HAWKINS LEGACY CAMPAIGN

"Our mission is to provide a 'Best in Class' experience for every Lion scholar-athlete. With our core values of Passion, Respect, Innovation, Determination, and Excellence, we are positioned like never before to engage our alumni, friends, and students at Texas A&M University-Commerce in a meaningful way. Our purpose is both singular and paramount - to honor the winningest coach in Lion football history. Coach Hawkins' legacy exemplifies Lion Pride."

Tim McMurray, Director of Athletics

THE HAWKINS LEGACY

Sixty years ago, Ernest Hawkins was first hired at East Texas State University as an assistant football coach.

Hawkins was part of a staff that helped lead the Lions to six winning seasons, three Lone Star Conference championships, two LSC second-place finishes, and Tangerine Bowl victories in 1957 and 1958.

Hawkins worked with then head coach J.V. Sikes to make the Lion offense incredibly potent by mixing in Sikes' T formation power running with Hawkins's penchant for throwing the football. The combination gave the Lions great success during that time, winning conference and bowl championships and sending numerous players to the NFL.

In the spring of 1964, Hawkins was named head coach of the Lions. In only his third year, Hawkins and the Lions won the 1966 Lone Star Conference championship, his first of four. The Lions repeated as conference champions in 1969 and finished second place in 1968. At the end of the 1971 season, Hawkins had notched a record of 40-37-1 with two conference titles, one second-place finish, and four winning seasons.

Heading into the 1972 season, the Lions were picked to finish fourth in the conference, and started out the season with 14-12 loss to rival Abilene Christian University, but then racked up six straight wins to climb into the national polls in the top 5, but then The Lions were upset by Sul Ross State University by a 15-14 score, dropping them out of the top five ranking. The Lions finished the season with wins over Angelo State and Tarleton State. When the final national rankings came out, the Lions were ranked fourth in the nation and invited to the NAIA National Playoffs.

In the first round, the Lions faced the top-ranked team in the nation, the University of Central Oklahoma Broncos. The Lions shocked the nation and routed UCO 54-0 in the national semifinals, earning them a spot in the National Championship game against the second ranked Carson-Newman College Eagles.

On a bitterly cold December day in front of a packed Memorial Stadium, Hawkins' Lions defeated Carson-Newman 21-18 to claim the national title. The Lions were named the National Team of the Year and Hawkins was named both Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year and National Coach of the Year.
 

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HAWKINS FAMILY

In 1964 when Dad became ETSC head football coach, one of his top priorities was to improve the football field, not only for appearance, but also for the safety of the players. With his agriculture degree, he was highly qualified to attack the dirt field. He spent hundreds of hours cultivating a new field, including the practice field northeast of the playing field. Dirt was hauled-in; cotton burrs were hauled-in as mulch. Rocks, glass, and other debris came with the dirt, and that was not acceptable!

As Hawkins children, we were "recruited" to walk side-by-side and pick up anything that did not belong, sometimes twice a day. Every time it rained, or later when Bermuda grass was sprigged and watered, rocks would surface! It seemed to us like the field was growing rocks! We were 10, 12, and 14 at the time; it was a very long summer!

By August 1964, the field was really beautiful. Dad, Boley Crawford, Sam McCord, and Dr. Hawthorne received a complimentary letter from ETSC President James Gee stating that it looked better than he had ever seen it. Dr. Gee complimented the coaches and "all the rest of your help", so we felt recognized. He also "earnestly solicited" that future football practices not be on the newly refurbished playing field. Needless to say, other fields were used for practices after that.

We might also add that before each home game, we were "honored" to help Dad "chalk the field"- somebody had to do it and we were handy. Chalking those lines and numbers taught us lots; and we figure Dad learned additional patience and multitasking skills.

The Hawkins Family certainly has a vested interest in naming Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium.

LuAnne Bourland

Kathy Campbell

Ray Hawkins

All-time high in Lion history - 132 Wins
National Coach of the Year (1972)
NAIA National Champion (1972)
Four-time Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year
Texas A&M University Commerce Athletic Hall of Fame (1988)
Lone Star Conference Athletic Hall of Fame (2004)

PEOPLE SUPPORT WHAT THEY HELP TO CREATE

THE TIME IS NOW
For over 60 years, Coach Ernest Hawkins has been a part of the Lion Football family. His record as a head coach stands unmatched, and his record in building men will remain untouched in the lives of countless individuals. The time is now to unite, do the right thing, and honor Coach Hawkins' commitment and service of over six decades as a Lion. The Lion Athletics department is proud to unveil the campaign to name the field on which he coached his teams to a school record 132 wins, including four Lone Star Conference championships and the 1972 National Championship. This campaign is long overdue and will allow all Lions - past, present and future - to help us carry forward Coach Hawkins' exceptional legacy of Passion, Respect, Innovation, Determination, and Excellence (PRIDE).

How will the donation be utilized?
A gift to the Hawkins Legacy Campaign will be 100 percent invested in capital improvements for our football program, including construction and maintenance of a new locker room facility and team meeting space for football team meetings and instruction.

Is this different than a Lion Champions Fund (LCF) donation?
Yes. LCF donations are annual gifts that assist student-athlete recruiting and capital improvements for our sports programs. LCF dollars directly assist and impact our annual overall athletics budget, while this is a one-time capital gift commitment for football support.

Is the Hawkins family in support of this initiative?
Yes. Our athletics leadership has engaged Coach Hawkins' family. They are strong advocates of the campaign.

What is the timetable for The Hawkins Legacy Campaign?
We must secure a significant number of pledges towards our $420,000 goal prior to field dedication becoming a reality.

How will donors be recognized?
All donors to this campaign will be recognized on the Legacy Campaign Board in the new football locker and meeting facility. There will also be recognition opportunities for leadership gifts on the west concourse of Memorial Stadium.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

CAMPAIGN GOAL
$420,000

Leadership gifts may be paid outright, or on pledge plans not to exceed five (5) years from date of initial gift installment.

Legacy Gift	$500,000
Championship Gifts	$250,000
Lion Pride Gifts	$100,000
Lone Star Gifts	$ 50,000
Red Zone Gifts	$ 25,000
Huddle Gifts	$ 10,000

• Hawkins Legacy gifts directly support Lion Football locker room and facility upgrades
• Gifts are fully deductible to the extent allowed by IRS guidelines (consult your tax advisor for further details)