SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo ISD will honor members of Central High School's 1966 state championship football team Friday, Oct. 30, during the Bobcats' game against Midland High School at San Angelo Stadium.
The recognition will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Central's state championship season.
The Central Bobcats won the 1966 Class 4A (then the largest classification in Texas UIL football) state championship with a 13-1 record under legendary head coach Emory Bellard. The Bobcats beat Spring Branch 21-14 at Memorial Stadium in Austin.
In 1960, coach Bellard arrived on campus to take over a Central program competing in the highly competitive District 2-4A, nicknamed the "Little Southwest Conference." The district included perennial state champions Abilene High and Odessa Permian. Bellard amassed a 59-19-2 overall record during his tenure, including a 4A state championship in '66. He left the high school ranks after the championship for the University of Texas.
Approximately 15 former players, student trainers and managers are expected to attend the celebration.
The former team members and their immediate families have been invited to a dinner in the McCutchen Room at San Angelo Stadium before the game.
During the game, the returning team members will be escorted onto the field for a recognition ceremony immediately following the first quarter.
This season, the Bobcats currently sport a 5-3 overall record and a 1-1 mark in district play. The game against Midland High on Friday carries heavy playoff and district championship implications as Central positions itself for a postseason run.
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