2024 Year in Review: Top sports stories of the year across the Big Country

Posted by Admin December 29, 2024 Sports

The Big Country sports scene experienced a remarkable year in 2024, with several teams and athletes achieving historic milestones.

The Stamford Bulldogs football team made headlines by reaching the state title game for the first time since 2013. Led by legendary coach Wayne Hutchinson, the Bulldogs played a thrilling three-overtime game, securing their place in Stamford history despite falling short of victory.

On the baseball field, the Ira Bulldogs claimed their first state title after 30 years of effort.

Although the Hawley Bearcats came up short in the state title game, they did make a significant impact by breaking through the regional finals barrier.

College sports in Abilene made a historic achievement. All three local college football programs—Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, and Hardin-Simmons University—won at least a share of their conference championships. This marked a first for ACU in Division I, a first for McMurry, and back-to-back titles for HSU. Both the Wildcats and Cowboys advanced to the second round of the college football playoffs, marking another first for ACU.

HSU’s women’s basketball team made a significant breakthrough by winning the conference tournament and reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2006.

In high school basketball, the Jayton Jayhawks and Benjamin Mustangs faced off for a state title in San Antonio, showcasing the talent in the Big Country.

The summer brought excitement with the debut of the Abilene Flying Bison, a new college summer baseball team that reached the Mid-American Championship game in their inaugural season.

UIL realignment introduced new districts for several Big Country and Concho Valley teams. Multiple football teams began 2024 with a new leader as a large number of first-year head coaches took the helm in high school football.

In track and field, the Roby Lady Lions secured back-to-back state titles, while Early and Roscoe claimed top honors in state powerlifting competitions.

As 2024 comes to a close, the Big Country sports community looks forward to more historic performances in 2025.

Watch our special Year in Review show Dec. 31 on KTXS News at 10.