First Athletic Hall Of Honor Announced

SOUTHLAKE – The Carroll ISD Athletic Department created an Athletic Hall of Honor this year to celebrate excellence and salute the contributions of individuals who have made a difference with young people in the community.

The Athletic Department is inducting five inaugural members this year as the first of many excellent figures who have helped shape our outstanding district with their exceptional contributions. These members were nominated and chosen by the Athletic Hall of Honor committee.

“The individuals selected have had a tremendous impact laying the foundation for the program and for the current success of CISD Athletics,” Carroll athletic director Kevin Ozee said. “In creating the Hall of Honor, it is our goal to honor the past, protect the tradition, and build for the future.”

The 2011 Hall of Honor Class members include:

Kathy Harston, Girls Basketball Player

Harston was a special talent and led Carroll to its first state championship. Harston played for the Lady Dragons from 1974-76 and led the team to the Class B State title in 1975, and a state runner-up finish her senior year in 1976. The two-time all-state player attended Wayland Baptist University and was named All-American in 1978. She went into coaching following her playing career and was an assistant at the University of Texas for 18 years. Hartson is currently the Basketball Operations Director for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.
Bob Ledbetter, Football Coach, Athletic Director

Ledbetter took Dragon football from anonymity to state powerhouse. Ledbetter arrived in 1979 and drastically changed the culture over the next 17 years. During that time, the Dragons won three Class 3A state championships, 181 games and owned a 72-game regular season win streak. The Dragons run of dominance in 3A was remarkable, as they went 102-3-1. His 1992 state championship team is often regarded as one of the top state champions in Texas history. Ledbetter left the sidelines in 1996 to become Carroll’s athletic director. In 2010, he was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. 
John Lowrey, Teacher, Coach, Principal, Superintendent

Lowrey came to Carroll High School in 1967 and by the time he retired in 1990, there were few roles he hadn’t held. He arrived as head boys’ basketball coach and also served as an assistant coach in several other sports. Along with coaching, he taught math and science at the former Carroll Intermediate School. Lowrey was responsible for starting the Dragon baseball program in 1969 and became high school principal in 1979. He also became the first middle school principal in 1971 and was later named Superintendent in 1988. Since his retirement, Lowrey and his wife Vickie have continued to attend numerous Dragon athletic events.
Jack Johnson, Principal & Superintendent

Johnson is one of the pioneers of Carroll ISD. He was the first principal in 1957 and soon became superintendent in 1958, when Carroll became an independent school district. Over the next 30 years, Johnson was the leader of a district that became built on excellence in all areas. He oversaw the expansion of the district as growth began to take place in Southlake. Johnson retired in 1987, but continued to support the Dragons through various meetings and sporting events. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren in Carroll ISD.
Phil Barber, Volunteer, Supporter

Barber has dedicated the past 33 years to the Dragons. He moved to Southlake in 1978 and has missed only one football game. He serves as a volunteer in the district, selling football tickets at Carroll Senior High School. For the past 25 years, he has helped work the chains at Dragon sub-varsity football games. Barber is also one of the original six members of the Dragon Council, a group of Carroll ISD supporters that formed in 2000. Whether home or away, Barber has a place in the stands rooting for the Dragons. He is generally recognized as the Dragons’ No. 1 fan.

This year’s class will be honored at the Friday, Oct. 28 game against Saginaw at Dragon Stadium. Each year, nominations will be taken and five members will be selected to the Athletic Hall of Honor by a Hall of Honor committee. Once nominated, an individual will stay on the nomination list. Nominees can be coaches, teachers, administrators, athletes, fans, or booster club members who have contributed significantly to Carroll ISD athletic programs.