Today Mrs. Taylor and I received the “Academy Newsletter.”

I note the honor that is being given my 1925 Relay Team. Such wonderful memories it brought to both of us.

I can assure you no other four students ever gave greater publicity to the Academy. They were wonderful young men. It grieves us that they cannot be there to receive the honor.

Due to the fact they were in private school, they had to compete in the Junior College Class. They set relay records in 1925 at Texas Relays, then Rice U. and then in the National Relays at Kansas University.

We are so happy you are going to honor them. They were always a credit to the Academy.

God bless you and your great school that we love so much.
Sincerely,
Gordon Taylor

Source: excerpt from October 6, 1984 letter from Coach Gordon Taylor

Sandra “Sandy” Benson ’77, We are particularly pleased to induct the first lady into the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Sandra “Sandy” Benson graduated from SMA in 1977. Sandy attended SMA four years and established an athletic record that is perhaps the best in Academy history. As a freshman, she lettered in volleyball and basketball, and was named to the State Tournament Honorable Mention Basketball Team. As a sophomore, Sandy again lettered in volleyball and basketball and made the Southwest Preparatory Conference (S.P.C.) All Conference Team in both sports. Then in her junior year, she was named S.P.C. All Conference in both basketball and volleyball; made All State in volleyball and was named Most Valuable Player. Finally, as a senior Sandy was named to the All State Volleyball team as well as the S.P.C. All Conference Volleyball team. Again that year, she lettered in basketball and in track, and won All State in the shot put and discus. She also played tennis during those years. One can readily see that Sandy set an enviable record in athletics.

After graduation at SMA, Sandy received a four-year scholarship to the University of North Carolina and the University of South Carolina. She chose South Carolina, where she played volleyball for two years and was named All Tournament Regional Volleyball Team. She then attended the University of North Carolina where she was a member of the United States Volleyball Association team and was captain for two years. Sandy graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983.

It is a distinct honor for the Academy to present Sandra “Sandy” Benson as one of its 1987 inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

Carl Bragg and Keith Kosan became the newest SMA Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Carl Bragg (1968) played football four years, lettered and started three years, playing both offensive guard and defensive end all three seasons. He was on the 1965 and 1966 Texas Preparatory League (TPL) Championship team, received the only “Best Blocker” award in SMA history, was All League Offensive Lineman. As 1968 Co-Captains of the football team, Bragg along with Dale Cardwell ‘68, led the team in a victorious season in which the bears were both undefeated and untied. Bragg also lettered two years in Boxing and is perhaps better known as the First Runner Up in the State Light Heavyweight Champion competition in 1967 and 1968. Outside of the sports arena, Carl served as Sophomore Class Secretary. He was selected by his peers as Freshman Class Favorite, Sophomore Class Favorite and Senior Personality. Bragg was JROTC platoon leader, then Second Battalion Commander his senior year.

A Three-Sport Letterman, Keith Kosan (1976) lettered in football, basketball and track. Keith’s awards include All Texas Catholic Interscholastic League (TCIL) Defensive Back, Best Signal Caller in State, First Team Quarterback, Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Team and TCIL Prep All Star. Keith served as Captain of the Football team and Basketball Co-Captain. Keith was an All-American Player also named to the Southern Preparatory Conference (SPC) All Tournament Team, Private School State Championship Team, Southwest Preparatory Conference All-Loop Team. During his senior year, Keith netted 30 points per game on the basketball court to become the High Point Man and led the Bears with over 1,000 yards passing and 600 steps rushing on the gridiron. Coach Johnny Anderson declared Keith “Best quarterback in the SPC” and Athletic Director James Slaughter, proclaimed Keith as the “key to offense and defense.” Also excelling in the JROTC, Keith attained the rank of Captain, served as platoon leader and participated in the Zouaves Drill Team. Revered by his classmates, Keith was Most Handsome Nominee and Class Favorite during his Jr. and Sr. years.

