and moved to Hurst, Texas in 1962. Career highlights are as follows: Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football: Assistant Coach 1962-1963, Head Coach 12 years 1964-1976, Playoffs 4 years, Runner-up 2 years, one championship, Coach of the Year 2 times. Vice Commissioner 4 years, Field Equipment Manager 4 years, Vice President 4 years, and Adviser to Board of Directors. Tri-Cities Baseball: Head Coach 7 years, Bronco League 1963-1964, Pony League 1965-1970. Hurst Girls Softball: Sponsor and Coach 1974-1976. Founder and Coach of T-Kings Women's Softball Team 1977-1997, TAAF State Championships. Bell Booster Club Vice President 3 years Distinguished as member serving longest in Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football Association 1962 to present. In 1962, Hurst-Euless-Bedford gained a citizen who greatly enhanced the community with continuous service to young people. |
Mike Babb
The Athlete - The Champion - The Player
The Athlete - The Champion - The Player
Born December 6, 1959
Mike Babb played youth sports at Midway Park Elementary then went on to Central Junior High where he was involved in football, basketball and track. Career highlights are as follows: Trinity High School: Football Consensus All District, All State, All American. University of Texas: Football Scholarship, 1981. Professional Football: Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs Drafted fifth round 1982, Starter 11 years in NFL missing 1 game. Playoffs 5 times. Mike was a play by play radio and television color man; won numerous charity awards and had countless appearances at schools, clinics, autograph sessions. He always emphasized to young kids "Sports are meant to be fun." "I had fabulous coaches in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford School District; John Reddell, Rey Verkerk, Vernon Bingham and many more. This is the only reason I became a player. When it's sports, I love to play, not watch." |
BJ Murray
Committed to Sports Through Education
Committed to Sports Through Education
Born January 26, 1934
Career highlights are as follows: Van Alstyne High School: Qualified regional track meet, basketball, All-District, football, All-State 1952. Attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship and graduated 1956. B.J. pioneered sports in the HEB School District for his entire 37 year career. Hurst Junior High: Teacher/Coach, 1956-58 ; Assistant Principal, 4 years. Bell High School: Teacher/Coach from 1958-61; Assistant Football, first winning season ever, 7-3 record. He coached the first HEB football player ever to receive an athletic scholarship; Head Track, took first track team in HEB to State Track Meet. B.J. assisted in the planning and construction of Hurst-Euless Stadium, which later became the original Pennington Field. He was Central Junior High's first principal and served for 3 years (1965-68). He was the first principal at Trinity High School where he stayed for 25 years (1968-1993). He hired Texas' first female boys and girls track coach. Offered more athletic programs than any high school in the state of Texas. B.J. came to the district the first year Hurst and Euless consolidated. His tenure is best described in his words: "I want students to have the best teachers, the best coaches, the best facilities, and the best opportunity to take their talents as far as they can go." |
Charles Stahl
"The Voice"
"The Voice"
Born October 2, 1937
Charles Stahl attended New London Public Schools where he participated in all sports, choir and band. He graduated in 1956. Charles went to Stephen F. Austin State University on a Music Scholarship, where he got his B.S. Degree in Music and English in 1960. He graduated with degrees in Psychology and Music in 1964. Career Highlights are as follows: Pine Tree ISD: Junior High Band Director and High School Assistant, 1960-68. Grapevine High School; Dean of Boys 1968-1969. HEB ISD counselor; Central High School Counselor 1969-75. Harwood Junior High 1975-present. Mid-Cities Optimist Club: Optimist of the Year 3 times, Life Member, Optimist International Presidents Award 1993, Oratorical Chairman 30 years; Punt, Pass and Kick Chairman 4 years, member 30 years to present. Public Address Announcer: The Voice of Pennington Field 1970 to present. Charles missed only 3 games and announced over 30 Trinity/Bell games. He also announced more than 150 State Playoff Football Games, including 3 in one day. He has announced at the Cotton Bowl, Astro-dome, Texas Stadium, Fouts Field, Denton, Old Pennington Filed, and Pennington Field. His announcing has brought recognition and fame to the HEB School District and Pennington Field in surrounding states and throughout the state of Texas. |
Gary Sibley
The Dream Goes On
The Dream Goes On
Born August 6, 1947
Gary Sibley played basketball at Bell High School from 1963 - 1965 Career highlights are as follows: 1963: First HEB ISD State Finalist, All-District, District MVP, 3A All State Tournament Team, ppg 17 1964: All District, District MVP, All Region, 1st Team 3A All State, 22 ppg. All District Baseball. 1965: District MVP, 1st Team 4A All-State, Coach and Athlete Magazine Prep All-America Team. Played in THSCA North South All Star Game setting record for most free throws in a game and scored 20 points leading the North team. Leading scorer in Division 4A with a 28 ppg and was the leading vote receiver by the sports writers on the 4A All State Team. Scored school record 53 points in one game. Scored over 2,000 points in high school career. 1966-1969: Star Point Guard for SMU and multiple awards winner. 1966 All SWC Freshman, 20.8 ppg. 1967 Member of the SWC Champions, NCAA Elite 8 Finalist. 1968 Awarded the Bobby James Memorial Award for Leadership and Scholarship; led SMU in free throw percentage and assists in 1968-1969, 12.1 ppg. 2000: First basketball player inducted into the HEB Sports Hall of Fame. 2007: Voted one of the top 50 players in the history of the nationally acclaimed Whataburger Fort Worth Holiday Basketball Tournament on its 50th anniversary. 1970-2017: Real estate developer and venture capital investor in the DFW Metropolitan area. Past Chairman and current member of the Board of Directors for the HEB Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. 2017-2018: Selected to the TABC Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Induction ceremony in San Antonio, Texas May 2018. First person featured in the HEB Sports Hall of Fame Newsletter article "Where Are They Now?" on September 1, 2018. Honor Teams: 1963 L.D.Bell Men's Basketball Team inducted 1998 |
Jim Sundberg
Paul Branson
Sports Medicine for School Athletics
Sports Medicine for School Athletics
Born January 8, 1941
Career highlights as follows: Bowie High School: Football, Track; Football Bi-District Champions 1958. Graduated 1959. Abilene Christian University: Student Manager/Athletic Trainer for all sports 1959-1963. Graduated 1963. Bell High School: First full time athletic trainer 1963-1975; implemented sports medicine programs for HEB School District; sports medicine lecturer at HEB Ladies Football Clinics; planned and implemented advanced health classes for athletic training. THSCA All Star Game Trainer; Football, North Team, 1967, Basketball, north and south teams 1973, football north team 1976, basketball north team 1982. Founder North Texas Student Trainer's Clinic, 1967; Co-founder Metroplex Athletic Trainer's Clinic. Symposium Chairman National Athletic Trainer's Convention, 1981. SWATA: Board Member 1975-1977; President 1977-1978; Athletic Injury Clinic Keynote Speaker, 1995. Instruction, SMU Cramers Student Trainers Workshops, 1970. Inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainer's Association Hall of Fame, 1991. Nominated Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, 1993. Honor Teams: 1969 L.D. Bell Baseball Team inducted 2000 1965 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 2007 |
Romy Smith
Athlete, Coach, Volunteer
Athlete, Coach, Volunteer
Born February 24, 1963
Romy Smith attended Hurst Hills Elementary where she was involved in softball, basketball and track. Career highlights as follows: Hurst Junior High: Volleyball, Basketball, Track. Played 9th grade level as 7th and 8th grader. Cheerleader Captain, Homecoming Queen, Student Council, Miss Red Raider. L.D. Bell High School: Basketball; Sophomore of the Year 1979; District player of the Year, District MVP, Tarrant County MVP, North-South All Star Team, 1981; first team All District 3 years; District leading scorer, 2 years. Golf; First Team All District , 3 years, District Team Champs, 3 years, District Runner-up Medalist, 2 years, Regional Runner-up Medalist State Qualifier, Star Telegram Runner-up 1st Flight, 1979-1981. Member of Student Council, Young Life, FCA, Class Councils, Inter-Club Council, Who's Who in High School Sports, Homecoming Court, Most Beautiful, Miss Bell High School, Senior of the Year, Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year. Texas A&M University: Golf, 1 year. Basketball; Co-Captain 2 years. Top Assist Leader, 96, 1983; 10th All Time, 236. Coach: Youth Sports, HUSA Soccer, Tri-Cities T-Ball & Coach Pitch, Little Dribblers, Middle School; Volleyball, Basketball, Track, 1 year. High School; Tennis 9 years. |
Bill Ferguson
The First - The Pioneer - The Captain
The First - The Pioneer - The Captain
Born June 12, 1943
Career highlights as follows: Hurst Junior High: Football 1956-1958. LD Bell HIgh School 1959-1961. Football, Tri-Captain Senior Year, Outstanding Lineman Senior Year. First HEB athlete selected to the Texas High School All Star Game. First HEB athlete to receive a full scholarship to a division one university. Baylor University: Football Scholarship, started 31 games at three different positions, Co-Captain Senior Year, Outstanding Lineman 1965, All decade Team for the 1960's, Blue-Gray All Star Game 1965. Armed Services: Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, Goshawks Football Team, Co-Captain with Roger Staubach. A great honor being told by Baylor Coach Herb Zimmerman that Coach Fred Pennington of Bell High School had predicted he would become a captain of Baylor's Football Team. |
Bobby Bragan
Jay Fitch
"The Scholar Athlete"
"The Scholar Athlete"
Born October 28, 1964
