Wichita Falls ISD inducts inaugural class into Athletics Hall of Fame
“It was very important for us to try to get this going.”
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Wichita Falls ISD celebrated its athletic history Friday with the first-ever induction ceremony for its Athletics Hall of Fame.
Hundreds of people gathered at Region 9 to recognize 12 inaugural inductees, including Olympians, college athletes, coaches and athletic directors who have helped shape the district’s athletic legacy.
Previous Story: Wichita Falls ISD Athletics announces inaugural Hall of Fame class
Current WFISD Athletic Director Devon Dorris said establishing a Hall of Fame has been a major goal for him and his team.
“Finding out that we didn’t have a Hall of Fame here in WFISD, it was very important for us to try to get this going and turn around and make this year the first year,” Dorris said.
Dorris said recognizing former athletes is about more than their accomplishments on the field or court. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the impact they have made and the people they have inspired.
“You don’t really think about it when you’re in the moment, you know, in high school, of what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. But to look back years later and see the accomplishments that you made and that you made a difference and that people look up to you, I think it’s an honor,” Dorris said.
For many of the inductees, the ceremony was an opportunity to reflect on their time with WFISD and recognize the community that helped shape their careers.
Former Rider High School athlete and Olympic runner Taliyah Brooks said Wichita Falls will always be an important part of her story.
“Wichita has been a major part of my growth. I’m proud to be from Wichita Falls, and I’m always going to say that it doesn’t matter where I’m at in the world, I’m always going to tell people I’m from Wichita Falls, Texas,” Brooks said.
Former Old High football standout Joey Aboussie also called the induction a true honor. He said he was especially grateful to share the recognition with former teammates Lawrence Williams and Ronnie Littleton, both of whom have passed away.
“And I appreciate the recognition that the district has provided for all of these. There’s so many others that could be up here, and I stand privileged to share this with these, particularly the guys that I play with,” Aboussie said.
WFISD athletics officials say the inaugural class is just the beginning, with plans to make the Hall of Fame induction an annual tradition.
The celebration will continue Friday evening at the Memorial-Legacy rivalry game, where the district will continue recognizing its athletic history.
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