Garland Sports Hall of Fame

~ History ~

Garland, from its beginnings as a small, agriculture-centered town to its present status as Texas’ tenth largest city, has always been a sports-minded community. The historic fabric woven by its many great athletes, coaches, and workers in its community sports programs and youth athletic charities is being recognized by the Garland Sports Hall of Fame ("GSHF").

The idea of a Sports Hall of Fame was launched in 1986. This dream to recognize outstanding sports contributors belonged to Gale Fields, a long-time Garland citizen and the supervisor of one of the municipal recreation centers. An initial meeting of interested persons was held and, after several months of planning and organizing, a mayoral proclamation and a school board resolution pledging support, the Garland Sports Hall of Fame became a reality in the fall of 1986. Buster Leavell was the organizing chairman of the board and held that position for five years. Steve Finigan was chairman for the next two years and Chuck Cabaniss has since held this position.

GSHF is a non-profit organization formed “to honor deserving individuals who have contributed to athletics in Garland and to stimulate continued interest in sports participation and activities”. Since its inception, the GSHF has added its support to student athlete scholarships and youth athletic charities.

Athletes who have played in the National Football League and the National Basketball Association, or have competed for the United States in the Olympic Games and the Pan American Games, have been inducted into the GSHF. But one does not have to have played in this type of competition to be inducted into the Hall of Fame--persons who have been instrumental in any aspect of sports are eligible.

The First Annual Induction in 1987 had All-NFL pro football back Bobby Boyd, national golf champion Ross Collins, coaching great Bill Ellington, and pioneer All-America football lineman Choc Sanders as the first inductees. Since then many more outstanding athletes from the Garland I.S.D. have been inducted.

GSHF appreciates your support for this organization. We especially thank you for attending our Induction Banquet.

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