Jay Fitch played youth sports at Shady Brook and Bedford Heights Career highlights as follows: Pee Wee Football Champions 1974. Two time Little Dribbler All Star, Seven time Little League All Star. Harwood Junior High: Football District Co-Champions, Basketball; Single game scoring record, 44 points 1979, Track. Trinity High School: Football; All District 1981-1982, All District MVP, All Tarrant County, All Metroplex, Advanced to Quarter Finals 1982, 3 year record, 30-3-1. Basektball; First THS team to reach playoffs 1982-83. Track; All District 1982, 1983, District Champs 1981, 1982. Mr. Trinity High School. Graduated with Honors 1987. High School Coach: Trinity, J.J. Pearce, Whitney, Colleyville Heritage, Faith Christian. THS Outstanding Offensive Football Player first 25 years Golden Herald Award for Athletics Optimist Outstanding Student Bedford Heights 1976, Harwood 1979, Trinity 1982. On Dean's List all semesters of college career. Honor Teams: 1982 Trinity Football Team inducted 2005 2005 Trinity Football Team inducted 2013 |
Joan Shori
A Driving Force for Athletic and Recreational Facilities
A Driving Force for Athletic and Recreational Facilities
Born December 17, 1930
Career highlights as follows: City of Hurst: Member Park and Recreation Board, 1978 to present. Charter member and a founder of Hurst United Youth Soccer Association First Secretary from 1978-82 Actively promoted the passage of the $6 million bond package for Hurst Athletic Complexes and Parks and Recreational Improvements 1977. Pioneered the passage of the half cent sales tax for Sports and Recreational Facilities 1993. Promoted the Pennington Field Board Election, 1985. Director of Community Services Development Corporation 1994 to present. Volunteer for Yearly Senior Citizens Dinner, 1978 to present. Promoted lighted fields for all sports. Instrumental in constructing a tennis center, gymnasium, classrooms and inline hockey rink. A life long supporter of youth and adult athletics, senior citizen activities and community wide recreational programs. |
Wilford Smith
"Mr. Hurst Softball"
"Mr. Hurst Softball"
Born June 29, 1934
Wilford Smith graduated Fort Worth Polytechnic High School 1952. Career highlights as follows: Fastpitch Softball at age 16. Gold Gloves Panther Boys Club 1949-59. Coached Girls Fastpitch Richland Youth Association 1972-74. City of Hurst: Founder Hurst Umpire Association. Umpire in Chief Hurst Umpire Association 1969 to present. Host Umpire for pre-season Umpires Tournament at Hurst Athletic Complex. Deputy Umpire in Chief Amateur Softball Association Metro Fort Worth 1977 to present. Umpire Girls Slowpitch and Fastpitch National Tournaments 1986-1991. Umpire National Blind "Beep Baseball" Tournament in 1981. Umpire Crew Chief UIL Girls Fastpitch Softball. TAAF Contributor's Appreciation Award 1992. Inducted ASA National Indicator Fraternity 1991, which is the National Hall of Fame for Umpires of the Amateur Softball Association. |
William Gay
Patience - Loyalty - Understanding
Patience - Loyalty - Understanding
Born February 29, 1921
William Gay graduated Gladewater High School in 1940, where he was involved in football, basketball and track. Career highlights as follows: Paris Junior College: Scholarship: Football, Basketball. Armed Forces: Air Force Lowery Field, Basketball 1943-44. HEB School District: Coach and Science teacher 1951-62 Assistant Football 9-2 record 1956. Girls Basketball first Co-Championship 1955; District Champions 1958, first District Championship in any sport in HEB School history. Vice Principal LD Bell 1962-66 Principal Euless Junior High 1966-1979 Vice Principal LD Bell 1979-1981 Old Pennington and Pennington Field Football Game Monitor 1963-2000. PTA Honorary Life Member. Received Blue Raider Annual Dedication 1964. Employee in HEB ISD for 50 years. Honor Teams: 1958 Hurst Euless Girl's Basketball Team inducted 2000 |
Beth Iles Dixon
A Champion On and Off the Court
A Champion On and Off the Court
Born May 11, 1951
Beth attended HEB Elementary Schools from 1956-1962. Career highlights are as follows: 1963-1965 Hurst Junior High: Track and Cheerleading 1966-1969 LD Bell High School: Tennis, Singles District Champion 1969. First female to win District Championship. Won 21 matches in 1969; tied for most wins by a girl tennis player during a season. Texas Christian University: Taught beginning tennis classes. Graduated with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education in 1972. 1972-1980 Taught Physical Education at Stonegate Elementary. A founder of HEB Leaps and Bounds Motor Development Program. Summer Tennis Class Instructor at recreational centers. Volunteer Work: Cancer Society, PTA Bedford Heights Elementary, Bedford Junior High, Bell High, Tri Cities Baseball, YMCA, Girls Little Dribblers Commissioner 1977-1978. An outstanding student and team leader. Class and determination were her trademarks. |
Bobby Reynolds
Working for Kids Through Youth Activities
Working for Kids Through Youth Activities
Born July 24, 1934
Career highlights are as follows: Wichita Falls High School: Football 3 years; State Champions 1949-1950 1951-1953 Schreiner Institute Kerrville: Football Scholarship; Honorable Mention All American 1953-1955 Midwestern University, Wichita Falls: Football Scholarship Teacher/Coach: Childress, Kermit, Pampa, Arlington, Forestburg, Lancaster, Florence, Treetops Euless. Retired from LTV Aerospace. A resident of Euless for over 35 years at the time of his induction. A founder Mid-Cities Little Dribblers Mid-Cities Basketball Association; Coached for 23 years (1973-1995); Vice President 1983-1995. Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football Association: Coached for 8 years (1971-1978) Euless Baseball Association: Coached 2 years. Stayed active because of the enjoyment of working with kids and their parents. |
E. Don Brown
"A Real Love Affair with Education"
"A Real Love Affair with Education"
Born June 27, 1939
Career highlights are as follows: 1957 Denton High School University of North Texas: BA 1962, MEd 1965 1962-1965 Euless Jr. High: Teach/Coach 1965-1967 LD Bell High School: Teacher/Coach 1967-1968 Hurst Junior High: Assistant Principal; 1968-1972 Hurst Junior High: Principal 1972-1975 Harwood Junior High: Principal 1975-2001 LD Bell High School: Principal Optimist Club President 1973-1974 Optimist of the Year 1976 President HEB Administrators; Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Board of Directors Confederation of Principals HEB Principal of the Year: 1988 and 2001 1985 Texas Principal of the Year Member, Teacher and Deacon at First Baptist Church Euless for 39 years at time of his induction. Known across the state, nation and internationally as an educational leader and mentor to schools and principals. "Where else can you be associated with every coach, athlete, student, teacher and parent without having to select a single activity or event; that is the life of a principal." Honor Teams: 1986 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 2008 |
Perry Hill
For the Love of the Game - Baseball
For the Love of the Game - Baseball
Born March 19, 1952
Attended Shady Oaks Elementary from 1958-1963 and Hurst Junior High from 1964-1966. Career highlights are as follows: LD Bell HIgh School: Varsity Baseball 1967-1970; first District Championship Team 1969. Paris Junior College: Baseball Scholarship, two years All Conference 1971-1972. Pan American University: Baseball Scholarship, Team Captain. Graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1975. 1975-1981 Hurst Junior High: Teacher Minor League Baseball: Player for 6 years; Coach and Infield Instructor for the Texas Rangers Minor League Operations. Major League Baseball: Texas Rangers First Base Coach for Manager Toby Harrah. Dugout Coach and Infield Instructor for Manager Kevin Kennedy. First Base Coach for Manager Johnny Oats. Detroit Tigers Third Base/Infield Coach; first team ever to go from worst to first in fielding in consecutive seasons. Montreal Expos appointed First Base Coach in charge of Infield, November 1999. Honor Teams: 1969 L.D. Bell Baseball inducted 2000 |
Rob Harman
No Athlete is Unworthy of Coverage
No Athlete is Unworthy of Coverage
Born July 16, 1954
Career highlights are as follows: 1972-1997 witnessed and reported most sports milestones for the HEB School District as a sports writer for the Mid-Cities Daily News. Rob covered more than 250 varsity football games, 500 varsity basketball games, many varsity track, baseball, tennis, golf and gymnastic events. 1998- Present continued to cover the HEB area with the Dallas Morning News. Recognized by his peers for excellence in community sports coverage. Provided motivation and inspiration for thousands of young athletes in connection with Tri-Cities Baseball, Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football, Mid-Cities Basketball, BESA and HUSA. Placed over 10,000 children's names and their athletic efforts in print during 20 plus years. Won National Suburban Newspaper of America and Texas Press Association awards for sports coverage. Honor Teams: 1988 L.D. Bell Gymnastics inducted 2006 |
Tom Vandergriff
Jerry Milan
"All For Kids"
"All For Kids"
Born December 9, 1933
Career highlights are as follows: Northside High School, Fort Worth, Texas, 1951 University of Texas at Austin: Captain of Mens Gymnastics Team 1954-1965. All around Gymnastics Champion Southwest Conference 1965 Clown Diver for Swim Team. Charter Member/Past President: Gymnastics Teachers Association of Texas, Texas High School Gymnastics Association, Texas Gymnastics Judging Association, Gymnastics Association of Texas. Member United States Olympic Committee 1972-1975-1976. National Sokol Organization: Gymnast, Education Director, Meet Director of National Championships, Chairman National School Board, Director Public Relations 1990-1995. Chairman of the Board Eagle Mountain Athletic Center/Sokol Fort Worth. Staging Coordinator: XXII Olympic Games 1984, 10th Pan Am Games 1991. Coordinator: XX World Gymnastics Championships 1979, American Sokol National Championships 1981. Trinity High School: Gymnastics Coach 1968-1988. Age Group Gymnastics Instructor /Director for 23 years. Started HEB Wrestling Program. Coached athletes who won numerous All American individual and team awards. |
Leon Hogg
"A Man of Character"
"A Man of Character"
Born March 10, 1936
