2020 Hall of Honor

Congratulations to our 2020 Inductees!

Bill Grant

Bill Grant began his journey as a student trainer at Ennis Junior High School in 1973. Mr. Grant earned a Bachelor of Science in 1982 from East Texas State University (now A&M at Commerce). After graduation Bill started his career at Brownfield Independent School District, becoming the first Licensed Athletic Trainer in the District. He remained as the only Athletic Trainer at Brownfield I.S.D. until his retirement in 2014. Bill Grant remains working for B.I.S.D. as a part time assistant L.A.T.

Mr. Grant has advanced the profession in numerous ways; by mentoring student trainers, lecturing, and promoting the profession to co-workers and peers. His love for Athletic Training and caring for athletes serves as his calling in life.

Bill Grant was awarded the Everett Blackburn Memorial Award in 2004. He was named The 2018 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by Brownfields Chamber of Commerce. Bill was also recognized by Brownfield as the teacher of the year and the recipient of the Muldrow Award. 

Jimmy Kendrick

At age 10, Jimmy Kendrick was living his dream. He was taping the ankles of some of the greatest SWC football players at the University of Arkansas. Jimmy Kendrick knew what he wanted to be at the age of 10, an Athletic Trainer like his hero Bill Ferrell. This was Jimmy's passion to be like Bill Ferrell, affectionately called Groundhog by the Razorback players. Jimmy was lucky to work some of greatest games in the 1965 and 1966 seasons. The 1965 SWC Championship, 1966 Cotton Bowl, 1966 All American Coaches All Star Game, plus the 1966 Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons at ripe age of 12 years old.
Jimmy continued to follow his dream as a Student Athletic Trainer at the University of Arkansas from 1972-1976. During this time, the Razorbacks played for the 1975 SWC Championship plus 1976 Cotton Bowl. In addition, during the summer of 1976, Jimmy received an opportunity to work with his former mentor Bruce Scott as Athletic Trainer intern for the NFL expansion team, Seattle Seahawks.

In 1977, Jimmy became a Licensed Athletic Trainer in the State of Texas. His job was in Denison, Texas as their first Athletic Trainer. He received further experience at JJ Pearce, Longview, Waco Midway, Pine Tree, and Aransas County ISD. Jimmy is currently working with Houston Methodist Sugarland as an Outreach Athletic Trainer serving area schools. Jimmy's experience over the years included, NASCAR Elliott Racing, Corpus Christi IceRays NAHL Hockey, and Justin Sports Medicine. Jimmy was awarded the very first Ken Locker Award by SWATA.

Jimmy worked behind the scenes with longtime Longhorn friend Spanky Stephens in getting bills passed protecting the student-athletes and Athletic Trainers of Texas. Jimmy has been LAT for 41 years and is still going strong to help stabilize and safeguard other Athletic Trainers in Texas.

Jimmy became involved in politics serving as the Town of Fulton’s Mayor for the past 10 years. During his tenure, Hurricane Harvey hit. The hurricane’s eye hung over Fulton, Texas for 13 hours, destroying his small town. As Mayor, Jimmy Kendrick led the recovery of the coastal town for the past three years. He worked tirelessly with the Texas legislature to draft bills aiding small towns, like his, in the recovery. Also during this time, he testified before Congressional and Senate Committees over misuse of power by TWIA and other like organizations.
Due to his determination to help his community after Hurricane Harvey, Jimmy was named as one of most optimistic people in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine.

“I’ve been blessed to know many great trainers that influenced my life. I owe a great amount of success in the profession and outside the profession to many fellow trainers who have shared their knowledge. J. Pat Evans once told me, “Jimbo, your good trainer for being a Razorback. Remember I’ve got your back if you need me.” I’ve’ had the pleasure to work with and learn from the legends, Larry Gardner, Monty Jameson, Al Wilson, James Dodson, Tom Wilson, Skip Cox, Ken Locker, Dean Weber, Jim Bone, Jim Whitesell, but most of all Frank Medina for getting me my first job in Texas. I thank GOD every day for opening the door to Texas.”

Jim Lancaster

A native of San Antonio, Jim Lancaster earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980 while working under legendary Athletic Trainers Frank Medina and Spanky Stephens.  He began his professional career as the Head Athletic Trainer at NCAA Division 1 Pan American University in 1980 at the age of 22. He received his Masters of Education degree from Pan American University in 1982. As Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Jim has seen his role expand with every passing year, including acting as the department's equipment manager, facilities' director, awards program coordinator, insurance claim coordinator and even Interim Director of Athletics for six months, while still performing his duties as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine.

Jim was mentor to the likes of Mike Mancias (LeBron James’ personal trainer), Joe Resendez (Head Trainer Sacramento Kings), and Alfred Castillo (former Head Trainer at Bowling Green and his successor at UTRGV)… as well as numerous other Licensed Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists representing PAU/UTPA/UTRGV. In addition, Jim served as Medical Coordinator for the NCAA’s National Youth Sports Program for 25 years.
Jim dedicated a total of 37 1/2 years to Pan American University/UT Pan American/University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Jim is currently an athletic trainer for Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. Jim has been inducted into the UTRGV Hall of Honor (2016), the Valley Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame (2017) and the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame (2017). 

