Sharyland ISD holds inaugural Athletics Hall of Honor, inducts players, coaches and championship teams

Sharyland Independent School District held its inaugural Athletics Hall of Honor awards banquet, honoring former athletes, coaches and two championship teams and recognizing event sponsors; the program’s date and location were not specified in the printed program.

Superintendent Dr. Elaine Howard said the event celebrated “heroes, legends” and the district’s athletic legacy. “Tonight, today is truly a monumental event for our community, as we come together to honor some of the heroes of our community and of our school district,” Dr. Howard said, thanking the Hall of Honor committee and district athletics staff.

The banquet featured remarks from athletic director Ron Adame and master of ceremonies Oscar Adame, presentation of tribute videos, and on-stage induction of honorees including former athletes Richard Spratt and Mike Spratt, longtime coach and athletic director Richard “Dickey” Thompson, the 2012 Sharyland High School boys soccer team and the 1978 Sharyland High School boys basketball team. Ron Adame described the gathering as “a special celebration of excellence, tradition, and the lasting impact of our athletes.”

Why it matters: Inducting past players, coaches and championship teams is part of an effort the district framed as preserving and publicizing Sharyland ISD’s athletic traditions and community ties. Speakers repeatedly linked athletics to student development, character-building and the district’s broader identity.

Highlights and honorees: - Richard Spratt: Introduced as a class of 1963 alumnus, speakers credited Spratt with multi-sport success in football, basketball and track, a scholarship to the University of Houston and a subsequent professional opportunity with the San Diego Chargers. Spratt addressed attendees, recalling his time in the district and his coaching and mentoring career. - Mike Spratt: A class of 1962 graduate, presenters highlighted his district and regional track records, a University of Houston scholarship, service with the Houston Fire Department and later-life community contributions; he accepted the induction and thanked family and selection committee members. - Richard ("Dickey") Thompson: Recognized for a 41-year career in Sharyland ISD athletics as assistant varsity football coach, head track and cross-country coach and athletic director; the district has named its stadium for Thompson. Thompson reflected on program growth and the coaches and support staff who worked alongside him. - 2012 Sharyland High School boys soccer team: The team’s run to the UIL state championship and a 3–2 victory in the title match were highlighted; representatives and head coach Reberiano (Raveno) Hernandez described the season’s training, sacrifices and teamwork. - 1978 Sharyland High School boys basketball team: Inducted as a group for a 32–3 season and deep playoff run; speakers and teammates recounted practices, fundraising efforts and the lasting camaraderie built under coach Vic Benter.

Event logistics and sponsors: The program noted a livestream and asked attendees to scan a QR code (program, page 7) for a digital program and media. Sponsors acknowledged by name included Security Service Federal Credit Union (title), MLG Protection Services and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance (gold), LF Distributors and Texas Regional Bank (silver), and Peña Eye Institute (bronze), along with Forever Memories by Miguel Lopez, Locos Catering (also mentioned as Coco’s Catering in the program), and Ambiance Flowers and Rentals. Organizers asked inductees to remain after the program for photos and media interviews.

Remarks and themes: Speakers repeatedly tied athletic success to character development, urging current student-athletes to “stay humble” and to treat athletics as one strand of a broader life. Oscar Adame, who served as master of ceremonies, and others described the event as the start of a continuing Hall of Honor tradition; Ron Adame closed by saying the district “looks forward to next year’s Hall of Honor events.”

Context and background: Presenters referenced program history (for example, the Sharyland Pioneer High School stadium was renamed Richard Thompson Stadium in 2014) and recounted the regional and state-level accomplishments of inductees. Several speakers noted the event’s inaugural status and thanked the Hall of Honor committee by name for organizing the banquet.

The program combined tribute videos, personal remarks from inductees and team representatives, and acknowledgments of volunteers and district staff. No formal board action, vote or policy decision was taken at the banquet; it served as a ceremonial recognition event.