Leon Hogg is a relative of Texas Governor, James Hogg. He moved to Euless, Texas in 1962. Career highlights are as follows: Euless Girls Softball Association: Vice President 1977, President 1979-1984. Held first State TAAF Tournament for Girls Softball in Euless; instituted local tournament for 6-9 year olds.; initiated upgrades for park athletic facilities. Received the Park and Leisure Services "Volunteer of the Year" award 1991-1992. Euless Park and Leisure Services Board: Appointed 1985, Chairman 1989-1996; obtained grant to create Bear Creek Park; refurbished and updated all Euless baseball and softball fields in city parks; started the Parks at the Texas Star. Euless City Council: Elected 1996; completed Phase 1 of Parks at Texas Star, which was voted best park design in the state of Texas; completed Golf Courses at Texas Star; completed Phase II of Parks at Texas Star. Goal for self and city is to make Euless an amateur athletic center. |
Marty Scott
"A Friend of Baseball"
"A Friend of Baseball"
Born August 15, 1953
Career highlights are as follows: Tri-Cities Baseball, Hurst Junior High, American Legion Baseball Bell High School: Baseball, District Most Valuable Player 1971; Football, Basketball and Golf. Paris Junior College: Baseball Scholarship, 2 years All Conference 1972-1973; MVP, All American, Outstanding Athlete Award 1972 Inducted Paris Junior College Sports Hall of Fame 1992 Dallas Baptist University: Baseball Scholarship, All Conference, All American, MVP Baseball Award (later named Marty Scott Award), Outstanding Alumni Award 1993, Associate Athletic Director Professional Baseball: Drafted by Texas Rangers. Lifetime 292 Hitter Minor Leagues; Baseball All Star Rookie League 1977, AA 1978, AAA 1979-1981 Manager: Tulsa Drifters, Burlington Rangers, St Paul Saints, Team USA 2000 World Cup, 2002 Pan Am Qualifier Games, 3 League Championships at professional level 1994-1995-1996. Director of Player Development Texas Rangers 1984-1994; Director of Baseball Operations St Paul Saints 1995-2001. President: Central Baseball League; Jackson Senators; Shreveport Sports, Fort Worth Cats 2002-Present. |
Pat Summerall
Stevanie Ferguson
"The Record Holder"
"The Record Holder"
Born March 19, 1972
Graduated from Bell High School 1990. Career highlights are as follows: Shot Put: State 5A Champion 1989 and 1990; state Over All Record 52' 11"; set USA Indoor Record 49' 4" in 1990. First high school girl in history to throw over 50 feet indoors. First place Junior Olympic Trials; ninth place World Junior Olympics; six time All American; first place Southwest Conference 2 years both Indoor and Outdoor. Third in US Trials for World Games 1993. Competed with USA Olympic Team in Scotland. Placed in top 5 at NCCA Indoor and Outdoor meets 1991-1995. Stevanie received full scholarships to Kent State University 1990-1991 and Texas Christian University 1991-1995. She graduated from Harris College of Nursing TCU 1996. Stevanie is active in her church. |
Thurman Watson
"The Leader"
"The Leader"
Born October 31, 1929
Thurman Watson went to high school in Dierks, Arkansas where he played football and basketball. He later attended Tyler Commercial College and Tyler Junior College where he received his Radio Telephone First Class License. Thurman served in the United States Army and is a Korean War Veteran, discharged as Master Sergeant. He moved to Euless, Texas in 1959. Career highlights are as follows: Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football coach 1962-1970, winning multiple championships. Coach of the Year 1964; won the 1966 Haltom City Championship game. Coached Junior and Senior Leagues from 1979-1983; coached 3 championship games. Basketball Coach: Optimist Club 1963-1965, Mid Cities Little Dribblers 1981, Euless Athletic Association 1981-1985. Mid Cities Pee Wee Football and Cheerleading Board: Senior League Commissioner five years, Vice President five years, President nine years. |
Bill Souder
"The Mayor"
"The Mayor"
Born July 23, 1922
Bill Souder attended school in Hurst, Texas. He graduated from Carter Riverside High School in 1939. He was the first Postmaster for the city of Hurst, serving for 25 years. He was a member of the Park and Recreation Board and was elected to city council where he served for five years. Bill was elected Mayor in 1980. He actively promoted the passage of a bond package for Hurst Athletic Complexes and Parks and Recreational Improvements in 1977. He pioneered the passage of the half cent sales tax; actively supported the passage of the Pennington Field Bond in 1985. Bill served as a coach in Hurst's first Pee Wee Football Program; coached Pee Wee Football and Little League Baseball. He was active in HEB sports booster clubs, promoting all sports. |
Dan Martin
"Helping Youth Through Sports"
"Helping Youth Through Sports"
Born April 12, 1942
Dan Martin attended Birdville Elementary 1948-1955; Haltom Junior High 1956-1957; played football at Birdville High school 1958-1960 and track in 1960. He graduated in 1961. Dan has been a resident of Hurst, Texas since 1965. He retired from General Motors Arlington Plant. Career highlights are as follows: Mid Cities Little Dribblers: Equipment Manager 1978 Mid Cities Pee Wee Football: Assistant Coach 1975; Chargers Head Coach 1976-2003; Consolation Game Fourth Place 1991, Consolation Game Champions three times 1982-1987-1994. Volunteer for 29 years; Coach of the Year seven times. Field and Equipment Manager 1980-2004 Head Coach for the same team for 29 seasons in Junior League. Mid Cities Pee Wee Football and Cheerleading Association Board 1980-2003. |
Kent Davis
"An Ongoing Tradition"
"An Ongoing Tradition"
Born December 6, 1959
Kent Davis played youth sports at Donna Park Elementary School. He was also involved with Tri-Cities Baseball, Mid Cities Pee Wee Football and Mid Cities Optimist Basketball 1967-1972. Career highlights are as follows: Bedford Junior High: Football, basketball, track 1972-1975 LD Bell High School: Basketball. Sophomore of the Year 1976; All District 1977; District 4A-6 Most Valuable Player. All Region, All State, District Champions 1978. Texas-Oklahoma All Star Game Basketball Scholarships to University of Houston 1978-1979 and Bethany Nazarene College 1979-1982. N.A.I.A. National Champions 1981 St Mary's University School of Law 1985 Member : State Bar of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, Texas Land Title Association. and First United Methodist Church of Hurst. Volunteer: American Heart Association, HEB Education Foundation Coach: Colleyville Youth Basketball, Tri-Cities Baseball, Mid Cities Basketball Association. |
Len Mengwasser
"The Sportsman"
"The Sportsman"
Born December 23, 1930
Len Mengwasser went to high school in Jefferson City, Missouri. He attended Jefferson City Junior College, Northeast Missouri State and Texas Woman's University. Career highlights are as follows: Head Coach: Football, track, baseball, golf, girls basketball, boys basketball in Missouri and Illinois. Euless Junior High: Head Football Coach. Two Undefeated season; three seasons with only one loss, 1965-1968. Vice Principal 1973-1977 Hurst Junior High: Vice Principal 1977-1988 LD Bell High School: Football. Backfield Coach and First Assistant 1968; Head Coach 1969-1970 Member: National Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association; Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, Texas High School Coaches Associations, HEB Administrators Association. Supervisor Hurst Summer Recreation Program TCIL Football Coach of the Year 1971-1972 |
Rafael Palmeiro
Ray Debord
"Influenced Many Lives"
"Influenced Many Lives"
Born May 5, 1942
Career highlights are as follows: Sunray High School 1960: All Region Football, All State Basketball, Regional Qualifier Track, Football All Star Game Amarillo; THSCA Basketball All Star Game Dallas. College: Clarendon Junior College 1960-1962: Basketball All Conference, All American; West Texas State University 1962-1964, basketball scholarship; Texas Tech University: Masters Degree 1971. Bell High School 1974-1997: Football, Assistant Coach; Basketball, Head Coach; more than 400 wins, 17 winning seasons, five District Championships, playoffs eight times, record season wins 29. Overall Coaching Record: Coach of the Year 12 times; 29 tournament championships; six District Runner Ups; seven District Championships; six Bi-District Championships; one Regional Championship; one State Finalist; Top 20 in nation for high school victories 891; Coach TABC All Star Game and Fort Worth Star Telegram's Lifetime Achievement Award. |
Tommy Maddox
"A Player of All Sports"
"A Player of All Sports"
Born September 2, 1971
Tommy Maddox attended Bedford Heights Elementary School. He was part of Tri Cities Baseball and Mid Cities Little Dribblers 1978-1985. He was MVP Junior Olympics 1982; played Pee Wee Football 1978-1983. Career highlights are as follows: Bedford Junior High: Football, Basketball, Track 1983-1986 Bell High School: Football - All District 1987; All District, All Area, All Northeast Tarrant County, All State, Whataburger All State, Parade All American 1988. Basketball - All District 1987, All District , All Area, All Northeast Tarrant County, All State, McDonald's All American 1988, MVP Good Grades Game 1989. Baseball - All District, All Area. UCLA: Paq 10 Freshman of the Year; Single Game Passing Record 1990; All American Team, Chevrolet Player of the Game; Single Game Touchdown Record; second player in Paq 10 history to throw over 5000 yards by end of sophomore year 1991. NFL: Drafted first round Denver Broncos; youngest player to throw a football in NFL game. Other NFL teams: Los Angeles/St Louis Rams, NY Giants, Atlanta Falcons, XFL MVP 2001, Pittsburgh Steelers: Single Game Franchise Record 474 yds & 4 TD Passes; NFL Comeback Player of the Year 2002. |
Aubrey Guthrie II, MD
"The Physician of Athletes"
"The Physician of Athletes"
Born July 1, 1933
Career Highlights as follows: Floydada High School 1948-1951: Football Team Captain, All Regional, Honorable Mention All State, Green Belt Bowl Defensive Captain West All Stars 1951. Basketball Team Captain, All District. Track Team Captain. University of Texas: Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts. Houston Baylor College of Medicine 1959: Doctor of Medicine; Houston Jefferson Davis Hospital 1960; Internship Fort Worth John Peter Smith Hospital 1961. City of Hurst Health Officer 1964-1984. Founding Member: HEB Harris Methodist, Medical Staff Glenview Hospital, Hurst Optimist Club. Chief of Staff: Glenview Hospital 1970, HEB Harris Methodist 1973-1974, Company Physician Bell Helicopter 1961-1985. Bell High School Team Physician 1961-1981: Athletic physicals, medical coverage for football games, treatment of athletic injuries. Board certified by The American Academy of Family Practice. Twenty years of giving time and talent to the student athlete in Hurst, Euless and Bedford. |
