CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Richard Gillespie is known as a bit of a legend in Robstown ISD sports.
The hometown hero was honored Monday night after the school board made the historic decision to memorialize his legacy by naming the Robstown Early College High School gymnasium after him.
District leaders said the move is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to supporting local student-athletes.
Gillespie has been called the 'heartbeat' of the Cotton town's sports scene for more than 50 years.
"From the bleachers to the press box, Mr. Gillespie’s devotion to Robstown has made him not just a fan, but a genuine icon of our community," read a Facebook post about the Robstown ISD statistician, or 'Stat Man.'
"With over 6,000 games under his belt, Mr. Gillespie’s presence has been felt in every victory and every unforgettable moment on the field—his personal favorite being the moment our Cotton Picker baseball team won their first state championship in ’91."
The district asked the community to take a moment to thank Mr. Gillespie for his years of service, countless hours of dedication, and love for Robstown ISD.
Congratulations from 3NEWS, Mr. Gillespie!
