New SWC Exhibit Gallery Now Open at TSHOF

​Stop by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and catch a glimpse of a piece of history you'll never forget.
Whether it's listening to Kern Tips broadcast the 1956 Hurricane Game in the comfort of our newly installed Radio Exhibit, or watching Doak Walker throw, catch, punt and return kicks on our video displays, there's nothing else like it in Texas.
We are proud to bring you a breath taking exhibit solely dedicated to the late and great Southwest Conference (1915-1996).
Our newly renovated 35,000 sq. ft.  facility includes a 30 ft. replica of the Cotton Bowl Stadium, 100 new exhibit cases, and interactive video displays can be found throughout the museum.
As you walk in, you are greeted with the Cotton Bowl exhibit. With 12 yards of real field turf and a video display hosted on a mock score board, you are guaranteed to love our collection of Cotton Bowl games.
The display also pays tribute to the famous Kilgore Rangerettes, documenting the history and presence of the first precision drill team in the world.
Within the gallery nine universities: University of Arkansas, Baylor University, University of Houston, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Christian University, and Texas Tech are recognized.
Each school exhibit contain names and faces of those who graced the field of collegiate competition.

Arkansas Razorbacks
Home of 14 national championship teams, you don't need to be Razorback fan to enjoy Arkansas' rich athletic history. Track & Field Coach John McDonnell’s legendary career (42 National Championships) is chronicled in the Arkansas gallery.

Baylor Bears
Coaches Clyde Hart and Grant Teaff  are the highlights of the Baylor track and football showcases. Mike Singletary's intensity on the field can be seen on our newly installed interactive video displays and Walter Abercrombie's 1981 Cotton Bowl jersey is on display for all to see.

Houston Cougars
Late bloomers, University of Houston joined the conference in 1971 and remained in the conference till its last days. Highlights of Heisman winner Andre Ware can be seen on our 50' flat screen TVs with touch screen navigation. Basketball fans can relive the excitement of the Guy Lewis' "Phi Slamma Jamma" era as well as learn everything there is to know about coach Jack Pardee's "run and shoot" offense.

Rice Owls
Rice University's tribute is richly decorated with collegiate memorabilia; track start Fred Wolcott's uniform worn while breaking Jesse Owens' 220-yard low hurdle record is on display.  A rare 1916 commemorating Rice Institute’s 20-0 victory over Texas A&M can be seen in the football case. The story of how the Rice mascot came to be named Sammy and a life-size replica of the 1917 Rice mascot can be found in the school’s mascot exhibit. 

SMU Mustangs
Claiming six team national championships, Southern Methodist University is home to one of the best college football players of all time, 1948 Heisman winner Doak Walker. Also featured is Jerry LeVias, the first African-American to receive a scholarship to a SWC school. The track and field case also features Olympian Michael Carter’s shot put.

Texas Longhorns
Always a Texas Tradition, University of Texas earned 32 national championship titles during the days of the Southwest Conference. Featuring a variety of athletic accomplishments, the exhibit includes the 1986 women's basketball national championship team picture, Travis Mays' basketball jersey, golf coach Pat Weiss, Eva Murray with her All-American plaque and Earl Campbell’s 1977 Longhorn jersey can be adored by fans of all ages.

Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggie Spirit enthralls you as you get pulled into the 1989 midnight yell practice. Our video library allows you to browse through the Aggies 1986 Cotton Bowl, John Crow highlights, and even yell practice as the Ags prepare for Arkansas. Another unique opportunity for visitors is to see George Kadera's collection of track medals, along with a blanket from the 1920 Dixie Bowl victory over Centre College, the game that started the 12th Man tradition.

TCU Horned Frogs
Horned Frogs everywhere are sure to love our Texas Christian University exhibit. The TCU exhibit welcomes its visitors with a life-size mascot of Superfrog. The exhibit also includes Ki Aldrich's 1939 All-American Blanket, Jordan Reynold's track jersey, shoes and shot put; James Cash’s 1960’s era basketball uniform and tennis coach Bernard "Tut" Bartzen's jacket.

Texas Tech Red Raiders
A variety of coaches and athletes are recognized in the Texas Tech exhibit. Baseball coach Larry Hays' 800 win career at Tech is highlighted along with player Ruben Garcia, whose glove and cap from 1973 is showcased. Basketball Coach Marsha Sharp and player Sheryl Swoopes' careers can both be seen on the video displays as well as in the basketball case.​

​Relive the days of the legendary Southwest Conference by listening to radio broadcasts, watching video highlights and seeing  familiar mascots. Join us in welcoming this wonderful new gallery. Experience the Southwest Conference.
For more information on the gallery and new renovations, please contact Jay Black, curator for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Thank you for your time and consideration.