Dale Hansen
James Russell
"A Great Athlete, A Better Man"
"A Great Athlete, A Better Man"
Born May 23, 1946
Career highlights are as follows: Hurst Junior High 1960: Played football and basketball. Bell High School 1961-1964: Football District Champions, All District; led district in punting and pass interceptions 1963. Star Telegram Player of the Week two times; All District; led district in punting and pass interceptions; All State 1964. Basketball District, Bi-District, Regional Champions; Starting Guard on the State Final Four Team 1963. District Champions, Team Captain, Honorable Mention All District 1964. Baseball 1963 All District, led team in home runs; pitched no-hit shut out 1964. Big 33 Texas/Pennsylvania All Star Game 1964; kicked two field goals. Team coached by Bobby Layne, Doak Walker and Harley Sewell. University of North Texas 1964-1968: Football Freshman Co-Captain; All Missouri Valley three years in a row; All Missouri Valley Split End; All Missouri Valley Punter; Coaches Team All American; Associated Press and UPI Honorable Mention; All American. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 1968. Played in the Canadian Football League. Honor Teams: 1962 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted 1995 1963 L.D. Bell Men's Basketball Team inducted 1998 |
Jerry Poda
Moses Ruiz
"The Champion"
"The Champion"
Born September 29, 1946
Career highlights are as follows: Pyote High School: Football - two year letterman; Basketball - four year letterman, East-West all Star; Tennis - State Runner-up Doubles 1961, Doubles State Champion 1963, State Runner-up Singles 1964, Singles State Champion 1965. Odessa Junior College: Tennis Singles Conference Champion 1966; third in Doubles, qualified for Nationals, Singles Conference Runner-up 1967, qualified for Singles and Doubles for Nationals, Singles semi-finalist at Nationals 1967, named to the All American Team. North Texas State University 1968-1969: Full Tennis Scholarship, Singles Runner-up Missouri Valley Conference, named to All Conference Team. Harrison Lane Elementary: Track Coach 1970 LD Bell High School 1971-2000: Teacher, Head Tennis Coach. 18 District Championships, eight Regional Championships; coached three semi-finalists and one State Champion. Inducted into The Texas High School Coaches Hall of Fame in December 2000. "All men are created equal except the great ones." |
Ralph Zeitz
"The Family Man"
"The Family Man"
Born March 27, 1920
Ralph Zeitz played football, basketball and baseball at A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon, New York. He was signed by the New York Yankees right out of high school. Ralph was a member of the Ex-Pro Baseball Organization. He played basketball and baseball at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he got his Bachelors Degree. Ralph got his Masters Degree at North Texas State University. Career highlights are as follows: 1960 Hurst Junior High: Teacher/Coach 1961-1964 LD Bell High School: Head Basketball Coach. Never lost a District Game in Conference 3-A, winning 22 straight. Two District Championships, two Bi-District Championships, Regional Championship, First Final Four Team from HEB ISD in the State Tournament. Initiated The City of Euless Recreation Program. Featured speaker at basketball clinics; conducted TV basketball panel with Boston Celtics NBA Hall of Famer Bob Cousey. Head Basketball Coach: Dallas Bryan Adams, Arlington Oakridge Academy, Fort Worth Christian. Ralph was three time Coach of the Year and trained many outstanding athletes. Honor Teams: 1963 L.D. Bell Men's Basketball Team inducted 1998 |
Sammy Katoa
"The Officer"
"The Officer"
Born November 2, 1968
Sammy Katoa went to Euless Junior High School in 1982 and Trinity High School from 1983-1986. Career highlights are as follows: Trinity High School: Football Most Valuable Player, All District, All Area, All Northeast Tarrant County, All Tarrant County. Defensive Player of the Year Northeast Tarrant County, Tarrant County, Area, All Texas Super Team, First Tongan American All State football player in Texas. 1986-1987 Idaho Ricks Junior College: Football scholarship. Team Captain, All Conference, All American. 1989 Brigham Young University 1990 Weber State University: Special Team Player of the Year. Studied Criminal Justice. 1991 Drafted by France Argonauts, Euro Bowl Champions. 1992 San Diego Chargers. 1995 City of Euless Public Service Officer 1996 First Tongan American Police Officer in the state of Texas 2001 Officer of the Year Mid-Cities Optimist Club: Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer. |
Tommy Newman
A Coach of Champions
A Coach of Champions
Born February 1, 1945
Career highlights are as follows: 1963 Pachal High School: Basketball - Second Team All State 1965 Wichata State University: Basketball - Team member NCAA Final Four 1970-1972 Poly High School: Basketball Head Coach 1972-1977 Richland High School: Regional Finals 1977-1982 Baylor Head Assistant: All teams made the playoffs 1982-1983 Texas Wesleyan 1983-1986 North Texas 1986-1998 Trinity High School: Basketball - First District Champions in school history 1990; undefeated District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Champions 1995. District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, Region Champions, State 5-A Runner Up; season Record 32-4; ranked number one in State by The Texas Associated of Basketball Coaches 1996. THS Teacher of the Year 1997. Co-Founder and first President Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 1975-1977. Inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame 2000. |
Ben Wilhite
"The Producer"
"The Producer"
Born December 4, 1946
Ben Wilhite went to Haltom High School where he played football, was the school photographer, yearbook editor, and student sports writer for the Mid Cities Daily News. He graduated in 1965. 1969 Bachelors Degree in Journalism and English North Texas State University; Masters Degree in Journalism 1979. 1971-1971 Bedford Junior High Newspaper Advisor 1981-2005 Hurst Junior High Yearbook Advisor; Trinity High School Yearbook Advisor; Cable 28/HEB TV. Started first school district cable station in North Texas area; produced more than 1200 hours of cable ready student oriented programming; videotaped more than 3000 hours of sports and shot more than 55,000 feet of game film for the HEB Athletic program. Texas State Semi-Finalst NASA's Teacher-In-Space Program; Who's Who among America's teachers. |
Bill Engle
"The Ironsides"
"The Ironsides"
Born October 11, 1926
Bill Engle went to Greenville High School where he was Football Captain for two years, All District, All State and was Inducted in the High School Sports Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1944. He was in the Merchant Marines for two years; Air Force for two years; Army for two years. Career highlights are was follows: 1947 Texas A&M University on a football scholarship; Freshman Starter. 1949-1951 East Texas State Teachers College: Football All Lone Star Conference, Little All American. Coaching Career: Head Football Sheppard AFB, Assistant Football East Texas State, Head Football Wills Point, Assistant Football and Head Basketball Galveston Ball, Assistant Football Irving High School, Head Football Cuero High School Trinity High School 1969-1987: First ever First Assistant Football, Math Teacher, Driver Education Instructor, Business Administration Teacher, Economics Teacher Pennington Field 1987-1995: Business Manager of Game Operations and Concessions. |
Bill Swanson
"The Scholar Athlete"
"The Scholar Athlete"
Born September 13, 1947
Bill Swanson when to Hurst Junior High from 1959-1962 where he played basketball. He was at LD Bell High School from 1962-1965 where he played baseball and basketball. Baseball Letterman. Basketball Highlights: Coached by Ralph Zeitz, All District, State Playoff Final Four Starting Guard, and Three Year Starter. Texas Christian University 1965-1969: Full Basketball Scholarship; Starting Guard; Letterman 1967-1969; Scholar/Athlete Award; Southwest Conference Champions 1967-1968; NCAA Mid West Regional Tournament (beat Kansas State, lost to University of Houston & Elvin Hayes in second round, coached by Johnny Swaim); BBA Degree Accounting Magna Cum Laude 1969, MBA Degree 1970. Former Chairman MIT Enterprise Forum of Texas; Former Member Sunbelt Venture Capital Conference; Board Member Holly Hall Retirement Community. Employed: Arthur Andersen, LLP, Rice University Honor Teams: 1963 L.D. Bell Men's Basketball Team inducted 1998 |
Dan Beckelman
"A Coach for All Ages"
"A Coach for All Ages"
Born December 22, 1939
Dan Beckelman graduated from Handley High School in 1957. Career highlights are as follows: Junior High Coach 1964-1969: Haltom, North Oaks, Irma Marsh Castleberry High School 1970-1976: Coach Cross Country, Track Trinity High School 1978-1980: Head Girls Coach Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Track. Central Junior High 1980-2002: Coach. Track District Championships: Seventh Grade - Boys (16); Girls (12). Eighth Grade - Boys (18); Girls (12). Ninth Grade - Boys (17); Girls (14). Cross Country District Championships: Seventh Grade - Boys (12); Girls (10). Eighth Grade - Boys (14); Girls (12). Ninth Grade - Boys (16); Girls (14). Eighth Grade Football Coach (1980-1990): Eight District Championships, Six Undefeated Seasons, Record 78-10-3. Ninth Grade Football Coach (1991-2001): Eight District Championships, Three Undefeated Season, Record 86-18-4. Director for All HEB Junior High Track Meets 1981-1998. |
David Kunkle
Humanitarian
Humanitarian
Eileen Vanisi
"The Champion"
"The Champion"
Born March 28, 1972
