Wichita Falls ISD Athletes & Contributors Honored at 2023 Nexstar Sports Awards

The Wichita Falls Independent School District came away with many awards at the 2023 Nexstar Sports Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of area athletes and contributors, held on Thursday evening at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

Hall of Fame Inductees: Jerry Fouts & Lindy Berry - Wichita Falls HS Football

Among the most prestigious honors of the evening were the induction of 1973 Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Jerry Fouts and 1998 Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Lindy Berry into the Hall of Fame. Both remarkable figures had a profound impact on Wichita Falls HS football, leaving a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. Their names will forever be etched in the annals of the district's sporting history.

Team Spirit Award: Pride of the Raiders Marching Band - Rider

From the ceremony, "Led by band director Loy Studer and drum major Sarah Johnson, the Pride of the Raiders is over 190 members strong. The band not only dominates on the field and in the stands, but they also excel in the classroom with senior members being granted $3.2 million in college scholarships this year. From their outstanding musical performances to their academic excellence, the Pride of the Raiders has added to its legacy of success and commitment to Rider High School."

Superfan Award: Harvey Kitchens - Wichita Falls HS Baseball Grandparent

The evening also paid tribute to the passion and devotion of fans, and this year's recipient of the Superfan Award was Harvey Kitchens, a beloved grandparent of a Wichita Falls HS baseball player. His unwavering support and boundless enthusiasm have undoubtedly had a positive impact on the players and the entire baseball program.

Large School Female Athlete of the Year: Alinessa Salinas - Wichita Falls HS Soccer

"A threat to score every time she touches the ball, this Lady Coyote is arguably the best finisher in Texoma. Salinas smashed the Old High school record, scoring 45 goals this season – 11 more than the previous mark. Her 45 tallies make her the new WFISD record holder. Salinas also broke a 26-year-old school record for goals in a single game, netting five against Burkburnett in February. Salinas has verbally committed to play collegiately at Stephen F. Austin."

Large School Male Athlete of the Year: Jamarion Carroll - Hirschi

"Carroll leaves Hirschi as one of the best athletes not only in school history, but arguably in WFISD history. As a wide receiver on the football team, Carroll often faced double-teams in his senior campaign. He still caught 42 passes for 833 yards and 12 scores. Carroll averaged 19.8 yards per catch on his way to being named an all-state wide receiver by the Texas Sports Writers Association. This Texoma Talent will continue his football career at SMU.

On the basketball court, Carroll earned district offensive player of the year honors after averaging 10.5 points per game and leading the Huskies to the Class 4A regional tournament for a second straight year.

Carroll was also a part of Huskies’ history at the UIL State Track and Field meet. He ran the anchor leg of the 4×100 relay as the Huskies finished with a time of 41.79 seconds, a second-place finish and the program’s first relay medal since 1968."

Play of the Year: Jamarion Carroll - Hirschi

"The Human Joystick – It’s something straight out of a video game: a slant route, a reception and a spinning hurdle. Hirschi’s Jamarion Carroll left a would-be defender in the dust on a 90-yard touchdown."

Large School Coach of the Year: Grant Freeman - Wichita Falls HS Football

"The Coyotes took advantage of UIL reclassification, dropping down to class 4A and finally picking on teams their own size. Freeman led Old High to a 9-5 record, more wins than the previous two seasons combined and the program’s highest win total since 2007. Under Freeman’s guidance, Old High advanced four rounds deep in the playoffs, all the way to the State Quarterfinals. It was the programs longest playoff run since 2013. The Coyotes were the last WFISD football team still standing in the postseason."

Noel Johnson Courage Award: Sierra Anderson

The ceremony also featured a poignant moment when the Noel Johnson Courage Award was posthumously presented to Sierra Anderson, a Wichita Falls HS graduate who displayed incredible bravery during her battle with breast cancer. Sierra's strength and resilience touched the hearts of many, and this award stands as a testament to her enduring spirit.

The 2023 Nexstar Sports Awards was a night of celebration, appreciation, and inspiration, highlighting the indomitable spirit of the athletes and contributors of Texoma schools. These outstanding WFISD individuals and teams continue to make the district proud, their stories will serve as an enduring motivation for future generations to excel in both sportsmanship and life.