The pre-game induction ceremony took place during Homecoming 2007, which was also celebrated as the Academy’s Centennial. Bragg and Kosan join the prestigious group, including the Mile Relay Team of 1925 and 21 individuals previously inducted into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

San Marcos Baptist Academy
Academy Traditions
Winter 2007
Page 3

Sam Brown ’46, one of this year’s Golden Graduates, was the 18th individual inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame October 12, 1996 at the Homecoming festivities. Sam attended the Academy from 1944 to 1946 and held a number of athletic titles during that time. He was named Most Valuable Athlete in 1945-46 and lettered in Basketball and Football 1944 – 1946. Sam was also Co-Captain of the football team 1945 – 1946 and lettered in Boxing and Swimming 1944 – 1946. He was a member of the All Tournament Basketball Team in 1946 and named President of the “A” Association in 1946.

After graduation from SMBA, Sam played football and basketball for Texas A&I University in Kingsville. He then worked as a production department foreman for Humble Oil and Refining and later for Exxon for a total of 28 years. After his retirement, he owned and operated a fishing charter business in Corpus Christi for 8 years.

Mr. Brown now lives in Bandera, Texas, where he enjoys fishing and is an active member of the Bandera Forge Band. He has three sons, Laddy Boon, Robert Tracy and Jonathan Manning, and one grandson, Nicholas. Nicholas is the son of Laddy and his wife, Connie. We are proud to honor their affiliation with us.

San Marcos Baptist Academy
Academy Traditions
Winter 1996
Page 1

Gordon Cooper ’75, Gordon entered SMA as a junior and graduated in 1975. During his high school career, he participated in football and track four years each, three years on the soccer team, and one year each on the tennis and basketball teams. He earned numerous awards during his high school career.

In football, Gordon earned All TPL Linebacker for 1972-73. During his junior year, he was selected High School All-American, All TPL Linebacker and All-State Linebacker. In 1974-75, he was named All SPC Linebacker, All Cen-Tex Tight End and All-State Linebacker. Gordon also made Academy history when he was twice voted as the Outstanding Football Player. He received the coveted Steve Fordham Award in both 1973-74 and 1974-75!

Gordon anchored the first leg of the mile relay in 1975 when he, along with team members Eddie Canales, Ricky Canales and Dean Jordan became the 1975 State Championship Mile Relay team, setting a record, which remains unbeaten to this day! And in soccer, Gordon received All-State and All-Conference recognition.

His other extracurricular activities included membership in the Rifle Team, the Zouave Drill Team and the 22-5 (a silent drill team). He served as Sophomore Class President, Junior Class Vice President and Senior Student Council representative. Gordon was a member of HUB, a group pledging Christ as the HUB of one’s life. He served as Platoon Leader for JROTC Company C and graduated from SMA as a cadet Lieutenant. An active member of Scouting, Gordon attained the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. Gordon was named Who’s Who Among American High School Students.

After graduating from SMA, Gordon entered Texas A&I on a full football scholarship. Thereafter, he attended the University of North Texas Business School and graduated with a BBA. Shortly after graduation, Gordon relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas and established Cooper Outdoor Advertising, Incorporated. He is currently active in the business

Gordon has three children, Caroline, Robert, and Annie. Caroline, who recently graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, teaches at KIPP’S School, a charter school in Houston, Texas. Robert is in his senior year at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, while Annie is entering the 6th grade at St. James Episcopal School.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

David Disiere ’70, David is a 1970 graduate of San Marcos Academy. During his 2-1/2 year stay at the Academy, David made his mark in the sports arena. He lettered in three varsity sports – football, basketball and track, and was a member of the “A” Association.

David was quarterback and tri-captain of the football team in 1969-70 and was selected as an All League football player. He was All League Honorable Mention for basketball and was Captain of the basketball team. David was voted Outstanding Athlete of the Year and received the Steve Fordham Award for 1969-70.

David’s accolades and activities were not limited to sports. A member of the JROTC, David received the Best Drilled First Year Cadet Medal in 1968-69. He was a member of Thespians and served as Thespian Clerk during his junior year. He was also named to the Honor Roll during his senior year.