Eileen Vanisi went to Central Junior High from 1984-1987 where she participated in basketball and track. Career highlights are as follows: 1987-1990 Trinity High School: Basketball - All Tournament, All District, All Region, USA Today High School All American. Track - Discus Champion Texas Relays, Regional Champion Shot Put 1989, Regional Champion Discus 1989, State of Texas Discus Champion 1990. 1990-1994 University of Texas Austin: Track and Field - Full Four Year Scholarship; Southwest Conference Shot Put Champion; Four Year Southwest Conference Discus Champion; Collegiate Shot Put Champion 1991; American Junior Record Holder Shot Put 1991; Indoor/Outdoor Collegiate Shot Put Champion 1994; American Collegiate Record Holder 1994; Penn Relays Shot Put Champion 1994; Texas Relays Shot Put Champion 1994. Finalist in Olympic Trials 1996. Inducted into University of Texas Track and Field Hall of Fame 1997. Eight time All American. |
Ronnie Wren
"The Bluechipper"
"The Bluechipper"
Born July 23, 1954
Ronnie Wren went to Central Junior High where he participated in football and track. Career highlights are as follows: 1968-1971 Trinity High School: Football - Four Year Letterman, Three Year Starter, Most Valuable Player 1969-1970-1971. Two time All District 1970-1971. Tarrant County All Star Team 1972. Featured Blue Chipper "Texas Football" 1971. Track - Four Year Letterman, Discus, Shot Put, Mile Relay. Ronnie was offered scholarships to University of Arkansas, New Mexico State University, University of Oklahoma, US Naval Academy, University of Texas and Michigan State University. He took a full four year scholarship at the University of Arkansas where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. At the University of Texas he played Intramural Football and Basketball and got his Law Degree. Volunteer Youth Coach: Girls Softball 1977-1978 and YMCA Swim Team 1991-2001 |
Willie Henderson
"Mr. Basketball"
"Mr. Basketball"
Born January 21, 1965
Willie Henderson went to Bell Manor Elementary from 1971-1977. He participated in youth sports including Tri-Cities Baseball, Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football and Mid Cities Little Dribblers. Career highlights are as follows: 1977-1980 Central Junior High: Participated in football, basketball and track. Basketball - National Little Dribblers Champions, AAU Jr Olympics 1979. Track - TAAF State Record Mile Run 1979. 1980-1983 Trinity High School: Cross Country Letterman; Regional Qualifier three years. Track Letterman. Basketball Starter Boys first ever playoff team; All Tournament and MVP in three tournaments 1983; MVP District 7-5A 1983, first team All Area, All County, All Metroplex, All Region; third team All State 1983. Named Silver Anniversary Best Outside Basketball Player in Trinity High School History 1994. Basketball Scholarship to Midwestern State University 1983, Cooke County College 1984. Head Boys Basketball Coach: Byers, Whitney , Bowie High Schools. |
Cal Hopkins
"Success is not what you accomplish. Success is what you overcome to accomplish what you can."
"Success is not what you accomplish. Success is what you overcome to accomplish what you can."
Born February 24, 1938
Cal Hopkins went to high school in Hugo, Oklahoma from 1952 -1956. He was a five sport letterman, all conference in tennis, baseball and basketball; Oklahoma Boys State 1955. He went to Southwestern Oklahoma State University from 1957-1960 on a baseball scholarship. He was a play by play radio announcer at station KSEO for high school and college basketball and football games. Cal was Head Golf Pro at Durant Country Club before coming to HEB Schools in 1964 where he became the first Tennis Coach in the school district. He coached LD Bell and Trinity high school tennis teams to district and regional championships, reaching the state tournament at both schools. Member of the United States Professional Tennis Association. Chairman of the Physical Education Department at Bell High School. President of the HEB Administrators Association 1971-1972. Chairman of the Business Department at Trinity High School. Teacher of the Year Trinity High School 1987. |
Scott Pierce
"Academics and Athletics"
"Academics and Athletics"
Born December 30, 1971
Scott Pierce attended Bell Manor Elementary from 1978-1984 where he played youth sports including Mid-Cities Little Dribblers. He went to Central Junior High from 1984-1987. Career highlights are as follows: Trinity High School 1987-1990: Basketball three time All District, Sophomore of the year, Defensive Player of the Year, District MVP, All State, Whataburger All Star. University of Illinois 1990-1992: Basketball Scholarship, All Big Ten Team. Oklahoma State University 1993-1995: Starter on Final Four Team, Play of the Game in Regional Finals, NCAA All East Regional Team. University's Highest Merit Academic Achievement Award US Senator Steve Largent's Profile of Character Award Trinity High School Alumni of the Year Fellowship of Christian Athlete's "Athlete of the Year" Oklahoma High School Teacher and Coach of the Year Vounteers with Special Olympics and Scott Carter Memorial Foundation |
Sean Hamilton
"The Dream Career"
"The Dream Career"
Born September 14, 1969
Sean Hamilton went to Stonegate Elementary from 1976 - 1981 where he participated in youth sports. Career highlights are as follows: Central Junior High 1981-1984: Gymnastics Team LD Bell High School 1984-1987: Gymnastics member of the 1985 State Championship Team; High School All American Gymnastics Coach 12 Years: Central Junior High, Euless Junior High, Harwood Junior High. Gymnastics Judge: Certified Official 1989; Internationally Rated 1992 Executive Producer of Sports KXAS-TV, WFAA-TV; Coverage of Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, World Series, NBA Finals, All Star Games, Football Bowl Games, Nolan Ryan's Hall of Fame Induction. Executive Producer: The Emmitt Smith Story, Hansen Roasted, Conquering the Dream, Monday Night Live, Destination NBA Title. Received nine Dallas Press awards, two Texas Associated Press awards, Texas Headliner award, NABJ Award - First Place, National Headliner award, five Emmy awards. Production Manager, High School Sports Special, a 30 minutes show dedicated to the coverage of high school sports. |
Steve Overton
"Time Dedicated to Serving Others"
"Time Dedicated to Serving Others"
Born October 5, 1945
Steve Overton went to Hurst Elementary from 1952-1958. He played Mid Cities Pee Wee Football. He attended Hurst Junior High from 1958-1961 where he played football. Career highlights are as follows: 1961-1964 LD Bell High School: Football four year letterman, All District Defensive Tackle and All District Offensive Tackle 1963, All State; The first player selected to an All State Team in any sport from the HEB ISD. A member of the 1963 football team which won the first football district title for the HEB ISD. 1964-1968 Kansas State University: Full football scholarship; four year starter. 1968-1972 Euless Junior High: Coach and Teacher 1977-1979 Elected to the HEB Board of Trustees Two term President of the Northeast Tarrant Board of Realtors. Saved the life of a young man who broke is neck in a diving accident. Supported food banks for those in need and supplied Bibles for missionary trips. Honor Teams: 1962 L.D. Bell Football Team inducted in 1995 |
Tom Grieve
Humanitarian
Humanitarian
Cary Blanchard
"The Legendary Kicker"
"The Legendary Kicker"
Born November 5, 1968
Career highlights are as follows: 1974-1981 attended Shady Oaks Elementary and participated in Mid-Cities Youth Leagues: Pee Wee Football, Select Soccer, Tri-Cities Baseball, Little Dribblers Basketball 1981-1984 Bedford Junior High: Football, basketball and Track LD Bell High School: Football - All District, All Area, All Region, All State, Longest Texas Playoff Field Goal 52 Yards 1986. Soccer - All District 1987 Offered scholarships to SMU. Baseball - Letterman 1986-1987 Oklahoma State University 1987-1991: Football - Kicker and Punter, three time All Big 8, total points scored 315 second only to Barry Sanders, Honorable Mention All American, NCAA Season Record for Consecutive PATs (67) 1990, over 40 yard punting average 1989-1990 Post college: Blue-Gray Game, All American Bowl National Football League: Signed first with Dallas Cowboys 1991; kicked for Saints, Jets, Redskins, Vikings, Giants, Cardinals and Colts. AFC First Team All-Pro; kicked 37 yard FG in OT to give AFC 26-23 Pro Bowl Win 1997. NFL Alumni Player of the Year |
David Moon
Humanitarian
Humanitarian
Debbie Williams
A Legend Who Made A Difference
A Legend Who Made A Difference
Born September 4, 1952
Debbie Williams was Bell High School's Girls Gymnastics Coach for 32 years from 1976-2008 Career highlights are as follows: State Championship Teams 16; State Runner Up Teams 13; Came in third two times; fourth one time. Regional Championship Teams 28; District Championship Teams 31; individual State Champions 43; two individual National Champions. Gymnastics Coach of the Year numerous times National Gymnastics Coach of the Year twice Level 10 Women's Gymnastics Judge; Judge for HEB Junior High Gymnastics Meets; Judged meets from level 2 through college throughout the state of Texas and the nation. Lifetime membership in Gymnastics Association of Texas Member of Coaches Who Make a Difference Vice President of Gymnastics Association of Texas Secretary/Treasurer and Women's Vice President Texas High School Gymnastics Coaches Association. Teacher in the HEB Age Group Gymnastics Program for 32 years Director of HEB Age Group Gymnastics Program |
Louis Goeke
"A Legacy of Loyalty"
"A Legacy of Loyalty"
Born August 15, 1953
Career highlights are as follows: Central Junior High Football: East Zone Champions 1967 Trinity High School: Member of first football team to compete in District Play 1970; Two Way Starter in all 30 games never leaving the field (1968-1970 McMurray University: Four year football scholarship; FAC Award for Outstanding Academic Achievements; Wall Street Journal Award for Outstanding Business Achievement; graduated BBA in Accounting 1975 Coached Little Dribblers Basketball and Little League Baseball; Commissioner Little Dribblers Basketball; Charter Business Sponsor of the HEB Sports Hall of Fame; Treasurer for Trinity Baseball Diamond Club; Fund raiser for Trinity Baseball Booster Club. Athlete, parent, supporter, business man and great friend of Trinity High School and HEB. |
Mark Williams
"A Class Individual"
"A Class Individual"
Born July 21, 1950
