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A commonly asked question about important events that have happened is “Do you remember what you were doing on a certain date?” If it was something like the JFK assassination or the bombing of the Twin Towers, then one probably does.
If it was a local event, then the local event will probably be remembered when prodded but the date will pass over their heads. So my question is, if you were a Dripping Springs student or a member of the community, what were you doing on March 7-8, 1986?
It probably will not ring a bell but it was a very important event in the history of DSISD sports. On those two days, thirteen student-athletes, one young head coach and many Tiger supporters were attending the Frank Erwin Center to watch and play in the 2A state tourney vying for a state basketball championship.
Now those in attendance will have a clearer memory.
The Tigers, coached by Poe Shelton, a DSHS grad and a vital cog in the first ever Tiger district champion in 1969 were up against seasoned opponents. It would be the Tigers first appearance and it has turned out, the only one. He would be leading a squad that included Pat Leonard, Michael Escobar, Don Childs, Kelby Palmer, Scott Schwartz, Richard Hampton, Jerry Simpson, Mark Simpson, Bryan Simpson, Dennis Grady, Geoff McCartney, Jeff Ahrns and Steve Spencer.
They were sporting a 31-3 record as they took on Gladewater-Sabine in the semis. They prevailed 55-48 to make it to the finals against Morton, a team that already had state championships under their belts. The Tigers were unable to hang with them and dropped the 73-59 decision.
It was just as difficult to earn the right to state in the regional tourney. They eked out a 70-68 win over Shiner and topped off with a 41-30 victory over Thorndale. There were other Tiger teams that had the capability to make it to state but regional proved to be the obstacle they could not overcome.
Anyway, the banner representing this event hangs proudly from the ceiling of the gymnasium. So 40 years have passed. My how time flies. Even so, the 32-4 mark is still the best record in school history and many of their accomplishments still remain in the record book.
Coach Shelton went on to coach for 22 years at DSHS, garnering 441 career wins that included four district championships and eight more playoffs.
