The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame hosted its 2nd annual Champions Celebration to commemorate the two Big Country high schools, Benjamin and Westbrook, that won football state championships during the 2022-23 season on Sunday, January 21. The reception, sponsored by BML Crude Oil Marketing, featured rousing games between the teams, a free museum tour, an awards presentation, limited edition back-to-back state championship shirts for sale and hall of fame coach CH Underwood speaking.
Players, coaches, school administration and staff, families and fans from both schools were present to celebrate both schools’ back-to-back state championships. Including the 2021 and 2022 Benjamin and Albany teams, there have only been 11 Big Country football teams win back-to-back state championships in the history of the UIL.
The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame has produced limited edition shirts to mark this historic occasion. Long sleeve shirts are available to purchase at the Museum, or you can call us at 325-704-1759 to place an order. We are able to ship shirts for an additional fee.
Anderson-Whitehead, Kendra
Kendra Anderson Whitehead graduated from Colorado City in 1999 and then went to Hardin-Simmons where she became the most decorated basketball player in Cowgirls history. She led Hardin-Simmons to four straight American Southwest Conference championships and four NCAA...
Dippel, Larry
Larry Dippel played on the ‘58 state championship team at Stamford, then played for Hall of Famer, legendary Sam Baugh, at Hardin-Simmons. He was the head coach at Hereford from 1971-74 before becoming the head football coach at Amarillo High. Dippel led the Sandies...
2014 Banquet Tickets Now on Sale
Click here to order your tickets. They will be mailed in April.
New inductees announced for the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame
Three of the most decorated female athletes in Big Country history highlight the Class of 2014 announced today for the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. Basketball star Kendra Anderson Hassell from Colorado City, tennis champion Ann Schroeder from Abilene Cooper and...
Purchase Photos and Video
[column size="one-half"] Purchase Photos contact Doug Hodel Photography (325) 665-9981 dhodel@clearwire.net [/column] [column size="one-half" last="true"] Purchase Video contact Randy Cluck (325) 513-5338 peakbagger@suddenlink.net [/column]
Eight new inductees announced!
An Olympian, a former major league pitcher and a Lombardi Trophy winner as the nation’s top lineman are among the Class of 2013 announced for the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. The 12th annual Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held May 6...
2013 Selection Committee
2013 Selection Committee Wally Bullington Larry Coe Lance Fleming Bill Hart Scott Kirk Marty Martinez John Neese Mark Rogers Chuck Statler Gary Stricklin Jack Stuard BCAHOF Board Members
Little, Richard, Mike, and David
Richard, Mike and David Little The Little’s were our third Legacy Award recipients. They were all basketball standouts at Abilene High and comprise the first family of Abilene basketball. Richard was all-Southwest Conference three years at Texas Tech and is a member...
Lawhon, Dr. Lynn
Dr. Lynn Lawhon Lawhon, a native of Bronte, is the seventh recipient of the Lifetime Achievement for Officiating. He called high school football for 21 years, all as a member of the Abilene chapter. He was an official in five Texas high school state championship...
Mallon, Jim
Jim Mallon Mallon, a three-time all-district baseball player at Abilene High from 1960-62, died in 2012 at age 67. He batted .402 at Abilene High and then played two years at Baylor before signing with the San Francisco Giants in 1965. He played five years in the...