Career highlights are as follows: 1977-1984 Gymnastics Coach North Garland High School: Championship Girls two times, Boys five times 1984-1987 Gymnastics Men's Coach at University of Oklahoma 1987-1988 Gymnastics Coach South Garland High School 1988 - Time of Induction, Gymnastics Coach at Trinity High School: Two State Championships, 27 individual State Champions, four individual National Champions, 15 individual National High School Scoring Champions, three National Team Championships Gymnastics Judge: numerous meets: high school, college, world Texas Gymnastics Judges Association Technical Vice President 25 years Midwest Director seven years National Director at Large 1997-2006 Texas High School Gymnastics Coaches Association Technical Director, Vice President, Men's Rules Committee 52 individual State Champions Texas High School Gymnastics Coach of the Year five times National High School Gymnastics Coach of the Year 190 Inducted into the Garland Sports Hall of Fame 2007 |
Randy Beck
"Motivated and Focused"
"Motivated and Focused"
Born January 5, 1948
Randy Beck attended South Hurst Elementary (1955), West Hurst Elementary (1956) and Harrison Lane Elementary (1957-1960), during which time he played youth league sports. Career highlights are as follows: Hurst Junior High 1960-1963: Football and track (District Champion 440 Yard Dash). Voted All School Favorite. Bell High School 1963-1966: Football - Three Year Letterman, Most Valuable Player 1964 and 1965; All District and All State Fullback, Blue Chip Recruit with over 30 schools expressing an interest. Track - State Finalist Shot Put. National Honor Society, Honors English and Honors Math; All School Favorite, Mr. Bell High School, Tenth in Class of 425; first graduating class from the new Bell High School; graduated in 1966 Southern Methodist University Full Four Year Football Scholarship; Captain of the Freshman Team. Randy was sidelined with an injury and his athletic scholarship became an academic scholarship. He graduated second in his class from SMU Business School in 1970. |
Dr. Bob Tafel
"A Physician for All"
"A Physician for All"
Born September 20, 1940
From 1959 - 1966, Bob Tafel attended McNeese State University and Tulane University Medical School, receiving his Medical Doctor Degree. He did his internship at Dallas Methodist Hospital from 1966-1967 and his residency at Dallas St. Paul and Parkland Hospital of Internal Medicine from 1969-1972. He is the former Chief of Staff at Harris Continued Care Hospitals, Harris HEB, Harris Fort Worth, Harris St. Paul. He served Northeast Tarrant County, Health Authority City of Euless, President /Director of the American Heart Association. He has been a charter member of the Board of Directors for the HEB Sports Hall of Fame. He was the Team Physician for over 30 years at Trinity High School and President of the Booster Club. Dr. Bob Tafel was a family physician for many HEB ISD Employees. |
Jerral Landers
"An All Around Blue Chipper"
"An All Around Blue Chipper"
Born January 24,1948
Jerral Landers attended South Hurst Elementary and was a star player in Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football. At Hurst Junior High, he participated in football and track from 1960-1963. 1963-1966 Bell High School: Football - Three Year Letterman, All District, Blue Chip Recruit. Track - Two Year State Finalist 110 yard high hurdles. Holds the Bell High School 110 yard high hurdle record. Jerral was a member of the National Honor Society and was in the first class graduating from the new Bell High School in 1966. He went to Baylor University on a Full Four Year Football Scholarship, graduating in 1971. He was Bell Booster Club Vice President and Officer of Merchandising for five years. |
Randy Reynolds
"A Legacy of Performance"
"A Legacy of Performance"
Born August 15, 1952
Career highlights are as follows: 1966-1968 Central Junior High: Football, East Zone Champions, member of the first 9th grade football championship team of 1967. 1969-1971 Trinity High School: Football, two way starter on Trinity's first ever football team; All District, Most Valuable Lineman, Offensive Player of the Year; first Trinity football player to receive a scholarship to college for his "Outstanding Performance on the Gridiron". Played football for Texas A&M. Coached 7th, 8th and 9th grade football, track and basketball at Central Junior High for 20 years in the HEB School District. Pennington Field official clock operator. A teacher and coach to remember. |
Rusty Greer
Vickie Griffin
"Master Teacher and Coach"
"Master Teacher and Coach"
Born July 15, 1953
Vickie Kinsey Griffin graduated with the Class of 1971 at Trinity High School. She attended Texas Tech, UT Arlington and TCU. She was the Head Volleyball Coach at LD Bell High School from 1977 to time of induction. They went to the playoffs 16 times. They won 16 District, six Bi-District, two Area, two Regional Semi-Finalist and one Regional Finalist Championships. She is 14 time Coach of the Year, four time All Area Coach, and West All Star Coach 2000. Coaching record 674 wins and 395 losses from 1977-2008. Assistant basketball, track, soccer and softball coach in previous years. Bell High School Athletic Coordinator for 10 years at time of induction. Teacher of the Year 1992. Co-authored the book "Tour Guide To Student Success" |
Warren Neal
"The Founder"
"The Founder"
Born November 18, 1925
Warren Neal has been a Charter Member of the Bedford Parks and Recreation Board. Founder of the Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football Association in 1960. He developed the property for the existing Pee Wee Football Administrative Building in 1972. Co-Founder of Pee Wee Organizations in area communities. He served as Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football Board of Directors, Commissioner from 1964-1966; Concessions Manager from 1967-1970; Equipment Manager from 1970-1973. Warren planned yearly awards banquet. He received the Mid-Cities Football Service Award 12 times. |
Aubrey B. Fisk, Jr
Quiet, Confident, Caring
Quiet, Confident, Caring
Born November 22, 1943
Aubrey Fisk, Jr. graduated from Texas Christian University with B.S. Degree in 1966. He got his Masters Degree from North Texas State University and became a Licensed Athletic Trainer in Sports Medicine in 1974. He was the Athletic Trainer for six different North Texas public schools, including LD Bell High School 1969 and Trinity High School from 1973-1983. He served HEB ISD for 11 years as an athletic trainer with responsibilities for physical and sports related injuries for both junior high and high school boys and girls in all sports. All athletes were treated as if they were the star of the team. Career highlights are as follows: Texas High School Coaches Association All Star Football Game 1977 World Gymnastics Championships 1979 American Cup Gymnastics 1981 Miss Texas Pageant 1981 International Invitational Gymnastics Meet 1982 Athletic Trainer for Trinity High School in record setting attendance playoff football game vs Bell High School at Texas Stadium in 1982 |
Dr. Forrest E. Watson
"More than a Superintendent, A Christian Man"
"More than a Superintendent, A Christian Man"
Born June 13, 1935
Forrest Watson was a native and lifelong resident of Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, Doctorate and was honored as "Distinguished Alumnus". He was a professional educator in Texas for 45 years as a teacher, coach, elementary and secondary principal with 35 of these years as Superintendent of Schools with HEB ISD. Dr. Watson considered these years to be the "Golden Years" of his career. The Forrest E. Watson Education Center was established in his honor. He was the leader in the design and construction of Pennington Field. He credited the quality of teamwork and leadership of all for the outstanding academic and sports achievements of the students and staff. He retired in June 1991 but was called back to serve for an interim period for Keller ISD. The interim lasted three years. Dr. Watson retired from public schools a second time in June 1996. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." |
Keith Burns
Football is a Game - Coaching is a Career
Football is a Game - Coaching is a Career
Born September 26, 1960
Career highlights are as follows: LD Bell High School: Scholar athlete, Three Year Letterman in football, All District, All Area, All Tarrant County, Defensive Player of the Year. Graduated 1979. 1979-1983 University of Arkansas: Football Three Year Letterman, Two year starter, defensive captain, member of four bowl teams (Sugar, Hall of Fame, Gator and Bluebonnet). Hired by University of Arkansas in 1998, as the Defensive Coordinator. Finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year (given annually to the nation's number one assistant coach). Named Head Coach at the University of Tulsa 2000-2002 Inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame 2009. "Some of the best times of my life have been spent on the football field. Faith, a loving family, and great coaches influenced me to get into the coaching profession. That's how I keep things in perspective." |
Larry James
"The Youth Baseball Coach"
"The Youth Baseball Coach"
Born January 3, 1942
Larry James was born in Alabama, raised in Mississippi and moved to Euless, Texas in 1966. All three of his children attended Trinity High School. Larry coached Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football for four years and Little Dribblers Basketball for two years. He coached Trinity High School's summer league baseball 1983 league champions. He spent 27 years coaching EAA Youth Baseball (1972-1999); coached the City All Stars for 24 years; won seven City Championships and a Freshman League State Championship (1995); coached two years of AABC select baseball, finishing third in State both years. President of the EAA Baseball League for two years Voted "Texas Teenage Coach of the Year" (1995) He made the rules, the players applied the discipline. |
Mary Liz Saleh
Roger M. Goode
"The Coach for All Sports"
"The Coach for All Sports"
Born November 30, 1944
Roger Goode attended elementary, junior high school and high school in HEB ISD. He graduated from LD Bell High School in 1963. He went to Ranger Junior College, Texas Wesleyan (B.S. 1968) and Texas A&M Commerce , where he got his Masters. Career highlights are as follows: Starting forward on Bell's final four basketball team in 1963. Coached varsity sports in 10 different schools: 16 years girl's basketball, 29 years boy's basketball, 20 years football, 16 years boy's and girl's track, one year baseball. Involved as head coach 31 times in state playoffs Sixty consecutive district wins in boy's basketball Undefeated state champions 1980-1981 School Principal for five years Awarded by Texas Fox Sports Southwest "The Coach Who Makes a Difference" Inducted into the Texas Basketball Hall of Fame 2004 Roger has been interim song director with three different churches and wrote a poem which was included in the Texas Basketball Newsletter. His greatest reward is the satisfaction of being fair between the lines, placing God first in coaching and loving kids enough to give his best. Honor Teams: 1963 L.D. Bell Men's Basketball Team inducted 1998 |
