about coastal bend sports hall of fame event program
The Coastal Bend Sports Hall of Fame and Awards Show is designed to celebrate Coastal Bend amateur and professional achievements in sports and celebrate the diverse ways that sports enrich our community. This event, hosted by the Corpus Christi Sports Commission, a strategic initiative of Visit Corpus Christi, will also honor non-profit organizations that contribute to the local sports scene, and induct distinguished individuals who have made a lasting impression into the Coastal Bend Sports Hall of Fame, while celebrating the legacy they’ve created in their respective sport. Join Visit Corpus Christi in commemorating the local sports community and its significant impact on shaping and uniting the Coastal Bend Region.
6:30 PM – 6:45 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:45 PM – 7:45 PM Awards Show
7:45 PM – 8:00 PM Hall of Fame Induction
8:00 PM Closing Remarks
Immediately Following Champions Dessert Reception
Welcome to the Coastal Bend Sports Hall of Fame & Awards Show!
Tonight, we celebrate the athletes, coaches, leaders, and changemakers who have helped shape the Coastal Bend’s remarkable sports story. Their dedication, talent, and impact continue to inspire our community and reflect the powerful role sports play in bringing people together.
Over the past year, the Corpus Christi Sports Commission has continued building meaningful momentum for the Coastal Bend through sports tourism, community partnerships, and impactful events. Together, we have elevated Corpus Christi’s presence as a growing sports destination while creating opportunities that benefit our local economy, athletes, and future generations.
What we’ve accomplished in just a few years is something worth celebrating. From hosting premier sporting events to strengthening relationships across the industry, the foundation being built here is positioning Corpus Christi for continued growth and long-term success. But more importantly, it’s creating a stronger sense of pride and connection throughout our community.
As we look ahead, our vision remains clear: to continue positioning Corpus Christi as a premier sports destination recognized across Texas and beyond. With the support of community leaders, partners, athletes, and fans like you, we are creating a future that celebrates excellence in sports while showcasing everything the Gulf Coast Capital has to offer.
Tonight is not only about honoring past achievements — it is also about recognizing the momentum carrying us forward. Thank you for believing in this vision, supporting the Sports Commission, and helping us continue to grow the Coastal Bend’s sports legacy.
Let’s keep building together.
Brook Kaufman President & CEO
Visit Corpus Christi Brook Kaufman
2026 INDUCTEES
burt hooton
From King Mustang to Major League Ace
A Richard King High School state champion, Burt Hooton went from Corpus Christi standout to one of baseball’s most accomplished pitchers. He led King High School to a 4A State Championship in just the school’s second year of existence before going on to star at the University of Texas, earning All-American honors three times and having his number retired by the Longhorns.
In 1971, Hooton became the No. 2 overall pick in the MLB Draft and jumped straight to the Major Leagues. Across 15 seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, he won 151 games, earned an AllStar selection, threw a no-hitter, and helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1981, where he was also named NLCS MVP.
stu clarkson
A Life of Grit, Service, and Championship Football
Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Stu Clarkson starred at Texas A&I (now Texas A&M Kingsville), earning Little All-American honors twice before being selected in the 1942 NFL Draft. He went on to play linebacker for the Chicago Bears, contributing to their 1946 World Championship during one of the most physical eras of professional football.
Between his playing years, Clarkson served in the United States Army during World War II, landing at Utah Beach on D-Day as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. After his professional career, he returned to coaching, continuing to shape young athletes until his passing on the sidelines in 1957. His story is one of courage, commitment, and lasting Coastal Bend pride.
