It’s been four months since the Rockdale Tigers captured the Class 3A football championship, but they still continue to be recognized for the accomplishment.
The Big Blue champs will be awarded the prestigious Gordon Wood Award, which will be presented at the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame banquet at Baylor’s Ferrell Center on May 5.
Each year the Gordon Wood Award is presented to an especially noteworthy high school football team (or teams) that displayed good sportsmanship, the ability to overcome challenges, had the support of its community and experienced success on the field.
It is named for legendary high school coach Gordon Wood, who won nine state championships — two at Stamford and seven at Brownwood.
Three factors figure in on why Rockdale is being chosen for this award.
The Tigers not only captured the state championship after erasing a 21-0 deficit, but captured the hearts of football fans everywhere when cancer survivor Gunner Miller stepped on the field to take the final snap of the game in the 45-29 victory.
Also, the team and the community’s embracing of the Lehmkuhl family after the death of Matt Lehmkuhl on the eve of two-a-days.
By the time the Tigers made it to Jerryworld, everyone knew what “TFND” stamped across their uniforms and the “Keep It Lit” mantra was all about.
This is recognition for the community of Rock-dale, not just the football team.
Bruceville-Eddy will also be recognized after earning a post-season berth for the first time in 32 years.
Kliff Kingsbury, Bob Shelton and Phil Dana-her will be among those inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Head Coach Jeff Miller and several Tiger players and coaches will be in attendance.
Miller had a front row seat for the Tigers’ unforgettable journey.
“Our path has been pretty well documented. There were so many sub-plots on the way to the title—the good and the bad.”
“It’s a feel-good story and says so much about what we were able to accomplish. The adversity, the unselfishness.”
It’s not lost on Miller the fact that the award is named after Wood, the gold standard for high school football coaches.
“He’s the epitome of high school coaching success. He stood for far more than just winning.”
Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for students and must be purchased in advance and includes a buffet style meal served. To purchase tickets, call (210) 290-8570.
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
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