Nexstar Sports Awards 2026: A Gala Celebrating Texoma’s Top Athletes and Coaches

The 2026 Nexstar Sports Awards transformed the D.L. Ligon Coliseum in Wichita Falls into a showcase of regional excellence on Thursday, July 9. Over twenty distinguished honors were presented across high school, college, and team categories, highlighting the talent that fuels the sport landscape of the Texoma area.

Record‑Setting Winners Across Multiple Levels

The night’s lineup of recipients spanned small‑school athletes, large‑school stars, collegiate performers, and coaches who have left an indelible mark on their programs.

• Small School Athlete – Male: Noah Strohman, Holliday High School.
• Small School Athlete – Female: Kenli Atwood, Holliday High School.
• Large School Athlete – Female: Kennedy Smith, Burkburnett High School.
• Class 1A Coach: Adrian Daniel, Munday High School.
• Small School Coach: Nick Powell, Henrietta High School.
• College Athlete – Female: Kerbie Cash, Midwestern State University.
• College Athlete – Male: Parker Plaxco, Midwestern State University.
• College Coach: Michael Meachum, Midwestern State University (assistant Patrick Fitzgerald accepted on his behalf).
• Esprit de Corps: Iowa Park High School softball team.
• Team Spirit: Munday High School cheer squad.
• Team of the Year: Midwestern State University men’s soccer program.
• Noel Johnson Courage Award: Karon Martinson, Woodson High School.
• Large School Coach – Male: James Moseley, Burkburnett High School.
• Class 1A Athlete – Male: Keegan Hayes, Benjamin High School.
• Robert Wilcox Golden Mic Award: Marty McBride.

Beyond individual accolades, the ceremony also recognized teams that exemplify dedication and unity. Iowa Park’s softball squad earned the Esprit de Corps honor for its collective perseverance, while the Munday cheer team captured the Team Spirit award for uplifting the community through performances.

Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2026

Five legendary figures were enshrined in the Nexstar Sports Hall of Fame, linking past glories with today’s athletes.

• Don King – Hirschi High School alum, Texas Tech MVP, and 2008 Texas Tech Hall of Fame inductee.
• Lawrence Williams – Wichita Falls High School’s pioneering Black quarterback, two‑time state champion (1969‑70), Texas Tech star, and NFL veteran with the Patriots, Chiefs, and Browns.
• 2011 Rider Baseball Team – Delivered the school’s first state championship with a 6‑2 win over Corpus Christi Calallen at Dell Diamond.
• David Nelson – Two‑time national champion at the University of Florida, recorded 144 catches for over 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns at Rider High, and logged five NFL seasons.
• Leo Baldwin – Multi‑sport star at Old High (football, basketball, baseball, track), set state records, competed for the University of Texas, and was a 1968 inaugural Texas High School Football Hall of Fame inductee.

The inductions underline a theme of breakthrough moments and sustained excellence that continue to inspire the next generation of athletes in the region.

Looking Forward: What These Awards Mean for the Future

The breadth of categories reflects a growing appreciation for both individual talent and collective teamwork across the Texoma sports ecosystem. By honoring high‑school athletes alongside collegiate stars and coaches, the Nexstar Sports Awards help bridge the pipeline from local fields to larger stages.

As the region prepares for the next cycle of competition, the achievements highlighted on July 9 set a bench‑mark for performance, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Fans and prospective athletes alike can draw motivation from the diverse stories of perseverance, leadership, and triumph that define this year’s honorees.