Wayland Baptist to Honor Coach Tony Wagner
The Plainview university will present the longtime educator with a Pioneer Alumni Educator Award on October 23, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Awards
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Wayland Baptist University will recognize alumnus Tony Wagner with a Pioneer Alumni Educator Award during its Blue & Gold Awards Banquet. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 23, 2026, as part of the school's annual homecoming festivities.
Why it matters
The award honors graduates who have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to their communities through roles in teaching or educational administration. Wagner, a 1996 university graduate, has been a prominent fixture in high school coaching for decades.
Coach Tony Wagner has secured 543 career basketball wins, 22 district championships, and 13 District Coach of the Year awards. He additionally earned four Avalanche-Journal Coach of the Year honors during his tenure at Estacado High School.
The players
Tony Wagner
He is a 1996 graduate of Wayland Baptist University who has coached at Estacado High School since 2000.
Wayland Baptist University
It is a private university located in Plainview that is hosting the upcoming Blue & Gold Awards Banquet.
The details
Wagner is a 1996 graduate of the university and was previously a three-time All-American high jumper. He has coached at Estacado High School since 2000, leading his teams to 22 district titles and one state championship.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: RSVP deadline for the banquet
October 18-25, 2026: Wayland Homecoming '26 festivities
October 23, 2026: Blue & Gold Awards Banquet
Culture Shift
The selection of Tony Wagner for the Pioneer Alumni Educator Award continues a long-standing university tradition of recognizing professional excellence among its alumni base. This honors the transition of former student-athletes into long-term community leadership roles.
Residents and alumni wishing to attend the event must complete the online reservation process before the October 12 deadline. The banquet serves as a central component of the broader homecoming activities happening in Plainview during late October.
The takeaway
Recognizing educators who provide decades of service highlights the lasting impact of alumni on regional community development. Local supporters can participate in these celebrations by engaging with campus homecoming schedules.
What happens next
Guests planning to attend the Blue & Gold Awards Banquet must submit an online RSVP by the deadline of October 12, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on university recognition programs, visit the Awards section.
More information
Complete the banquet event reservation and meal RSVP to secure a seat at the ceremony.
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