Mark Davis
Matt Skinner
"Strong and Courageous"
Joshua 1-9
"Strong and Courageous"
Joshua 1-9
Born April 14, 1963
Matt Skinner attended elementary school at Euless and Lakewood from 1969-1975. He was an all star player in Little League Basketball and Baseball; an outstanding player in Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football. Matt participated in football, basketball and track at Harwood Junior High from 1975-1978. Career highlights are as follows: 1978-1981 Trinity High School: Football All District, All Greater Dallas, All Tarrant County, Tarrant County Offensive Player of the Year, All Area, All State, Texas High School Coaches Association North-South All Star Game. 1981-1983 Rice University: Full football scholarship 1983-1985 University of Texas at Arlington: All Southland Conference 1985 Drafted by The Baltimore Orioles; played in the Baltimore Minor League System Coach and Head of School for 14 years in the state of Georgia Brought fame to the HEB Community as an outstanding athlete in high school and college |
Ricky Barker
"A Man Among Men"
"A Man Among Men"
Born November 14, 1969
Ricky Barker attended Midway Park Elementary from 1977-1982. He played Mid Cities Pee Wee Football for four years and had a record six touchdowns in one game. Played Little Dribblers Basketball for four years where he was three time All Star. Played Little League Baseball for seven years and was seven time All-Star. Ricky went to Euless Junior High from 1983-1985 where he was involved in football, basketball and track. Career highlights are as follows: 1986-1988 Trinity High School: Football, Basketball, Track; All District, All Region, All State Track in multiple events; prestigious Golden West Invitational Long Jump 1988. Graduated Top Ten Percent Texas A&M: B.S. Economics Degree in 3 years (1991); two time GTE Academic Athletic All American. Decathlon All Time SWC Record Holder; third place NCAA National Championships 1990; second place NCAA National Championships 1991; two time SWC Champion. Professional Decathlon: Number 10 American All Time, 8404; ranked in Top 15 in the World (1994-2000); US Olympic Trials three times; second place US Championships 1998; Top 10 US Championships eight times. Heptathlon: US Indoor Champion 1997-1998; number nine American All time, 6120. 2008 Inducted into Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame |
Seth "Doc" Kensing
An Athletic Trainer with Special Courage
An Athletic Trainer with Special Courage
Born August 11, 1947
Seth Kensing graduated from Ector High School in Odessa, Texas in 1965. He went to West Texas State University on a full scholarship and got his B.S. Degree in 1970. Career highlights are as follows: Certified Athletic Trainer in Sports Medicine by the National Association of Athletic Trainers. Licensed with first group to be licensed in Texas 1973. 1970-1975 Plainview High School: Science Teacher, Athletic Trainer 1975-1987 LD Bell High School: Teacher - Health, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology; Trainer - football, basketball, baseball, track, gymnastics, soccer and occasionally assisted in tennis, cheerleading, drill team and wrestling. Athletic Trainer: US World Cup 1979; US Team Gymnastics 1980; US Olympic Gymnastics Team Exhibition Tour 1980; inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 2002. 1987 - (time of induction) Pennington Field: full time Athletic Trainer Trainer for over 120 football playoff teams and semi-pro teams in one year; trainer for all junior high athletes in HEB School District. Guest speaker on athletic injuries and prevention |
Waydelle Hill
The Distinguished Educator
The Distinguished Educator
Born November 28, 1934
Waydelle Hill graduated from Morton High School in 1951, All District, All Area in Football and Basketball. He went on to Howard Payne University where he got his B.S. Degree in 1956 and Masters in 1957. He did graduate work at North Texas and Texas Tech Universities. 1956-1962 Teacher/Coach: Childress, Munday and Abernathy, Texas 1963-1991 HEB ISD: Bell High School Math Teacher; Football and Track Coach; Hurst Junior High Assistant Principal; Central Junior High Assistant Principal for one year and Principal for 24 years. He was innovator of the 7th Grade Athletic Program using all junior high coaches in which no sport was emphasized over another. This improved the 7th grade program in HEB junior high schools. From 1987-1996, he was the Pennington Field Clock Operator for varsity football games. Parent Teacher Association: Outstanding Principal; Texas and National Lifetime Member "If what I have done in my lifetime has not been of benefit to young people, then my career has not been successful." |
Brad Blauser
Dale Robert Ogden
"The State Champion"
"The State Champion"
Dale Ogden attended Central Junior High in 1969 and LD Bell High School from 1970-1972.
Career highlights are as follows: 1971 Won Division 4-A Texas State Tennis Singles Title; was the only tennis player from Bell High School to win a state tennis championship. 1973-1975 University of Houston: Southwest Conference Tennis Doubles Champion three years with a different doubles partner each year; ranked #1 in Men's Singles; two year All American; Most Valuable Player 1973. 1976-1982 Professional Career: won the National Indoor Professional Teachers Championship; ATP World Ranking #287; ranked #3 in Italy and #2 in Switzerland; won The Italian Team Championships. Coached four players who went on to be ranked in the Top 100 in the World. Coached juniors who won more than 25 Swiss Championship Titles. |
Jerry Walton
A Role Model for Kids
A Role Model for Kids
Born December 28, 1942
Jerry Walton went to Fort Worth North Side High School from 1958-1961; All District Football. Became a resident of Bedford, Texas in 1972 and worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone from 1962-1991. Career highlights are as follows: 1973-1983 Hurst Girl's Softball Association: Coach; Equipment Manager 1983-1989 Women's League Adult Slow Pitch Softball Coach; 1986-1989 Co-Ed HEB Area Junior Achievement of Tarrant County 1976-1978 City of Hurst Softball Umpire 1978-2003 Umpired in the National Girl's Slow Pitch Tournament 1986 and the National Blind "Beep Baseball" Tournament 1981 LD Bell High School Volleyball Volunteer 1976-1982 Inducted into the LD Bell Volleyball Hall of Fame 2006 As a result of his dedication to Bell High School, the 1981 LD Bell Blue Raider Yearbook was dedicated in his honor. |
Lee Beckelman
"The Model Athlete"
"The Model Athlete"
Born May 12, 1965
Career highlights are as follows: Bedford Junior High: Football District Champions 8th and 9th grades; Basketball District Champions 7th through 9th; three year team record 77-1 with a 56 game winning streak. LD Bell High School 1981-1984: Football - All District, All Area, All Metroplex 1982 and 1983; State runner up 1982; Basketball - Two Year Letterman, District Champions and Area Finalist 1983 and 1984; Track 1981 -1983. Graduated third in class; Academic All State, Mr Bell High School. University of Texas at Austin: Football Three Year Letterman; Lan Hewlett Award (Player with the highest GPA) 1986-1987-1988; All American GTE Academic Team and Academic All Conference 1987-1988; Toyota Leadership Award 1987. Youth League Football, Basketball and Baseball Coach All Sports Booster Club President |
Susan Freeland Lumley
Administrator, Coach, Author
Administrator, Coach, Author
Born December 17, 1957
Career highlights are as follows: 1977 and 1978 Baylor University Track and Field Letterman 1979 and 1980 UT Arlington: Track Scholarship 1981-1986 Trinity High School Coach: Boys and Girls Cross Country, Volleyball and Basketball 1986-1986 first female Boys and Girls Head Track and Field Coach in Class 5-A in the state of Texas Over 30 athletes received collegiate scholarships; 14 combined District Championships; 9 State Qualifiers; State Champion in 800 Meter Run and 300 Meter Hurdles in 1987. Conroe and Huntsville ISD School Administrator US Dept of Education Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence Principal Huntsville High School TEA State of Texas Principal of the Year Quarter finalist and Greater Houston Area Principal of the Year 2003 Principal Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe, New Mexico 2003-2005 Author of the book: An Elementary Principal's Guide to a Successful Opening and Closing of the School Year |
Dennis Allen
A Dedicated Coach
A Dedicated Coach
Born September 22, 1972
1980-1985 Dennis Allen was at Shady Oaks Elementary playing football, basketball and baseball. He attended Bedford Junior High from 1985 to 1987 where he participated in football, basketball and track. Career highlights are as follows: 1988-1990 LD Bell High School: Football All District, All Area, First Team All State, 5A State Defensive Player of the Year 1990. Lettered in basketball and baseball. Texas A&M: Received a four year scholarship; graduate assistant 1996-1999. Attended the NFL Buffalo Bills Training Camp in 1996. 2000-2001 University of Tulsa: Assistant Football Coach 2006-2011 Assistant Coach with the NFL New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator for the NFL Denver Broncos for the 2011 season. Named the 18th Head Coach of the NFL Oakland Raiders 2012. The first Raiders defense-oriented head coach since John Madden's retirement. Coach of the North Team 2013 Senior Bowl. Inducted into the HEB Sports Hall of Fame on the First Ballot 2013 |
Joe Mendenhall
Humanitarian
Humanitarian
Junior Filikitonga
Player, Coach and Volunteer
Player, Coach and Volunteer
Born August 4, 1976
