Congratulations to the Class of 2024

1983 Estacado High School Boys Track and Field “State Champions”

One of the definitions that can be found for the word “dynasty” - “a family, team, etc., that is very powerful or successful for a long period of time.” The characterization of using the word “dynasty” is often misapplied as it pertains to the sports world … Estacado High School Track and Field in the 80s, though, could be a photo example of the proper usage of the word. What EHS track and field coach Percy Hines was able to create in his program during that time period was certainly “powerful and successful” and, in fact, three state titles would certainly attest to that fact.

The 1983 Estacado High School boys’ track and field squad claimed the school’s second consecutive UIL State Championship under the tutelage of Hines and they are honored with induction into the 2015 Lubbock ISD Hall of Honor for that achievement. The Matadors also won the title in 1982 and followed with the 1986 crown later in the decade.

After leading the Mats to the ’83 title, Coach Hines was named the Texas Track and Field News 4A Boys “Coach of the Year” and there is little doubt that the Lubbock ISD Hall of Honor member would deflect praise of him in order to speak glowingly of the young men he coached. The Mats of ’83 were the true epitome of “team” as they won the state track meet with an overall team total of 54 points, yet not a single individual title was attained. That means that contributions from throughout the entire roster were needed in order to capture the crown.

The 1983 squad included: Tommy Alsbrooks, James Collins, Ricky Collins, Jessie Conley, Dennis Craft, Rodney Davis, Donald Gray, Percy Hines, Dicky Jackson, Kelvin Johnson, Sam King, Kenneth McCoy, Perry McKinney, Norman Norris, Willie Nunley, Joe Roland, Herman Runnels, Dewayne Sheffield, Moses Stubblefield, Ray Taylor, Darrell Turner, Juan Velasquez, Derek White, Robert Williams, Glen Willis, Tim Wilson and Donald Young.

A strong presence in the sprints, hurdles and relays were vital in securing the second straight title for EHS and coach Hines was able to add some talent that he was very familiar with for the ’83 season. Percy Hines, III, coach Hines’ son, transferred from Coronado for the 1983 season and he joined fellow sprinter Kelvin Johnson to form an outstanding sprint duo for the Matadors. Hurdler James Collins, who later was a standout for Texas A&I University and became a Lubbock ISD Hall of Honor inductee in 2014, was instrumental for the Mats as not only a hurdler, but in the long jump as well. With the successes of those individuals combined with outstanding overall team depth the Matadors were able to put together 400 and 1600-meter relay squads that propelled them to the 1983 state title.
Back to class of 2015