The 1959 and 1960 State Champion Cross-Country teams, coached by Don Hood, were also enshrined. Hood, already a member of the Hall of Fame, famously convinced his football players to compete in cross-country the morning after Friday night games — a strategy that led to back-to-back UIL State Championships.
Charles Harrington, representing the 1960 team, recalled the moment vividly: “I’ll never forget Coach Hood standing there with the state trophy under his arm saying, ‘Let’s go home, state champs.’”
Harrington also played a pivotal role in uncovering the historical record of the two team championships. After discovering that Azle High School had no record of the titles, he contacted the Texas High School Coaches Association, which confirmed and provided photos documenting the 1959 and 1960 victories.
