CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — More than five hundred people gathered at the American Bank Center for the first Coastal Bend Sports Hall of Fame and Awards Show on Thursday.
Four inductees that were honored are legendary figures in sports--starting a new tradition for the region.
Visit Corpus Christi President and CEO Brett Oetting said they went through a nomination process to determine who to induct.
"There were multiple meetings over many months discussing the merits of each person and the impact that they made not just on Corpus Christi, but the nation, and in some cases, the world," Oetting said.
The four inductees were Eugene Upshaw, a former pro football player; Phil Danaher, Texas' all-time winningest high school football coach; Kitty O'Neil, a famous stuntwoman; and Amy Acuff, a five-time Olympian.
Acuff attended in-person while others were represented by their loved ones.
"The families are so appreciative to keep their memory alive and for us to honor them," Oetting said.
Acuff graduated from Calallen High School in 1993 and went to the University of California, Los Angeles on a track scholarship. Competing in high jump, she won multiple NCAA championships and competed in five Olympic Games between Atlanta in 1996 and London in 2012.
"You're never guaranteed anything," Acuff said. "So, it's always the journey the drive to get there, and then to have the dreams realized is unspeakable joy."
Danaher was head football coach when Acuff attended Calallen High School. She said Calallen had high-quality sports, which continues today. She credits her parents and experience in youth sports for her success.
"I wouldn't be here without that, so my wish is that that continues for kids out there now," Acuff said.
Oetting said this will be an annual event at the end of the school year. It will continue to recognize the best high school athletes in the Coastal Bend and add a new class for the Hall of Fame.