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“We are honored that our history is part of the town’s history.”
— Harry Krenek, 1958 Wildcat football captain
The city of Elgin and Elgin Independent School District immortalized “The Cinderella Team” of 1958 with a new bench and plaque this past weekend, the high school’s best performing football team in history.
The community came together to honor the players, coaches and staff members in historic downtown Elgin, where 65 years ago they united in support of their team, listening to radio broadcasts of the games.
“As I get older, I understand the need to remember what was,” said Mayor Theresa McShan, in front of a crowd of 50plus proud Elginites.
With 16 members of the original lineup present, three cheerleaders and the lead twirler from the 1958 season kicked off the ceremony with their “little red rooster” chant they sang once upon a time, somewhat surprised when the crowd joined in with them.
The cheerleaders were part of the team, and just as important, said the former Wildcat stars.
Speakers from the legendary team made it clear that their success was not their own, but a combined effort of their leadership, school program and the city.
“We are honored that our history is part of the town’s history,” said team captain Harry Krenek.
Special mention went to the team’s dedicated coach, James Lyda, who won Texas High School Football Coach of the Year and went on to become a successful contractor.
Lyda was married to a teacher from Elgin High School, who had their child midway through the season. The coach was innovative and motivated, according to team members.
"Not many people realize how much he put into the team,” added Krenek.
Located at Second and Main street, the dedicated bench features a gleaming plaque with the names and pictures of the team’s roster.
The 1958 Wildcats ended their season with a 12-3 record, without a single district loss. They became the first EHS football team to win a bi-district game, defeating Waco Midway, and went on to beat defending class A state champions Mart Panthers and George West in the state semi-finals.
The legendary run came to an end in the championship game, losing to the White Deer Bucks 44-22.
An excerpt from the Dec. 13, 1958, edition of The American Statesman reads, “One might bottle up Elgin High School’s tale of football heroism in the 1958 season, incorporate it in a movie script and try to sell it to Hollywood. Probably it would be returned with the comment ‘too unrealistic, could not have happened.’” As the season developed and the team grew together in confidence and competence, they surprised even themselves each week, said Krenek.
Looking towards the future, “The Cinderella Team” hopes that Elgin ISD boys will have the interest and value to put out the effort needed to eclipse what they were able to achieve, and take home the trophy.
They closed the affair by giving particular appreciation to Jens Anderson, the school’s current athletics director, who they believe brings great support and is doing some amazing things.
The old team members carried on in a communion of shared memories and glory days.
“I will always have memories of this day,” said Krenek.