Junior Filikitonga attended Midway Park Elementary from 1983-1988 and later Central Junior High from 1989-1991, where he was involved in football and track. Career Highlights are as follows: 1989-1991 Central Junior High Football District Champions 8th and 9th Grade 1992-1994 Trinity High School Football - All District, All Area, First Team All State, North-South All Star Defensive End. Track - All District, All Region; qualified for State in the Shot Put and Discus. 1995-1996 Tyler Junior College Defensive End and Middle Linebacker, Junior College All American Abilene Christian University Football MVP, Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year 1997, All Conference, All West Region, Fifth All Time Leading Tackler. Finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy (NCAA Division II Player of the Year); All American 1998 Signed Free Agency with the Dallas Cowboys 1998 Two Year Assistant Coach Abilene Christian University Volunteer Youth Football Coach Coached Mixed Martial Arts Held a Texas Amateur Heavy Weight Title Belt |
Kendra Donnelly
"A Brilliant Teacher of Success"
"A Brilliant Teacher of Success"
Born June 1, 1952
Career highlights are as follows: Played volleyball and basketball in college 1974-1977 Hurst Junior High School: Coached 7th, 8th and 9th grade Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball and Track. Played a major role in starting girls athletics in HEB junior high schools. 1977-1991 LD Bell High School: Coordinator of Girls Athletics; created a multi-sport curriculum for girls; first Girls Basketball Head Coach (1977-1991); three District Titles; eight consecutive years in the playoffs (1982-1989); Bi-District Champs. Northeast Tarrant County Coach of the Year 1985 In 1977-1978, the high schools in the state of Texas played six Girls Basketball varsity games and the junior varsity played five. Coached volleyball and track; District Champs Volleyball 1977-1978 school year. Coached and played softball in the Hurst Summer League Private school volunteer coach in volleyball and basketball Assumed The Bell Campus Technology Trainer position in 1992 and was promoted to the HEB Technology Trainer for the School District. |
M.A. Dodson
"The Number One Fan"
"The Number One Fan"
Born April 6, 1903
MA Dodson graduated from Malakoff High School and was recruited by Athens High School to play on the six man football team. This was before the University Interscholastic League of Texas had rules against recruiting. He started coaching Pee Wee Baseball and Football in the early 1950's. He and his wife used their two cars to transport the boys from Hurst to Fort Worth to play in the only leagues available. He practiced with the boys two days a week and took them to league play all day on Saturdays. MA Dodson spent 45 years as a second father to hundreds of young boys, teaching them about sports and life because he cared. He organized the first LD Bell Sports Booster Club and was the first president, continuing to volunteer many years after that. He received an autographed football for being named Bell's Number One Fan. He was honored to be the first to choose and purchase lifetime seats at the new Pennington Field. He wore a hard hat and went into the stadium before completion and selected his season ticket seats. |
Ray Wright
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and Conditioning
Born December 20, 1971
Ray Wright went to Hurst Hills Elementary from 1980-1985, during which time he participated in Mid Cities Sports. Career highlights are as follows: 1986-1988 Central Junior High: Football and Track; District Champions Football 1988. 1988-1990 LD Bell High School: Football First Team All District, All Area. 1990-1995 Duke University: Played football Senior PGA Tour Intern 1996 Scouting Intern; Scouting Administrator and Director of Player Programs for the NFL Washington Redskins from 1997-1999 Recruiting Coordinator of Special Teams at Cornell University from 1999-2000 Named Head Strength and Conditioning Coach NFL Washington Redskins 2010 Worked eight seasons with the NFL Houston Texans, seven years as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and one year as Head Coach before going back to the Redskins; oversaw all aspects of The Redskins' workout programs. "The position of strength and conditioning coach demands a combination of youth and experience and Ray delivers both of those." - Mike Shanahan, Head Coach of the Washington Redskins |
Jack Gibson
"An Example for All"
"An Example for All"
Born November 19, 1941
Jack Gibson graduated from McGregor High School in 1960. He later attended Sam Houston State University where he got his Bachelor Science in 1964 and Master of Education in 1969. Career highlights are as follows: Waco Midway 1964-1973: Varsity Football Coach, Assistant Track, Assistant Basketball, South All Star Basketball Coach 1973 Deer Park 1973-1975: Coach Varsity Football, Assistant Track Cedar Hill 1975-1977: Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal LD Bell High School 1977-2000: Defensive Coordinator 1977-1995; Head Coach and Athletic Coordinator 1996-2000; Outstanding Defense of the Year 1980; 11 District Championships, State 5A Finalist 1982; State 5A Semi-Finalist 1986; State 5A Area Finalist 1989; 12 playoff seasons; played in old Texas Stadium 23 times. North All Star Football Assistant TSCA 1984 Lifetime Member Texas High School Coaches Association 49 years North Texas High School Football Coaches Association Vice President and Treasurer 1995 Chairman THSCA North All Star Football Selection Committee 2000 Honored by Bell Booster Club for 23 years of dedicated service to kids |
Katie Cole
"The Team Player"
"The Team Player"
Born January 11, 1976
Career highlights are as follows: 1988-1991 Harwood Junior High: Basketball MVP two years; Cross Country Pride Award three years; Volleyball three years, MVP Team Captain two years. 1991-1994 Trinity High School : Varsity Basketball, soccer, track, cross country. 1992 Undefeated District Champions in Basketball; tied school record for victories; All Area Honorable Mention; Newcomer of the Year. Soccer 1992: All District, undefeated District Champions, State Quarter Finalist. Soccer 1993: All Area Offensive Player of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Optimist All Tournament two years, District Champions. Soccer 1994: District Champions, All District, All Area, All Region, All State, Offensive Player of the Year, All Area MVP, Team Captain. 1994-1998 University of Texas: Scholarship; Four Year Starter, All Conference; in the record books for most games started and most games played. US Youth Coach of the Year Nominee; XCP Coach of the Year 1997 Olympic Festival with Region III Regional Team University of Louisville Assistant Coach three years Soccer Division Special Olympics Volunteer At time of induction, in charge of college program for Soccer Club in AZ and Olympic Development Program Staff. |
Scott Hill
An Athlete - A Philanthropist - A Great Leader
An Athlete - A Philanthropist - A Great Leader
Born January 12, 1954
Scott Hill went to Shady Oaks Elementary from 1964-1966, during which time he also participated in Mid-Cities Sports. Career highlights are as follows: 1967-1969 Central Junior High: Football, Basketball and Track; District Champions; won the local, state and regional Punt, Pass and Kick contest. 1970-1972 LD Bell High School: Football, Basketball 1970. All District Football, All District Basketball; named #1 football player by Texas Football Magazine 1971. All District Basketball, All District Baseball, District winner in High and Low Hurdles; All District, All Area, All State, All American Football; Played in Coaches All Star Game in the Astrodome. Recruited by over 100 colleges in 1972. 1973-1976 Oklahoma University: Conference Champions four years; National Champions two years; Team Captain, All Conference. 1977-1989 Assistant Football Coach: Won ten conference championships; one National Championship; National College Football Recruiter of the Year. Access Sports Inc: Owner and Executive Director. Mission to provide disadvantaged youth an opportunity to participate in organized sports activities; providing facility usage to over 10,000 kids for basketball, volleyball, swimming, strength and conditioning as well as speed and agility training. |
Stan Hilton
"A Special Person with Special Talents"
"A Special Person with Special Talents"
Born September 19, 1960
Stan Hilton attended Shady Oaks Elementary from 1967-1973, during which time he participated in Mid-Cities Sports. He later when to Bedford Junior High where he was involved in football, basketball and track. Career highlights are as follows: 1977-1979 Bell High School: Basketball - Three Year Letterman, First Team All District; Baseball - Three Year Letterman, First Team All District 1979-1980 Paris Junior College: Baseball Scholarship, All Conference 1981-1982 Baylor University: Baseball Scholarship; graduated with Degree in Education and Church Recreation Major League Baseball: Drafted 13th round Toronto Blue Jays in 1982; drafted first round, fifth pick Oakland Athletics in 1983. Played Minor League AA Baseball for three years Cleveland Indians and Oakland Athletics Organization 1986-1988 Played Minor League AAA Baseball for two years Cleveland Indians Organization 1988-1989 Minor League Pitching Coach six years Major League Cleveland Indians 1989-1991 Major League Teas Rangers 2004-2006 Fort Worth Cats Baseball Club 2007; Pitching Coach, league champions Baseball Athletic Hall of Fame (1996) |
Terry Stallings
"Devoted to Baseball"
"Devoted to Baseball"
Born April 20, 1953
Career highlights are as follows: 1968-1971 LD Bell High School: Played baseball, football and basketball. Baseball - Held record for school pitching victories for 31 years until record was broken by his son, Matthew in 2002. Holds regular season record for wins; team MVP 1971; All District Pitcher; member of First HEB ISD team to win a District 4-A Baseball Championship. First baseball team to be inducted into the HEB Sports Hall of Fame. 1972-1973 Paris Junior College: Baseball Scholarship YMCA Coach 1986-1990 Mid-Cities Little Dribblers Coach 1996-1997 Tri-Cities Baseball: Coach 1991-1998; President 1993-1995 Bell Summer Baseball: Coach 1998-2013; formed summer and fall baseball league for high schools. Bell Baseball Booster Club: Member Board of Directors; president 2001-2003; leadership role in generating funds and labor to pay for a scoreboard, build home and visitor dugouts, construct brick wall behind home plate and pave the historical brick walkway at the Bell Baseball Field. Helped numerous kids get college scholarships |