AMY ACUFF
EUGENE UPSHAWkitty o’neil
community awards
Javelina of the Year
Presented by Texas A&M-Kingsville Athletics
Oneika Brissett – Track & Field
Madison Ramos – Track & Field
Rylan Pollard – Volleyball
Team of the Year
Presented by Hilliard Center
London Boys Varsity Soccer
Aransas Pass Boys Varsity Basketball
Refugio Varsity Football
Athlete with Heart
Presented by Corpus Christi Athletic Club
Sergio Obregon – Miller
Lucia Ramirez – TAMU-CC
Nicolas Pickens – Calallen
Underclassman of the Year
Alana Williams – London
Sophia Torres – West Oso
Maddox Jennings – London
hs male athlete of the year
Reese Rusher – Calallen
Huzefa Ullah – Ray
John Hinojosa – Odem
islander of the Year
Oneika Brissett – Track & Field
Madison Ramos – Track & Field
Rylan Pollard – Volleyball
Coach of the Year
Presented by Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Sean Armstrong – London Basketball
Tomas Martinez – San Diego Powerlifting
Lane Deal – London Soccer
Comeback Story of the Year
Presented by RTFC
Easten Smith – Islanders Baseball
Kaycee Groves – Javelinas Women’s Basketball
Elsa Tornvall – Islanders Golf
Moment of the Year
Presented by Corpus Christi Hooks
Kolton Strey Pick 6 – Flour Bluff
Noah Westbrook – King
The Kick vs Cuero – Sinton
boys
Cross Country
Presented by V Fit Productions
Trey Llanes – Veterans Memorial
Shane Stawar – Port Aransas
Joey Poblano – Tuloso-Midway
Football
Zander Wills – Refugio
Mykha Green – Sinton
Damian Figueroa – Tuloso-Midway
Wrestling
Roman Nino – Carroll
Nathen Chino – King
Esteban Vela – Veterans Memorial
swimming & diving
Gavin Lopez – Tuloso-Midway
Jonah Shelton – London
Kade Riley – Orange Grove
Basketball
Presented by Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation
Christian Olivares – London
Augustus Hayes – Aransas Pass
Carter Knoll – Flour Bluff
Powerlifting
Presented by Roland Barrera Insurance
Devon Hernandez – San Diego
Traey Alvarado – Rockport-Fulton
Gilbert Rios – Robstown
Soccer
Ryan Carmona – Veterans Memorial
Yago De Santos Dominguez – London
Kyle Barganski – Flour Bluff golf
Jaydan Torres – Sinton
Gage Hirschfield – Calallen
Trace Renteria – London
Tennis
Lachlan Prouatt – Veterans Memorial
Parker Gabro – London
Zach Graham – Flour Bluff
Track & Field
Brian Rivas Jr – AC Jones
Ryder Harrison – Gregory-Portland
Brody Garcia – Veterans Memorial
Baseball
Presented by USS Lexington Museum
Jon Reyes – Veterans Memorial
Drayson Gamez – Calallen
Christian Olivares – London
girls
Cross Country
Presented by V Fit Productions
Elaina Lucido – Carroll
Aubrey Garcia – Alice
Leah DePiper – Port Aransas
Volleyball
Lola Fisher – Flour Bluff
Harper Green – A.C. Jones
Isabella Garcia – Tuloso-Midway
Wrestling
Isabella Arevalos – King
Genevieve Bellino – Carroll
Carly Rodriguez – Veterans Memorial
swimming & diving
Gabby Robinson – Flour Bluff
Annabelle Griffin – Tuloso-Midway
Naomi Low – Calallen
Basketball
Presented by Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation
Ava Salinas – Bishop
Ella Garcia – John Paul II
Abby Delbosque - A.C. Jones
Powerlifting
Presented by Roland Barrera Insurance
Paloma Calderon – Robstown
Sidney Castillo – Woodsboro
Destiny Erebia – San Diego
Soccer
Evelyn McDevitt – Flour Bluff
Jimena Jimenez-Macias – Ingleside
Jordin Jarrin – London
Kaia Shipley – Flour Bluff
Rihanna Renteria – Veterans Memorial
Ava Villegas – London
Tennis
Audrey Arango – Tuloso-Midway
Victoria Torres – Flour Bluff
Reyna Xiao – Veterans Memorial
Track & Field
Logann Wood – Rockport-Fulton
Jazmyn Howard – Refugio
JB Flowers – HM King golf
softball
Presented by Lively Beach Resort
Audryna Almaraz – Calallen
Talina Valdez – Carroll
Parker Malone – Veterans Memorial
