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.
Class of 2024 Announced
Athletes and coaches who led their teams to 12 state championships in football, basketball, baseball, golf and gymnastics headline the 2024 list of inductees into the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. The 23rd annual Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame induction...
Lakey-Whitefield, Adree
ADREE LAKEY-WHITEFIELD, a track and field standout from Roby, accomplished an incredible feat by winning a national championship in three different events during her collegiate career at Angelo State. A track and field star for the Rams, she won the NCAA Division II...
Salas, David
DAVID SALAS was an all-district cornerback in football and ran track at Abilene High, but he is considered the top soccer player to come out of Abilene. In fact, Salas is the first soccer player to be named to the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. After playing...
New Display in the Museum – O’Brien Trophy Case
The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame is excited to house a new piece of history inside our Museum. In 1972, the UIL held its first Six-Man football state championship game, which was won by O’Brien. 47 years ago, the O’Brien School District consolidated with Knox...
Scholarship Deadline Approaching!
The deadline to apply for one of 12 $1,000 scholarships from the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame's is fast approaching. Graduating high school seniors have until April 1 to submit their scholarship application through the Community Foundation of Abilene's website....
Champions Celebration Set for Sunday, Jan. 22
The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame is thrilled to host the first annual Champions Celebration event on Sunday, January 22 at 2:00pm. The event, housed in the Mall of Abilene, will honor the 4 Big Country high school football teams that won state championships and...
2023 Hall of Fame Class Announced
For more information, contact Al Pickett, 325-668-3014 The 2023 Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame induction class is a diverse group of athletes and coaches who made their remarkable mark in...
Galbraith, The Galbraith Family
THE GALBRAITH FAMILY is a co-recipient of this year’s Legacy Award for the family’s significant role in Abilene High’s rich football history. Four Galbraith brothers – Gene, Cecil, Gervis Sr. and R.B. played for Abilene High football squads from 1928 to 1937,...
Smith, The Smith Family
THE SMITH FAMILY is a co-recipient of this year’s Legacy Award for the family’s significant role in Abilene High’s rich football history. Aultman Smith rushed for 252 yards and scored three touchdowns in 1928 as Abilene High beat Port Arthur to win the state...
Patterson, Jack
JACK PATTERSON is one of two posthumous recipients of this year’s Bill Hart Memorial Legends Award. He won an individual Southwest Conference championship at Rice University in 1939. After coaching at Merkel and San Angelo, Patterson became the first track and field...