Ken Murray

Ken Murray graduated from William B. Travis HS in Austin in 1963.  His post high school education included the University of Texas and East Tennessee State.  Achieving a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Physical Education respectively.  Ken began his career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Atlanta Falcons.  He then served as Head  Athletic Trainer for Eastern Kentucky University (1969-1976) and the University of SW Louisiana (1976-1978).  In 1978 he returned to Texas accepting a dual role as Athletic Director and Head Athletic Trainer at Texas Tech University.  He enjoyed a 17 year stent with the Red Raiders at which time he left to become Director of Sports Medicine at Covenant Medical Center until 2004.  He then return to Tech where he retired in 2011.  As a result of Ken Murray’s leadership, undergraduate and graduate degree programs were established in Sports Health alongside the Texas Tech School of Medicine.  He introduced a network of 61 physicians who volunteer their time to care for Texas Tech student-athletes.  A remarkable accomplishment is the developed an Outpatient Rehab Center with a strong emphasis on Sports Medicine during his tenure at Covenant Medical Center.  Ken awards are numerous and spread throughout his career.  He was inducted in the NATA Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Michael “Spanky” Stephens

Associated with the University of Texas for over 30 years. Spanky Stephens began as a Student Athletic Trainer in 1967. He was named full time assistant to the legendary Head Athletic Trainer Frank Medina in 1970. Following Frank Medina’s stroke in 1978, Spanky took over as Head Athletic Trainer and continued that role until his retirement in January 2000. While working with the Longhorns, he supervised or worked directly with all sports, working with hundreds of athletes, five head football coaches, five basketball coaches, and a multitude of other sports and coaches. Spanky was responsible for an active student program that produced numerous qualified Athletic Trainers for high school and college positions. 

In 2001, Spanky entered a new phase of his career. He was hired as the Executive Director of the newly founded Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association. After 33 years at the University of Texas and 22 years working on the Governor appointed Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers, he was the best Texas Athletic Trainer for the position. Spanky has served on numerous committees and focus groups for the NATA and State Government. Spanky has received abundant national and regional honors. Among them SWATA Hall of Fame, All American Football Foundation Hall of Honor, and was inducted into the Bellville High School Hall of Fame in 2002. In fact in 1975, Spanky was made an honorary citizen of Omaha along with Coach Gustafson and Bethea. One the most rewarding actions of his career, Natasha’s Law. He was very instrumental in assembling the right group to write and contribute to its passage. Its passage has been a model for other states and has strengthened the voice of the Association. Spanky continues to give back to his beloved profession and Texas Athletic Trainers are blessed for that gift.

Michael Vara

Michael Vara graduated from the curriculum program at Southwest Texas State University and the University of Houston-Victoria.  Mike started his Athletic Training career at Wheatley HS then Harlandale HS in San Antonio.  In the early 1980’s he and his wife, Katherine, moved to Sugarland, Texas to continue his career at Ft. Bend ISD.  Mike spent time at Willowridge HS and Hightower HS.  His last high school position prior to retirement in 2007 was Katy Seven Lakes HS.  After 28 years, Mike retired and took an Outreach Athletic Trainer position with Roger Clemens Institute before moving to Richmond Bone and Joint.  In 2012 Vara joined Ironman Sports Medicine with Memorial Hermann Hospital to continue his work with area student-athletes.  Mike was a founding member of the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers’ Society.  Mike Vara received many awards including Fort Bend ISD’s Excellence in Education Award -1991. Tom Wilson Award – 2000, John Harvey Humanitarian Award – 2003, Greater Houston Football Coaches Association Athletic Trainer of the Year-2004, Logan Wood Award – 2009, and inducted into the GHATS Hall of Honor – 2014.  An elite Athletic Trainer with passion for helping others and to further the mission of the profession.  A friend of many due to his infectious sense of humor, intelligence, humility, generosity, and kind spirit. 

Britney Webb

Britney Webb, M.Ed. LAT, ATC has been employed since 2006 as the Clinical Site Coordinator and Senior Lecturer of Athletic Training at Texas State University. Webb, a magna cum laude graduate from Tarleton State University (TSU) also received her Master of Education from Tarleton State, as well.

As an athletic trainer Britney‘s tenure includes Abilene Christian University where she spent two years as assistant Athletic Trainer and two years as the Head Women’s Athletic Trainer. Her duties included athletic trainer for volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball, cheerleaders, and recruitment of athletic training students. Other experiences consist of Co-Head Athletic Trainer at Granbury High School in Granbury Texas for four years and contract Athletic Trainer for Baird High School, Baird Texas, Hays High School, Buda, Texas, and San Marcos High School, San Marcos, Texas. Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Tarleton State University for two years (1995-97) as well as Texas High School Girls All-Star Athletic Trainer (2000). She has also worked as an Athletic Trainer for Mesquite Professional Rodeo (2001-02) and the West Texas Fair and Rodeo (2005).

