BROWNWOOD – May 29, 2025 – Howard Payne University hosted members of the Athletics Hall of Fame in Brownwood on May 17 for several memorable events including the unveiling of a new HPU Athletics Hall of Fame at the Brownwood Coliseum.
HPU alumnus James Williamson ’70, a member of the Hall of Fame inducted in 2018, gave the lead gift for the new wall of honor in the Coliseum. Additional donors contributed to the project, which includes new zinc plates for each of the 143 Hall of Fame members, as well as a digital interactive display with photos and biographies for the athletes. The Brownwood Coliseum is the primary facility for HPU basketball and volleyball games.
“We are thankful for the generous donors who gave to support this project and celebrate these distinguished athletes,” said Dr. Cory Hines ’97, university president. “The Athletics Hall of Fame honors the best of the best and we are proud of this new display that gives visible recognition to their accomplishments. The Hall of Fame weekend was a wonderful time of celebration for the HPU family and we look forward to this event continuing to grow.”
Additional events during the weekend included a Hall of Fame brunch for current members where members of the athletic staff gave updates on athletic achievements in the 2024-2025 academic year. A banquet was also held at the Brownwood Coliseum to induct three new members into the Athletics Hall of Fame: Lowell Bishop ’63, track; James Hall, basketball; and Dr. Larry Nickell, administrator. The new Yellow Jacket Club was also introduced, as a board to support athletics at HPU. The officers will be President Tim Brasher ’95, a member of the Hall of Fame inducted in 2015, and Vice President David Grooms.
The public is invited to view the new Hall of Fame display at the Brownwood Coliseum during events or by request. Please reach out to the HPU Athletics Department at tdrummond@hputx.edu or by calling 325-649-8103.
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Cutline 1: A ribbon cutting was held for the new HPU Athletics Hall of Fame at the Brownwood Coliseum on May 17. Pictured (left to right) Gregg Fisher; Vicky Fisher; Dale Fisher ’61, Hall of Fame member; Dr. Cory Hines ’97, university president; and James Williamson ’70, Hall of Fame member.
Cutline 2: The 2025 inductees into the HPU Athletics Hall of Fame were Dr. Larry Nickell, administrator; James Hall, basketball; and Lowell Bishop’63, track.
Cutline 3: Many members of the HPU Athletics Hall of Fame attended the unveiling of the new Athletics Hall of Fame at the Brownwood Coliseum on May 17.