San Angelo to Honor 1966 State Championship Team

The district will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic football season on October 30.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Awards

San Angelo to Honor 1966 State Championship Team

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San Angelo Independent School District will recognize the 1966 Central High School state championship football team on October 30, 2026. Approximately 15 members of the historic squad are expected to attend the festivities at San Angelo Stadium.

Why it matters

The event serves to honor the legacy of the 1966 team, which secured the Class 4A state title for Central High School. The commemoration marks the 60th anniversary of the historic championship season.

The 1966 team finished their championship season with a 13-1 record after defeating Spring Branch 21-14. Head coach Emory Bellard compiled a 59-19-2 record during his tenure at Central High School starting in 1960.

The players

Emory Bellard

He served as the head coach of the 1966 Central High School football team and achieved a 59-19-2 record during his time with the school.

San Angelo Independent School District

This is the governing body responsible for overseeing the schools in San Angelo, Texas, and organizing the upcoming recognition ceremony.

The details

Honorees will participate in a pre-game dinner held in the McCutchen Room at San Angelo Stadium. Following the first quarter of the current Bobcats game, the former players, trainers, and managers will be escorted onto the field for a recognition ceremony.

Coach Emory Bellard began his tenure at Central High School in 1960.
The Central High School team won the Class 4A state title in 1966.
The recognition ceremony takes place on October 30, 2026.

Culture Shift

The recognition of the 1966 championship season follows a pattern set by local traditions honoring historic athletic achievements. Such events highlight the enduring influence of legacy high school programs on modern school spirit and community identity.

Fans attending the Bobcats versus Midland game on October 30 can expect to see the ceremony on the field following the first quarter. Supporters should plan for potential crowds at San Angelo Stadium during this anniversary celebration.

The takeaway

Honoring historic championship teams helps connect current student-athletes with the heritage of their school's athletic program. Residents planning to attend should arrive early at the stadium to accommodate the special pre-game and quarter-break events.