​Holliday High School’s Noah Strohman was named Small School Male Athlete of the Year at Texoma’s 2026 Nexstar Sports Awards, held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls. Naomi Skinner/Times Record News captured the moment as Strohman joined a night that shone with glamour and prestige, honoring athletes and coaches from across the region in 21 different categories. The evening also featured five inductees into the Nexstar Hall of Fame.
Among the honorees was former Hirschi High School standout Don King, who continued his football career at Texas Tech University and became one of the Red Raiders’ most dominant offensive players, earning multiple accolades including Texas Tech’s Most Valuable Player. King was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 2008. KFDX Sports Director Tobin McDuff introduced Hall of Fame inductee Don King during the Texoma’s 2026 Nexstar Sports Awards ceremony at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
Another notable figure was Lawrence Williams, a Wichita Falls High School graduate who made history as the first Black quarterback to play for the Coyotes, leading them to back-to-back state championship games in 1969 and 1970. Williams later played college football at Texas Tech and was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1975, with subsequent stints by the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns. A senior yearbook photo from Williams’ time at Wichita Falls High School (Class of 1971) accompanied the recognition.
The 2011 Texoma season is remembered as extraordinary, with the Raiders achieving a 6-2 victory over Corpus Christi Calallen to claim their first state championship. At Dell Diamond, the Raiders surged ahead early, relying on timely pitching and flawless defense to seal the win.
Members of the 2011 Rider High School baseball team took the stage as Hall of Fame inductees at Texoma’s 2026 Nexstar Sports Awards on July 9, 2026, at D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls. The program also highlighted David Nelson’s journey from Petrolia High School, where he helped the Pirates win a Class 2A state championship, to Rider High School, where he developed into a prolific receiver. Nelson later caught 144 passes for more than 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns during his junior and senior years, helping the Florida Gators win two national championships. He spent five seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Going further back, Leo Baldwin was celebrated as one of Wichita Falls’ greatest all-around athletes from Old High. Baldwin starred in football, basketball, baseball, and track, setting state records before continuing his career at the University of Texas, where he competed in track and field. This commemorative night underscored the region’s rich athletic history and showcased the enduring impact of these trailblazers.