After leaving SMA, David was an active member of the Louisiana National Guard and graduated from Officer Candidate School as a U.S. Army, Infantry 2nd Lieutenant. David holds a M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University. In 1973 he established Deep South Insurance Services. Thirty-five years later when David sold the business, it was the largest independent managing general agency for insurance in the U.S., with offices in 10 states. Deep South Holdings/Disiere Holdings, the parent company, employed over 500 people worldwide and holds operations in the U.S., India and China. David continues to own and operate the remainder of his business ventures as the C.E.O. of Disiere Holdings, Limited Partnership. Disiere Holdings is active in oil and gas exploration, production and well service operations, real estate, agriculture, aviation and new automobile dealerships.

David is married to Teresa Disiere. The couple has two sons, Hunter and Taylor. David and Teresa are deeply involved in a number of community and charitable activities across Texas and the nation. He is especially proud of the David and Teresa Disiere Foundation and their involvement with the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas, on which both serve in the Leadership Council. In addition, David is an active member of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas.

David credits much of his success to the lessons in discipline and leadership learned at San Marcos Academy.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

William Neal “Oscar” Davis entered the Academy from Richland, Texas in 1928 as a seventh grader. As an Upper School student he earned three letters in football and three in baseball and was also a reserve on the basketball team. He was Captain of both the football and baseball teams and was named to the All-City football team as a senior.

During the three years he played on the Academy football team thy won 19, lost 2 and tied three games. Davis was an outstanding pitcher on the baseball team and on May 13, 1930, struck out 19 of the 21 put outs in the game. According to available records, the Academy baseball team won 27 and lost 13 games during his career. He graduated in the Class of 1932. He commanded Company B as a junior, was Cadet Major and Battalion Commander as a senior and was awarded a sabre as the Best Student Officer in 1931.

Mr. Davis was killed in action in World War II during the Normandy Invasion on July 26, 1944. He was 35 years of age at the time of his death.

Source: induction ceremony speech

George Eeds and his brother, Walter (Class of 1963), attended the Academy while their parents lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. George entered as a sophomore in 1957 and remained until graduation in 1960.

Sports highlights of George’s three years at the Academy include lettering in Football two years, serving as Football Captain one year, membership in the “A” Association, lettering in Basketball two years, lettering in Baseball one year, serving as Baseball Team Captain one year, and playing on the All-Southwest Academic League Baseball Team for two seasons. In 1960 George led the squad with a .444 batting average and did not commit a single error throughout the season in which he played in every inning of every game!

In addition, George served on the Student Council and was elected Junior Class Vice President and Senior Class President. During his junior year, he was a Junior Class Usher. George was selected as the Home Economics Club Beau his junior year. While George was enrolled, the military unit at the Academy was National Defense Cadet Corps, similar to our Junior ROTC program. George was a member of the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Club his junior year, and was a member of Company “A” which was designated as the Honor Company. His senior year George was “A” Company Commander and participated in the Officers Club. Most importantly, George met his future bride while enrolled at San Marcos Baptist Academy.

After graduating from the Academy, George tried out for the Austin Senators minor league baseball team and made third cut before graduating from Texas A&M in 1965 with a Civil Engineering and Architecture degree. He then served as an Army Armor and Engineer officer, earning a Bronze Star during the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam.

Following discharge, George applied his engineering and construction experience in Houston, Katy and later in and around the Lake Travis area. Active in all of his communities, George has

• volunteered at his church and coached athletic teams.
• He was an active member for the Lions Club and
• He chaired the School Board and City Charter Commission for Lago Vista.

Following retirement in 2016, George remains active in athletics and is a volunteer aircraft pilot for the Veterans Airlift Command, a Wounded Warrior project.

George and his wife, Susan are both Lifetime Members of the SMBA Alumni Association. They have two daughters, both Texas Tech graduates, and five grandchildren.

