Dayton ISD held its annual Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 5, welcoming a new group of honorees at the Dayton High School Performing Arts Centre.
The event, a cherished tradition in the community, was emceed by Larry Wadzeck, who was joined by Superintendent Dr. Jessica Johnson and Suzanne Pruitt Hicks for the presentation of awards. This year’s inductees represent decades of Dayton High School’s rich athletic history and achievements.
The inductees are:
Dan Boone
Dan Boone graduated from Dayton High School in 1951. A standout athlete, he was a three-year letterman in basketball, earning All-District honors and the title of “Most Athletic” in his senior year. Boone played football at Lamar University for four years and was a dedicated teammate on Dayton’s 1949-1951 football teams. His commitment to sports and his teammates is remembered fondly by those who played alongside him, with many still reminiscing about Boone’s contributions to Dayton athletics seven decades later.
Derrick Briggs
The late Derrick Briggs was a star athlete who excelled in four sports—football, basketball, baseball, and track—during his time at Dayton High School. He achieved All-District honors in each sport and was named Newcomer of the Year in baseball. As a senior, he was District Defensive MVP in basketball and led his track team to multiple district titles. At Texas Tech University, Briggs’ work ethic earned him a spot on the football team, where he played for three years and became a starter at quarterback.
Jorge Carranco
Jorge Carranco was a four-year letterman and a specialist in kicking and punting for the Broncos. His near-perfect record of 202 out of 204 extra points stands as a testament to his precision. He earned multiple All-District and All-State honors. His dedication extended beyond the field, as he constantly challenged himself in practices set up his coach, who created innovative drills using trash cans to improve his accuracy. Carranco credits his success to the support of his teammates, especially Mark Campbell.
Randy Denman
Randy Denman was a powerful presence on Dayton’s football team, playing both offensive and defensive line. In his senior year, he recorded 70 tackles, six sacks, and four recovered fumbles, and did not allow a single sack while playing on the offensive line. He went on to play at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he continued to excel. After graduation, Denman pursued a career in coaching, influencing young athletes in the Fort Worth area.
Andy Dewey
A multi-sport athlete and honor graduate, Andy Dewey made his mark in football, basketball, golf, and baseball. He earned All-District honors in baseball for three years and was named District MVP twice. He was a team captain for the Broncos football team and excelled in golf and basketball as a regional qualifier. After graduating, Dewey attended Lamar University, where he continued his athletic career. He now works at the Baylor College of Medicine, using the same leadership skills he developed on the field and court.
Timichael Dugat
Timichael Dugat’s career with the Broncos began in his freshman year when he was named District Newcomer of the Year. He was a four-year letterman and starter in football, earning three All-District Running Back awards and being named District Offensive MVP twice. As a senior, Dugat’s rushing yards placed him as the fourth All-Time Rusher in Texas Class 4A history. His athletic prowess and dedication to the sport were evident every time he took the field.
Justin McQueen
Justin McQueen was a 2005 graduate of Dayton High School and an exceptional dual-sport athlete. He was a district champion in the 400-meter run and a standout football player, earning first-team All-District honors as both a receiver and defensive back. His record-setting senior year included being named District Defensive MVP. McQueen continued his track career at the University of Houston and Texas A&M, where he also earned a starting position on the Aggie football team.
P.J. McGowen
A two-year letterman in basketball and a four-year letterman in track, P.J. McGowen’s crowning achievement was winning the state high jump title with a jump of 6-feet 10 inches. At the University of Texas at San Antonio, McGowen’s jump of 7-feet 1-inch earned him the Southland Conference Indoor High Jump title and the Freshman of the Year award in 2008. He also added long jump to his repertoire, placing among the top jumpers in UT San Antonio history with a long jump of 23-feet 1-inch. He now works as an evangelist, spreading the gospel of Christ.
Lamar Mitchell
Lamar Mitchell was a versatile and hard-hitting linebacker and running back for the Dayton Broncos. His senior year performance earned him recognition as one of Texas’s top 50 high school players. He signed with Texas A&M University, where he continued his athletic career. Today, Mitchell balances family, faith, and his professional life. When asked what he is doing today, Mitchell said, “Kids, work and Jesus.”
Jacob Passmore
Jacob Passmore was a three-time regional qualifier and state qualifier in powerlifting. In football, he was a three-time All-District selection and a captain for the Broncos in his senior year. He played at Abilene Christian College, where he earned All-Conference honors. Now, Passmore operates Koda Insurance Group in Abilene, Texas, where he serves as a Little League coach. He remains active in community service, supporting the Hands and Feet Project in Haiti.
Payton Ploch
Payton Ploch was a four-year letterman for the Broncos and a versatile athlete, transitioning from wide receiver to quarterback in his senior year. He accounted for 37 touchdowns in his final season and was named District Offensive MVP and Greater Houston Class 4A Offensive MVP. His performance included rushing, passing, and receiving touchdowns. Ploch’s contributions were accepted on his behalf by retired Dayton High School Coach Jeff Nations.
Ebony Rivon
Ebony Rivon, an honor graduate and accomplished student-athlete, excelled in volleyball and track. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Texas A&M University and earned her law degree from Georgetown University. Today, Rivon runs her own law firm in Dallas and provides pro bono legal work through her church. During her high school career, she was a state qualifier in the triple jump and a captain of the track team.
Joel Robison
A standout baseball player, Joel Robison was a three-time All-District selection and a leader in wins during his senior year. After graduating, he pitched for Grayson Junior College in Denison, Texas, where his team won the Junior College National Championship. He later moved on to Tarleton State University, where he became an All-Conference pitcher and earned recognition for three consecutive shutouts.
Betty Jo Wisegerber
The late Betty Jo Wisegerber was a trailblazer for women’s athletics in the 1940s. She was a two-year letterman in basketball and a member of the 1949 District Championship team. Wisegerber also shone in tennis, winning the district doubles championship with her partner, Helen Boone. Her contributions extended beyond sports as she served as the drum major of the Bronco Band for three years.
Betty Woods
Betty Woods was a star sprinter and a key member of Colbert High School’s track and field team in the 1960s. She was a multi-year district champion in the 50-yard dash and a state medalist in the 440-yard relay. Woods was also a talented basketball player, earning all-tournament team selections and district championships.
Bryan Williams
Bryan Williams was a cross-country and track star, setting records at Dayton High School that lasted more than two decades. He was a four-time state qualifier in cross-country and a three-time district MVP. After high school, Williams ran at McNeese State University, where he twice placed second in the distance medley relay at the Southland Conference meet.
Will O. and Maureen Moore
Will O. and Maureen Moore were long-time supporters of Dayton athletics. Known for their unwavering loyalty, the Moores were considered pillars of the Dayton sports community. Will O. was instrumental in establishing Spring High School’s football and band programs before moving to Dayton.
Loy Spears
Loy Spears was an enthusiastic supporter of Dayton ISD athletics, attending practices and games to cheer on the Broncos. He was a prominent figure in youth sports and was especially known for his work with the Dayton ISD Athletic Booster Club, where he helped run the annual Oyster Supper Fundraiser.
Suzanne Pruitt Hicks
Suzanne Hicks has been a cornerstone of the Sports Hall of Fame committee and a dedicated supporter of Dayton athletics. A former cheerleader and athlete, she has continued her involvement by organizing and promoting the annual Hall of Fame event.
1949 Girls Basketball Team
The 1949 girls’ basketball team, nicknamed the “Broncoettes,” won the first-ever District Championship for Dayton’s female athletes. Playing half-court basketball under different rules, the team’s success paved the way for the growth of women’s athletics at Dayton High School.
