The Southeast Texas Coaches Association has announced the Class of 2024 Hall of Honor Inductees. Four coaches who have left their mark in Southeast Texas, including Jeff Mathews who was born and raised in Bridge City and created a culture in Vidor that will be the standard going forward.
The induction will take place at the Hall of Honor Banquet on Jan. 27, 2024 at noon at the MCM Elegante in Beaumont. Here’s a little bit about each inductee.
Jeff Mathews, the Bridge City grad who played football at McNeese before going coaching. He spent his last 24 years as the head football coach and Athletic Director at Vidor High School, building the Pirates into a winner and a team that most feared to play because of their toughness.
Mark Williams, longtime Athletic Director, baseball, and football coach at Evadale where he had tremendous success in both sports. His Rebels won State in baseball in 2000 and made a return trip to the finals in 2010. He had a record of 411-205 in baseball and 129-103 in football with stops also in Silsbee, Beckville, Buna and Warren.
Bruce Vaughn started coaching in 1969 and he coached in Texas and Arkansas. But his stamp on coaching in Southeast Texas was during his time at Hardin-Jefferson as basketball coach. He led the Lady Hawks to State Titles in 1986 and 1989 and was the runner-up in 1988. His record was 281-58. After he retired from coaching he refereed three sports until he was 70.
Bobby Locke is being credited with taking the SETCA All-Star Weekend to the next level. During Bobby’s tenure as Secretary and President (2011-2018) the association went from one football game to eight games celebrating different sports and hundreds of athletes. Locke coached five sports during his coaching career, spending time at West Rusk, Barbers Hill, CE King, and Goose Creek Memorial.
Coaches of the Year will also be honored at the banquet. Tickets can be bought at the door for $25.
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