Carl Bragg and Keith Kosan became the newest SMA Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Carl Bragg (1968) played football four years, lettered and started three years, playing both offensive guard and defensive end all three seasons. He was on the 1965 and 1966 Texas Preparatory League (TPL) Championship team, received the only “Best Blocker” award in SMA history, was All League Offensive Lineman. As 1968 Co-Captains of the football team, Bragg along with Dale Cardwell ‘68, led the team in a victorious season in which the bears were both undefeated and untied. Bragg also lettered two years in Boxing and is perhaps better known as the First Runner Up in the State Light Heavyweight Champion competition in 1967 and 1968. Outside of the sports arena, Carl served as Sophomore Class Secretary. He was selected by his peers as Freshman Class Favorite, Sophomore Class Favorite and Senior Personality. Bragg was JROTC platoon leader, then Second Battalion Commander his senior year.

A Three-Sport Letterman, Keith Kosan (1976) lettered in football, basketball and track. Keith’s awards include All Texas Catholic Interscholastic League (TCIL) Defensive Back, Best Signal Caller in State, First Team Quarterback, Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Team and TCIL Prep All Star. Keith served as Captain of the Football team and Basketball Co-Captain. Keith was an All-American Player also named to the Southern Preparatory Conference (SPC) All Tournament Team, Private School State Championship Team, Southwest Preparatory Conference All-Loop Team. During his senior year, Keith netted 30 points per game on the basketball court to become the High Point Man and led the Bears with over 1,000 yards passing and 600 steps rushing on the gridiron. Coach Johnny Anderson declared Keith “Best quarterback in the SPC” and Athletic Director James Slaughter, proclaimed Keith as the “key to offense and defense.” Also excelling in the JROTC, Keith attained the rank of Captain, served as platoon leader and participated in the Zouaves Drill Team. Revered by his classmates, Keith was Most Handsome Nominee and Class Favorite during his Jr. and Sr. years.

The pre-game induction ceremony took place during Homecoming 2007, which was also celebrated as the Academy’s Centennial. Bragg and Kosan join the prestigious group, including the Mile Relay Team of 1925 and 21 individuals previously inducted into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

San Marcos Baptist Academy
Academy Traditions
Winter 2007
Page 3

Mrs. Katherine Vause Lepine was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on September 27, 1997. This award was established in 1984 to honor the most outstanding athletes in academy history and has been presented annually since that date. In 14 years, only one other female has been inducted. Katherine Vause LePine is a 1978 graduate of the academy, a native or Blanco, Texas. She was a member of the 1977 and 1978 volleyball, tennis and track teams and, in 1977, earned the three sport varsity letter award. In 1978 she again lettered in basketball, was the track team captain, and was named best all around girl athlete. After her SMBA career, LePine attended Baylor University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of fine arts, and subsequently earned a master of science in education. Following three years of teaching she married and is now the mother of three children: Luke, age 9, Lincoln, age 6 and Chantal, age 3. Currently she teaches elementary school at Berkshire County Christian School in Stockbrige, Massachusetts.

San Marcos Baptist Academy
Academy Traditions
Winter 1997
Page 5

The first induction ceremony of the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame was held at Homecoming in September of 1984, when Jack Quirey (1945), Don Mooney (1971), and the 1925 Mile Relay Team were honored. On October 5, 1985, Don Mafrige 1955, became the third individual to be inducted into the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

A four sport letterman, playing football four years and lettering three, Don also lettered three times in track, twice in basketball and once in tennis. In addition, Don played one year of baseball.

He was a member of the All-District and All-State football teams the 1953 and 1954 seasons. An article in the school newspaper credited Don and another teammate with “stopping almost every play over the line and around the ends” during the 1953 All-District game. Don served as Vice President of the “A” Association during his junior year and football team captain his senior year.

During 1953-54, Don placed third in the 880-yard run qualifying the track team to advance to the State meet, in which they placed third. Don played center for the basketball team, which carried home the runner-up trophy for the State Academic League championship in 1953-54. He also competed in shot put and discus events the following year.

