HOF SURPRISES 3 ATHLETES WITH $2,500 IN SCHOLARSHIPS; PRESENTS NEW BERT COAN MEMORIAL AWARD
HOF SURPRISES 3 ATHLETES WITH $2,500 IN SCHOLARSHIPS; PRESENTS NEW BERT COAN MEMORIAL AWARD
The Pasadena ISD Athletics Hall of Fame (HOF) committee surprised three athletes from Pasadena Memorial High School with scholarships - each totaling $2,500 - ahead of the organization’s 10th anniversary induction banquet, April 28, at the Pasadena Convention Center.
Sponsored by the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation, the students were selected based on a rigorous application process that required applicants to demonstrate good academic and disciplinary standing, in addition to highlighting their community service contributions.
Representing the Class of 2022, this year’s scholarship recipients are: Greg Caringer, Kaely Richardson and Ben Still.
For the first time since the HOF started in 2012, the committee also unveiled its first memorial scholarship award in honor of PISD Hall of Famer Bert Coan, who passed away this year on February 19 at the age of 81.
Coan, who was inducted into the Pasadena ISD HOF during its inaugural year, played seven pro seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. Coan, who was known for his extraordinary speed, played with the Chiefs when they competed in Super Bowl I in 1967. As a student at Pasadena High School, he played in the All-State football team and was a state champion in track. He was the first Pasadena ISD student or coach to be inducted into the prestigious Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.
“Bert is the type of individual whose memory will continue to live on in history and in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched. The entire committee wanted to do something special to honor his memory while also recognizing these students for their outstanding athletic achievements over the years,” said Bill Barmore, HOF chairman.
The scholarship recipients will be recognized during the HOF induction banquet. Read their bios below.
Greg Caringer, Bert Coan Memorial HOF scholarship recipient
Over the course of his high school career, Greg Caringer has excelled as a student, athlete and community member. He is ranked third in his class, with an impressive 5.34 GPA and is recognized among many for his drive to succeed.
Caringer has achieved many awards as a football player, powerlifter and archer. Caringer was named an All-State Academic Elite Team honoree for academic excellence and one of the top nominees for the Houston Touchdown Club Scholar Athlete of the Year award. He received the Heart of a Maverick award, while also being named team captain his senior year. As a junior, Caringer competed in varsity powerlifting competitions and earned third place during a meet. Caringer also competed in regional and state archery competitions, where his Maverick team was named the Bullseye State Champion for the state of Texas.
The soon-to-be graduate has served multiple leadership roles for several school and community organizations. He was a team captain for his school’s engineering and robotics programs, in addition to serving in various leadership capacities for the Boy Scouts of America, where he completed the Eagle Scout Rank, considered the highest ranking in the program.
In addition, Caringer has participated in many community service projects as a member of the National Honor Society and the National Hispanic Honor Society.
Caringer, who plans to study mechanical engineering when he graduates, is the first student to be honored with the Bert Coan Memorial Scholarship.
Kaely Richardson, Hall of Fame Scholarship Winner
Known by her coaches and teachers for her intellect, positive attitude and commitment, Kaely Richardson is an outstanding student-athlete who is involved in many activities on and off campus.
While maintaining a 4.923 GPA, Richardson has excelled as a volleyball player and powerlifter. She was named the Offensive Player of the Year for District 22-6A and team MVP for the 2021 season. In addition, she earned Academic All-District, First Team All-District and the team Maverick award for the 2020 season. Richardson was also named a two-time regional qualifier on the powerlifting team and she has served as the team captain for the past three years.
“The dedication and determination to better herself and her teammates is a testament to her character and passion for each sport. Not only is she the ideal teammate, she embodies integrity and is a role model for her peers both on and off the court,” Kasie Fernandez, PMHS varsity volleyball coach said.
Richardson is involved in many community service activities outside of school. She coaches young children at the Houston Stellar Volleyball Club as well as Milstead Middle School. When she’s not coaching, she also volunteers at her church.
Richardson has also served leadership roles for the National Honor Society and with the Christians in the Youth program.
She plans to study Exercise Sports Science at Texas State University in hopes of becoming an Occupational Therapist.
Ben Still, Hall of Fame Scholarship Winner
As early as freshman year, Ben Still has been leading the Memorial Mavs basketball and football teams.
He served as team captain of the basketball team all four years of high school and team captain of the football team until his senior year.
Throughout his athletic career, he has achieved many successes. He is a four-time team MVP, two-time All-District student and he also earned All-State Academic and Honorable Mention in basketball.
Still has been involved in many community service activities outside of school. He has mentored and coached many students over the years at basketball conditioning campus, in addition to reading to students weekly. From 2017 to 2020, Still participated in a service project for the Southeast Houston community where he repaired homes for the elderly. He also assisted with clean-up efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Still has participated in various basketball programs, such as AAU Basketball, where he had the opportunity to travel while playing for about five years. He has also served as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.
Still holds a 3.7 GPA and plans to study Sports Management in hopes of one day becoming a coach.
To learn more about Pasadena ISD’s 10th anniversary Athletics Hall of Fame event, please click on the hyperlink. If you are interested in making a donation to the Bert Coan scholarship fund, please click here.