The Midland Independent School District (MISD) announced the five inductees to be enshrined in its Hall of Legends for 2023 on Sept. 6. This year’s group includes sports journalist Terry Williamson, football star Tyrone Thurman and coaches Barry Russell, Jesse Benavidez and Terri McColloch, according to a press release.
“Every other year, Midland ISD recognizes outstanding individuals and teams that have excelled in MISD athletics,” the district said in the release. “Student-athletes, coaches, teams, benefactors and supporters have all been enshrined in the MISD Hall of Legends.”
Per MISD, Williamson was a journalistic fixture at games, matches and competitions in Midland and the Permian Basin for 41 years.
He entered the world of sports media in 1972 after serving in the Vietnam War and went on to craft a multi-decorated career as a staff member of Midland-Reporter-Telegram.
Thurman powered the offense for the Rebels program for what was formerly known as Lee High School, the district said.
The 5-foot-3 speedster graduated in 1985 with nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, subsequently taking his talents to Texas Tech University (TTU) where he reunited with head coach Spike Dykes.
As a Red Raider, the release said, Thurman used the same speed at Lee to prove an effective special teams weapon on punt returns.
His pro career consisted of suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys and stints in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League.
Russell is best known for leading the Midland Bulldogs baseball team to the 2001 Class 5A state championship and the distinction as one of the best programs ever in Texas high school athletics history, per MISD.
All of Benavidez’s lengthy baseball coaching career was spent in MISD, highlighted by his string of 10 straight District Coach of the Year wins as Lee’s skipper, the release said.
McColloch was responsible for the establishment of the Midland volleyball program, according to the release.
The district said the quintet will be honored before the start of the highly anticipated annual rivalry game between Midland and Legacy on Oct. 27.