In addition to his involvement in athletics, Don served as Senior Class President and “B” Company Commander. He participated in numerous clubs and activities to include Cue and Curtain, Student Council, Non-Com Club, Officer’s Club, Waiter’s Club, and the junior and senior plays.

After graduating from the Academy, Don earned his Bachelor’s from the University of Texas and retired from the Army as a Colonel. Don is active in Real Estate, as owner of Don Mafrige Enterprises. He married his high school sweetheart, the former Nancy Mauney, also a graduate of the San Marcos Academy Class of 1955.

Source: Academy records

Ron Mafrige ’55, An historic first in Academy history was recorded as two brothers, Steve and Ron Mafrige, were inducted into the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2010. The men join their brother, Don Mafrige, a 1985 inductee into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ron entered San Marcos Academy as a third grader and attended 9 years, graduating in 1955.

During his Academy career, Ron played six sports: football, baseball, basketball, swimming, tennis and track. He served as the Sergeant-At-Arms in the “A” Association and earned three letters in football. In 1953, Ron was named All-District and All-State in football.

During his senior year at SMA, Ron commanded Company “C” and served as Vice President of his class.

Following graduation, Ron earned a degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University, where he would later became one of the initial members of that university’s Alumni Hall of Honor.

Ron served in the U.S. Army, training Green Berets to become Medics before serving in Vietnam. After serving on active duty, Ron spent 14 years in the Army Reserves and attained the rank of Major.

In 1968, Ron established Mafrige Enterprises, a real estate firm which he owns and operates. He credits his commercial real estate success to decades of involvement in charitable work. His passion extends from the theatre program through academia to the athletic programs.

An active supporter of his alma maters, Ron previously served on the Board of Directors for San Marcos Academy and currently serves on the Board of the Sam Houston College of Business. He has established over one million dollars in scholarships for the schools.

In addition, Ron volunteers with Crime Stoppers, Make-A-Wish Foundation and over a dozen other organizations, foundations and charitable boards including St. Jude, Santa Maria Hostel and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In 2008, Ron was awarded the Nash Community Leader Award.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

Steve Mafrige ’54, An historic first in Academy history was recorded as two brothers, Steve and Ron Mafrige, were inducted into the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2010. The men join their brother, Don Mafrige, a 1985 inductee into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Steve Mafrige attended SMA for 6 years, graduating in 1954. During his high school years, Steve earned two letters in football and one in track and was a member of the SMA football team’s “A” Association. In 1953, Steve received State Academic League Honorable Mention in football. He was named to the All District and All State football teams for the 1953 season.

Steve was also elected Student Council president during his senior year at the Academy and served as Commander of Company “C”.

Based on his personality, character, leadership, friendliness, service and scholarship, a student-faculty committee selected Steve as one of SMA’s Best All-Around Students for 1954.

Prior to earning the bid for Student Council president, a reporter for the Laurel, our school newspaper, quoted Steve, saying “He plans to develop his love for arguing and go to Texas University for a pre-law major.” Steve did just that! He earned degrees in Business Administration and Law at the University of Texas in Austin.

While a student at UT, Steve was a member of the ROTC. Afterwards he served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant. Steve resigned his commission from the Army Reserve in 1970, with the final rank of Captain.

Steve practiced law for 33 years and established the law firm of Mafrige & Kormanik. He was a member of the Houston Bar Association, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, the State Bar of Texas, American Trial Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association. He was licensed to practice in the State of Texas and the Federal Courts until his retirement in 1994.

