1973 champion football team recognized

The 1973 Dripping Springs High School District 29A football champions were honored in pregame activities last Friday, marking the 50th anniversary of the accomplishment.

All of the planning and details were taken care of by Assistant Athletic Director Marisa Tuzzi and Athletic Administrative Assistant Karen Andrus. Former Tiger Allen Spence took the lead in contacting all his teammates, passing out the necessary information and getting commitments from them to come. This was especially sentimental for me as the coach of the 1973 team.

That season’s team was known for great students and talent. Many of their accomplishments can still be seen sprinkled throughout school records. One has not been matched to date: Allen Spence and Jay Pittman are the only two backs for the Tigers to rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season. Tony Bess held the punting record until a couple of years ago.

The original 1973 team consisted of 28 players — five of which have passed away. Twelve were in attendance: Russell Andrus, Dale Bassford, Tony Bess, Brett Bray, Steve Houle, Bill Hyde, Ricky Lindholm, Jay Pittman, Allen Spence, Dean VandeHey, David Walker and Denny Williamson. Some of my former coaching staff — Poe Shelton and Tom Wells — were also in attendance.

Thanks to Blake Barington, the school athletic records will now be kept up to date on the athletic website. Barington’s father was a coach, and he has served as an athletic public relations person.