Saturday, July 26th, 2025

David Thetford

One would be hard-pressed to come up with a more familiar Lubbock ISD “voice for athletics” than Lubbock Monterey Plainsmen alumnus, David Thetford. Those that follow Coronado, Estacado, Lubbock High and Monterey sports of all kinds easily identify his recognizable call of Lubbock ISD athletic action over the last 30 years, both on radio and television. For Thetford the “opportunity” to be at the forefront of bringing Lubbock ISD athletics to the many community members who support each of the schools has been a privilege and certainly not a “job.”

Being inducted to the Lubbock ISD Hall of Honor for his contributions to the district as a community businessman is a vast understating of Thetford’s actual impact on the overall athletic program. A standout basketball player for Lubbock ISD legend Joe Michalka at Monterey High School from 1968-67, Thetford went on to play on the freshman team at Texas Tech University. His love of the game pushed him toward coaching and he served on the basketball coaching staff at both Lubbock High and Coronado before going into private business in his hometown.

Thetford began broadcasting Lubbock ISD athletics in 1984 and he has had a hand in promoting the schools in the community, especially in the realm of athletics, since that time. He began a radio sports talk show career in 1992 when he was a guest host for the iconic Jack Dale’s show and he, along with 2014 Hall of Honor inductee Gary Ashby, began their own “Sportstalk with Thetford and Ashby” in 2009. Their weekly show serves to highlight Lubbock ISD athletics and through the years he has brought a positive and professional spin to hundreds of Lubbock ISD football, basketball and baseball games – and even a swim meet thrown in for good measure. To be sure his impact as an ambassador for Lubbock ISD athletics is far reaching as he serves the district as an emcee at various events through the year, including serving as moderator for the weekly Lubbock ISD Football Coaches Luncheons during the fall. Thetford serves the Lubbock community in many capacities. He is President of the Board of Directors for the Greater South Plains Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is the Chairman of the Lubbock ISD Hall of Honor Board among many other community endeavors.
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