Steve is currently active in family investments, real estate and ranching. He is treasurer and past president of the Fellowship Club of Houston. Steve served on the Vestry at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Houston for 3 years. He is currently a member and serves on the church council of St. Paul Orthodox Church, which he helped to establish.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

On October 10, 1929, Eugene “Hoot” Masur ’29, became the 16th inductee into the San Marcos Baptist Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

Eugene Beady “Hoot” Masur was born in Lockhart, Texas in November 1908 and came to the Academy in 1927 as a junior. Mr. Masur graduated from the Academy in 1929 and then entered Howard Payne College on a football scholarship and graduated from Howard Payne in 1933 with a B.A. degree. He later attended Southwest Texas State University where he received his Masters degree in Education. Mr. Masur was an outstanding coach with enviable records in the following schools: Putnam, Lockhart, El Campo, Wharton Junior College, Cuero and New Braunfels. He also served as High School Principal in Floresville and later as Superintendent in Mathis for 11 years and eventually moved back to Lockhart and took a position as Junior High Principal in Bastrop. After retirement, he still needed something to do so he ran for Justice of the Peace in Pct. 1 of Caldwell County, an office he held for 10 years.

As a student at the Academy, Hoot lettered in baseball, basketball, track and football both years 1927 – 29. As football captain in his senior year, he led the team in scoring. The yearbooks and student newspapers from 1927 through 1929 were packed with the name Hoot Masur because of his athletic skills.

Source: induction ceremony speech

Michael David “Mike” Quirey ’69, graduated from San Marcos Academy in 1969 and from Southwest Texas State University and TWU. He and his wife, Joy, have two sons, Russell and Matthew, and they live in Blackwell, Oklahoma where Mike is in private practice as a physical therapist. He is also head of the Physical Therapy Department at the Ponca City, Oklahoma Hospital and conducts seminars in several states for chiropractors and physical therapists in the use of their equipment. He is active in civic and church work and frequently preaches in local churches. Mike’s parents are Jack and Ramona Cavness Quirey, SMA graduates of 1945. His grandmother is Mrs. Maurine Cavness, former Academy First Lady and his late grandfather was former Academy President Raymond Cavness. His aunts and uncles and many other members of his family also attended the Academy.

Mike was Senior Personality in his senior year and Captain of the Football and Basketball teams. He lettered in Football, Basketball, and Track in the 1968-69 school year and led the 1969 football team to the undefeated championship.

We welcome Mike Quirey as a 1986 inductee to the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

J.D. Ross ’34, graduated from San Marcos Academy in 1934 and later attended Ouachita College and Marion Institute. He served as Captain in the Army in World War II and was wounded in France in the invasion at Normandy. He received the Silver Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He has served on the Board of Stewards at the Munger Place Methodist Church in Dallas and the Nashville, Arkansas Church. He is a 32nd Degree Mason and in 1978 he and Mrs. Ross were selected the “Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.” They have one son, Bob Ross, and today live on a working ranch in Lockesburg, Arkansas.

In his senior year at the Academy, J.D. was President of the Senior Class and selected as the Senior Favorite Personality. In Athletics he lettered in football and basketball in 1932, 1933 and 1934 and was the recipient of the Gold Medal Award for the Outstanding Athlete of the 1933-34 school year.

We welcome J.D. Ross as a 1986 inductee into the San Marcos Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

Benjamin SoRelle ’32, The name Jelly SoRelle was a well-known name to baseball fans in the late 30’s and 40’s. Benjamin Boyd “Jelly” SoRelle was truly one of the Academy’s most outstanding athletes. The nickname “Jelly” was given to him when he was a mascot for one of the Southwest Texas athletic teams. The name followed him the rest of his life. Jelly enrolled at SMA in 1929 and remained at the Academy until his graduation in 1932. During those three years, Jelly lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1929-30 he was the quarterback in football, leading scorer in basketball, and both pitcher and shortstop in baseball. The next year, his junior year, he was co-captain on the football team and was named to the All City team. That year he was also basketball captain, high point man and named to the All City team. During that junior year he continued to shine as pitcher. Then in 1931-32, he again lettered in all three sports and was co-captain of the football team. It is no wonder that he was named as Outstanding Athlete during these years.

After graduation Jelly enrolled in Baylor University where he lettered in baseball for three years, basketball for two years, was captain in his senior year of both baseball and basketball, and was named to the All-Southwest Conference teams in both sports. It is not a surprise that Baylor University inducted him into their Baylor Hall of Fame in 1981.

