NFL Stars, Coaches, and Champions Join SAISD Hall of Fame
The San Antonio Independent School District is set to honor six distinguished individuals and one unforgettable high school team at its 11th Annual SAISD Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony, taking place on Saturday, August 9 at 3:30 p.m. at the Alamo Convocation Center, located at 110 Tuleta Drive. The event continues SAISD’s proud tradition of celebrating alumni and contributors who’ve shaped the district’s rich sports legacy and gone on to leave an imprint at the city, state, and national levels.
Class of 2025: Seven Powerful Legacies
This year’s Hall of Fame Class features the late Weldon Humble, Guido Merkens, Ray Davis, Will Hall, Sharon Neugebauer-Shepard, and the 2000–01 Lanier High School boys basketball team, which captivated the city with its deep playoff runs and school pride.
Each inductee brings a unique and inspiring story. Some reached the heights of professional sports, while others changed lives on the sidelines, in the classroom, or through team unity.
Class of 2025 Honorees
Ray Davis
Sam Houston High School / Class of 1983 – Basketball
Ray Davis made his mark at Sam Houston High School as a dominant basketball force in the early 1980s. Known for his leadership on and off the court, Davis helped elevate his team’s competitiveness and left a lasting impact on the program. His success as a high school athlete laid the foundation for future generations of SAISD talent, and his passion for the game continues to inspire.
Willie Hall
Brackenridge High School – Football Coach
A respected figure in SAISD athletics, Willie Hall built a reputation as a tireless and dedicated football coach. His decades of service shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. Known for balancing tough discipline with heartfelt mentorship, Hall led his teams with integrity and vision. His coaching legacy goes beyond wins and losses — it lives in the young men he helped mold into leaders.
Weldon Humble (posthumously)
Brackenridge High School / Class of 1940 – Football
Weldon Humble is a name etched in the early history of professional football. After starring at Rice University, he played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Oilers. A veteran of World War II and a respected figure in both athletics and military service, Humble represents a generation of athletes whose greatness extended far beyond the game. His posthumous induction honors a life of exceptional achievement.
Guido Merkens
Edison High School / Class of 1973 – Football
Guido Merkens became one of the NFL’s most versatile and beloved players, earning fan-favorite status for his multi-position talent. From quarterback to wide receiver to punter, Merkens did it all — primarily with the New Orleans Saints. His roots in SAISD and Edison High School laid the foundation for a professional career marked by grit, humility, and adaptability. He remains a hometown hero and a symbol of possibility.
Sharon Neugebauer-Shepard
Jefferson High School / Class of 1981 – Volleyball
A trailblazer in girls’ athletics, Sharon Neugebauer-Shepard excelled as a volleyball player at Jefferson High School and later contributed to the sport through coaching and advocacy. Her leadership helped open doors for young women in SAISD sports, and her dedication has uplifted generations of female athletes. Neugebauer-Shepard exemplifies excellence and equity in athletics.
Lanier High School – 2000 and 2001 Boys Basketball Teams
This team made history with back-to-back trips to the state finals and cemented its place as one of the greatest high school basketball teams in SAISD history. The Lanier Voks captured citywide attention with their unity, hustle, and determination. They were more than a team — they were a movement, uplifting the Westside and bringing pride to their school and neighborhood. Their legacy still lives in the halls of Lanier and in the memories of the city.
Honoring a Decade of Legacy
The SAISD Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2014 to honor alumni, coaches, and teams who have made significant contributions to sports, both locally and beyond. Since its founding, 47 honorees have been inducted. With this year’s additions, the total will reach 53, each one selected through a community-driven nomination process and a selection committee made up of district leaders and sports advocates.
More Than Just Sports
The ceremony will be open to the public and is expected to draw family members, alumni, coaches, and young athletes eager to be inspired. Past ceremonies have included moving speeches, video tributes, and heartfelt reunions between former players and their coaches.
Looking Ahead
The 11th annual Hall of Fame induction offers not just a celebration of achievement, but a reminder that athletic greatness can start in any SAISD gym, field, or court. These seven new honorees prove that with hard work and heart, SAISD athletes can go anywhere—and take their community with them.
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