Britney is active in the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (SWATA) National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and Texas State Athletic Trainers Association (TSATA). She has served as the liaison to the Life Balancing committee for the SWATA Work Options program and participated as member of the NATA Honors and Awards committee. She has also previously served as chair for both the SWATA Life Balancing committee and Women in Athletic Training committee (WATC) and served as a member of the NATA WATC. Britney is currently an instructor for TSATA Sports Medicine I, II and III courses and serves as the parliamentarian and recording secretary as well for TSATA. In addition to her athletic training service, she serves on a host of committees throughout Texas State University.  She is also the Texas State University advisor for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Within the community, Britney is active in all levels of the San Marcos CISD.  She is currently involved in Doris Miller Middle School PTO and athletics booster club as well as serves as a Bowie Elementary classroom representative and a member of the

High School baseball booster club. Other roles that Britney serves are teacher for the Kinder-Church, participant of the College of Education Dean’s Circle and T-Association member at TSU. 

In 2007, 2011, and 2013 she was the recipient of the SWATA awards for James Dodson New Horizon, Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer and Eddie Wojecki Award, respectively. Britney was recognized in 2011 and 2014 for her service as a recipient for the College of Education Achievement Award for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service at Texas State University. She was also honored at the 21st Annual Alumni Academic Forum at TSU and has received the Outstanding Young Alumnus from the Tarleton Alumni Association.                

Her husband, Bryan is the head baseball coach at San Marcos High School. They have three sons Gunner, Kannon and Kutter-Gage.

David Weir

David Weir graduated from Texas A&M University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.  Following graduation, David was hired as an Athletic Trainer at his alma mater and has served in various capacities throughout his career.  From Head Athletic Trainer for Baseball and Football and assisting with many other sports.  He is now the Senior Associate Athletic Trainer covering various sports. The Brenham native began his athletic training career as a high school student at Brenham High School. He has served on numerous national committees including National Athletic Trainers’ Association Public Relations and College/University.  He has served as Liaison to the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee and the American Football Coaches Association.  He served as chair for several SWATA committees.  

In 2006, Texas Governor, Rick Perry appointed him as a member of the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers for the State of Texas.  In 2007, Governor Perry appointed him Chair of this board.  In addition to his clinical duties in caring for student athletes, he serves as the athletics department concussion manager. David also supervises the undergraduate athletic training aid program. Weir is married to the former Judy Bigbie.   The couple has two daughters-Ashley and Heather. When possible, Weir loves fish, and play golf, and ride horses.  As a member of First Baptist Church of Bryan, Weir is a deacon, serves as television director/producer for television broadcast, and is an adult bible class co-director.

James “Bubba” Wilson

Bubba Wilson, L.A.T., A.T, C, CCISM is a licensed and certified Athletic Trainer with over 25 years’ experience in the secondary, clinical and outreach arenas of Sports Medicine. He is currently employed as an Outreach Athletic Trainer for the Memorial Hermann Hospital System. Since becoming employed at Memorial Hermann, he has helped to develop in conjunction with other specialist, the Ironman Sports Medicine Institute Concussion Program, the Concussion Management Protocol, and Return to Play Protocols for Public and Private Schools as required under Texas HB 2038.

He was a Regional Board of Director for the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association from 2011-2018 – representing Region 6 and is on the Test Writing Committee for the Athletic Training Licensure Examination through the Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation. 

He is a Past President of the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Society and in 2014, was inducted into their inaugural Hall of Honor Class. Mr. Wilson has also served on several committees for the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association. In 2016, Mr. Wilson was named the District 6 representative for the NATA AT’s Care Commission.

Raul Zamarripa

Raul Zamarippa attended Pan American University, following his graduation from Brownsville Hanna HS in 1970 on an athletic training scholarship. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he achieved Athletic Training State Licensure. Raul began his Athletic Training career with Harlingen HS in 1974. He worked with the Cardinals from 1974 to 1982. He then became the Athletic Trainer at Edinburg HS until his return to Harlingen HS in 1989. He retired after 41 years with Edinburgh HS and Harlingen HS. During his tenure, Raul had the opportunity to positively influence Student Athletic Trainers that later joined the profession. Raul is a member of the NATA, served as Region 9 Director of the TSATA, as well as President of the Valley Athletic Trainers’ Association. He continues to serve on various committees to promote the importance of the profession. Raul has received a plethora of honors including the John Harvey Award, the City of Palms Hall of Honor Award, Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association Meet of Champs Hall of Honor Award, Rio Grande Valley Hall of Fame – 2013, THSCA Athletic Trainer of the Year-2015, and Valley Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame – 2017.