It was a night of celebrating the “miracle season” and a time to remember when Brownwood’s winning tradition all began.
For the first time, the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions inducted an entire team into its graces by honoring the 1960 Brownwood Lions football team. The 1960 Brownwood Lions won the first state championship in the history of the high school. Preseason sports writers at the time picked Brownwood to finish last in the district, but they beat the odds and the critics to win state and make history.
The 1960 Brownwood Lions were the foundation for Brownwood to become a football dynasty under first year coach Gordon Wood.
The ceremony kicked off with a video recap of that winning season and showing how the Lions dominated most of their opponents all year long. 1960 players Ronney Moore and Lawrence Elkins briefly spoke and each told stories about the season and what it meant to them.
Elkins, who was recently inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame said, “This was probably the best football year I ever had.”
Coach Pete Murray, who was assistant coach in 1960, also took time to tell numerous stories about the players and their winning season.
“I have so many stories I would like to tell,” Murray said. “This town has had a great impact on me and my wife’s life.”
The Gordon Wood Hall of Champions Museum shows the legacy that Coach Gordon Wood left on Brownwood. It is located on the second floor of the Harvey House at 600 E. Depot and can be viewed by appointment.
Officials with the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions said that with the help of Saturday’s fun run, the banquet, and a recent large anonymous donation; they are nearing their original goal for funds needed to compete the museum.
Click our slideshow below for photos from the event held Saturday, May 1st.
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