On Friday Jan. 17, 2020, West Texas A&M University Athletics hosted the Hall of Champions Gala at Legacy Hall in the Jack B. Kelly Student Center. Several former buff athletes and members of the athletic department were honored.

The inductees included Rick Cooper, Alyssa Lemos, Dylan James, Randy Matthews, Holly Troth and Dustin Vaughn. 

“What I remember most about are the people the friends that I have to this very day that I got to play with, we got to sweat with, that we got to do all these things and to be able to go and do it for the university and have fun doing it with friends…lifelong friends, guys that I will be friends with for a long, long time,” said Dustin Vaughn, inductee and former quarterback for the Buffs. 

Vaughn led the Buffs to the division II playoffs twice during his time at WTAMU. Vaughn also signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 2014. He is currently the Director of Player Personnel and the NFL Pro Scout Liaison for Stephen F. Austin University. 

“We have a long tradition at WT of excellence not only in education, in athletics, but also in athletic training,” said Randy Matthews, inductee and former athletic trainer. 

Matthews along with the other honorees reflected on their beloved memories and time they spent at WTAMU. Those inducted were the 33rd class to be honored for their achievements as part of the athletic department. 

“It [WTAMU] gave me the chance to meet lifelong friends, improve my career skills, meet tons of student athletes, wonderful travel adventures, and make friends I’ll have for the rest of my life,” said Holly Troth, inductee and former senior associate athletic director. 

Along with honorees, The Legacy Award is also given during the ceremony to an individual or organization that have greatly contributed to WTAMU Athletics. This year, the award was given to Arthur and Lela Mae Stovall. The Stovalls contributed to the establishment to women’s athletics for the university. Their daughter, Allene Stovall, who coached a number of women’s sports teams at WTAMU and is known for being a pioneer of women’s athletics for the university accepted the award in her parent’s honor. 

“This class is comprised of individuals who were each champions, whether it was on the field of play, in the classroom, or in their life after they left West Texas A&M and they have become a part of the fabric that comprises WT Athletics and its great tradition,” said Kent Johnson, associate athletic director for facilities & event operations. 

Each inductee has a number of accomplishments that have contributed to the betterment of WTAMU athletics and have gone on to obtain outstanding careers after their time as a Buff. Inductee and former softball player for the Lady Buffs, Alyssa Lemos is currently an OBGYN and focuses on labor and delivery. Dylan James, former baseball player for the Buffs went on to sign a minor league agreement with the Houston Astros where he spent two years. James is currently a member of TSA for the Denver International Airport. 

“This is an unbelievable accomplishment, I’m humbled and honored to be selected to be inducted. You know, I’m with a group of people being inducted and right now that are just unbelievable,” said Vaughn.