After a plea was put out by Brownwood Superintendent Dr. Reece Blincoe, the seven missing stars from the original turf of Gordon Wood Stadium were returned Monday. The stars, a piece of Brownwood Lions’ history, were taken from the stadium as the 10-year-old turf was being replaced over the Christmas holiday.
According to BISD employee Gladys Bryant, a man called the administration building stating that he had found the stars and wanted to return them to the school. Ms. Bryant stated that the man told her he had read an article about the missing stars and later, when driving down Indian Creek, he saw the missing stars piled up at a car wash.
The man then brought all seven of the stars to the BISD administration building.
“I think it is just a blessing that we got all of them back,” said Bryant.
Dr. Blincoe stated that the district is very happy to have the stars back.
“We are elated. We’re glad what we wanted to happen ended up happening,” said Blincoe. “We are very appreciative of the young man who found them and we are glad to have them back. It’s a happy day.”
Blincoe and the coaching staff at BHS stated that it was very disappointing when the stars were stolen from the stadium and that the idea to frame and present the stars as a “thank you” to some key people might not happen.
“It doesn’t matter who took the stars, we’re just glad they are back,” said Blincoe. Those who had helped so much 10 years ago, would now get the stars as the thanks they so deserve, he explained.
Many people were involved in the past renovation of the stadium, installing the turf, building the tunnel, installing the original video board and much more. Some put in hard labor and planning, while others helped by fundraising or donating thousands of dollars to complete the project.
According to Blincoe, the district is currently working on selecting seven of these to receive the stars. Building trades teacher Cody Smith has been given the task of building shadow boxes for the large turf stars.
Pictured above are two of the seven stars, held by Brownwood Lions Chance Goodgion (left) and Devante Stredic (right).