In 1937, Jelly signed a baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. He played for the Dallas Rebels, a farm team of the White Sox; the Toledo Club, which was a Triple A team with the St. Louis Browns; and then later with the San Antonio Missions. During the 40’s he served as a naval equipment officer and coach of the naval station baseball teams and left the service with the rank of Lt. Commander. It was then that Jelly returned to Baylor University as head baseball coach and business manager of athletics in 1954. Under his leadership, SoRelle’s Baylor baseball teams placed second in 1954, third in 1955 and second in 1956.

At the time of his death on December 7, 1957, a former fellow athlete, Dr. W.J. Wimpee, Baylor chaplain said Jelly had the ability to win with humility and to lose with honor. Many said that Jelly was a fine gentleman in athletics.

Source: induction ceremony speech excerpt

Jessie Turner (’39), Seguin, became the fifteenth SMBA exe inducted into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame in Homecoming pre-game ceremonies. He was chosen from a field of four nominees by a panel of three exes already named to the honor.

As a student, Turner lettered three years in football, basketball, and baseball, helping bring all three sports to Southwest Academic League championships, and ran track for the SMBA Cubs. He was a member of the “A” Association all three years and was voted Best All Around Boy in 1938.

Turner’s years in SMBA athletics were exciting. He played football when the Cubs won three consecutive championships (’37, ’38, ’39), remembering especially the 1937 season.

“We were not scored on until the last game of the season,” Turner remembers of that year. “We scored 201 points against 12 for our opponents.”

In the last game of his senior Turner made one of three Cubs’ touchdowns contributing to the defeat of San Antonio’s Central Catholic and a tie with TMI and St Anthony for the 1938 championship. It was the third consecutive year for the honor, which they again earned outright in 1938 with Turner playing quarterback as a post-graduate student.

Turner is also credited with a great deal of skill in helping make the Basketball Cubs runners-up in his senior year.

“Playing a smooth brand of basketball the entire season, the Green and Purple basketeers finished second in the Southwest Academic League,” the 1939 Crest (SMBA yearbook) says. “Led by Captain Jeff Beaty and paced in scoring by Jesse Turner, the Cubs won most of their tussles.” The next year, as a post-graduate student, he did help the team to the title.

Another real highlight in Tuner’s memories of SMBA is his part of the Cubs’ 1938 Baseball Championship. “I hit a homerun off of Clint Hartung in 1938 to win the championship,” he remembers. “Hartung went on to pitch for the New York Giants.”

The Ex-Student’s Council seeks your assistance in making nominations for future Hall of Fame selections. Please make nominations by completing the form on page 6.

San Marcos Baptist Academy
Academy Traditions
Winter 1992
Page 1

Ralph Wolf, San Marcos Baptist Academy 1918 graduate, was inducted posthumously into the S.M.B.A. Athletic Hall of Fame on October 30, 1993.

Mr. Wolf, whose nickname was Coyote, lettered in Baseball, Basketball, Football and Track from 1915 – 1918. Perhaps his greatest accomplishments were on the track field where he set a state record in the 220 and 440-yard dashes. Some comments in the school papers back in 1915 – 1918 were: “Ralph Wolf lead our ever victorious basketball team. He is one of the fastest guards in prep basketball. His work was always an inspiration to his men.” Another article said, “When the season opened everyone was glad to see “Coyote” back on the field for they knew what a team with him could do. Coyote was fastest man on the team and about the fastest halfback in any prep school in the state. The team showed their confidence in him by electing him captain for the next year.” Still another article said that, “much of the success of the basketball team this year is due to Captain Wolf.”

Many other comments can be found in our school papers form that era, but these few provide us with enough information to be assured that he has earned himself a place in our Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation, Mr. Wolf played football and ran track at Baylor University. After Graduating from Baylor University, he became coach and athletic director at Baylor.

Source: induction ceremony speech