DISTRICT INDUCTS SIX ATHLETIC LEGENDS INTO HALL OF HONOR

Elgin Independent School District welcomed six distinguished athletes and coaches into its Athletic Hall of Honor Aug. 29, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the high school’s sports history.

The ceremony, held at Elgin High School, recognized the 2024 Hall of Honor Class, which included longtime baseball coach Glenn Bacak, multi-sport athlete Milton Baker, coach and historian T. Berry, basketball standout Beverly (Collins) Moore, scholar- athlete and coach Danny Rodriguez and football star Kevin Workman.

In a night filled with memories and accolades, three of the inductees — Bacak, Berry and Moore — were present in person. Workman, unable to attend as he was supporting his son at his first college football game, delivered a heartfelt message via video.

Bacak, a 12-year head baseball coach at EHS, led his teams to numerous playoff appearances and became the longest-tenured baseball coach in the school’s history. In 1992, his Wildcats had a stellar season with a 23-3 record, ranking in the top 10 in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association and outscoring their opponents 175-67.

Bacak’s career saw him lead teams to the state baseball tournament and achieve more than 600 career victories, earning him a place in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Baker, a star in basketball, football and track, was a standout athlete during his time at EHS. As a track and field competitor, Baker won gold at the National AAU Championships and set Class 2A state records in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles during his senior year.

Baker also excelled on the basketball court, earning MVP honors, and was named All-Centex in football in both 1976 and 1977. Baker continued his football career at West Texas State University, where he was named all-conference as a tight end, eventually being drafted into the NFL by the Cleveland Browns.

Berry, a 1966 graduate of Elgin’s Washington High School, was a leader both on and off the field. As a student-athlete, he captained his football and basketball teams before graduating from the University of Texas. His coaching career reached its pinnacle at Galveston Ball High School, where he led the basketball team to the state championship game in 1982. The team’s 34-6 record that season cemented its place among the top Texas high school basketball teams of the 1980s, according to the district.

Berry’s career spanned 21 years, with a remarkable overall coaching record of 431-158. In addition to his coaching success, Berry served as the DAEP administrator and Human Resources director for Elgin ISD and was a published author, nominated for a NAACP Image Award in children’s literature.

Moore made her mark in both basketball and volleyball at EHS. She earned all-district honors multiple times throughout her high school career, but it was on the basketball court where she truly shined, district representatives said. In her senior year, Moore was named all-county, district MVP, and All-Centex Player of the Year, earning her an athletic scholarship to Sam Houston State University.

Rodriguez excelled as a multi-sport athlete, playing varsity basketball, football and tennis while also finishing in the top 15% of his graduating class. As the all-district quarterback in his senior year, Rodriguez was voted team MVP. He also found success on the tennis courts, reaching the regional finals in doubles.

In baseball, Rodriguez earned all-district honors and co-MVP recognition. He went on to play baseball at Southwest Texas State University and coached for 39 years, including leading teams to the Texas state baseball quarterfinals and semifinals.

Workman, a standout football player who also lettered in basketball and track, earned all-district honors as a linebacker and running back. His talents on the gridiron earned him a scholarship to Blinn Junior College. Today, Workman serves as a pastor in the Austin area.

Elgin ISD’s Athletic Hall of Honor continues to recognize the individuals whose dedication and talent have shaped the school’s rich athletic legacy, inspiring future generations of Wildcats, according to the district.