Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame

10/12/2026

This Friday, Oct. 16, marks the 50th anniversary of ACU's Ove Johansson's record-breaking kick at Shotwell Stadium. His 69-yard field goal is still the longest made field goal in football history. Playing against East Texas State, Johansson drilled a field goal from the north 41 yard line, and Friday will mark the 50th anniversary of this feat. ACU honored Ove's record recently during a home football game.

You can read Al's full account of the kick in 2 of his books (It Must Be A Big Game & Greatest Texas Sports Stories You've Never Heard), which are available to purchase at the Museum.

How cool is it that a record of this magnitude occurred in our neck of the woods? Have a great week!

10/05/2026

If you've watched any sports or news this past week, you've probably seen Case Keenum and how he led the Chicago Bears to a win on Monday Night Football. On this week's Hall of Fame Facts, Al share a bit more about Case, his incredible journey and how they crossed paths early in his football career.

We're thrilled the rest of the country has been able to learn more Case and we are rooting for him the rest of the season. Case, you're making Abilene proud!

09/28/2026

On this week's Hall of Fame Facts, Al highlights Mike Kinsey, one of the greatest defensive lineman to come out of the Big Country. Kinsey was inducted in to the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023 and was the center piece of the Brownwood Lions defense that won a state championship in 1981.

Check out the video to learn even more about Kinsey, and come visit the museum this week. We'd love to see you!

09/21/2026

On this week's Hall of Fame Facts, Al shares about one very unique artifact in the museum - the O'Brien High School trophy case. This trophy case is special because it showcases the first 6-man football state championship trophy from 1972 and was donated to us by a Hall of Fame coach.

Come see a part of Texas high school football history this week and visit the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame, located in the Mall of Abilene.

09/15/2026

On this week's Hall of Fame Facts, Al shares about 2 left handed pitchers from the Big Country who made it to the majors and have left a positive impact on their communities.

Come visit us at the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Museum this week. We'd love to see you!

09/07/2026

Let's kick off Labor Day with a bit of trivia...how many people have played high school football in Texas, coached high school football in Texas and then became a head coach in either the Big 12 or the Southwest Conference?
Check out this week's Hall of Fame Facts with Al Pickett as he dives into a few names that answer the question.
Have a great week!

08/31/2026

Happy Monday! Sports Illustrated recently released its list of the 30 Greatest NFL Players of All-Time, and 2 names from the Big Country made the list. Before watching the video, can you guess those 2 names?

Check out this week's Hall of Fame Facts to learn about each of those, and come visit us in the Mall of Abilene while you're out and about.

08/26/2026

Our condolences to the family of 2026 inductee Ernie Park. Park passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23 in Clyde. You can find his obituary and service information here:

View Ernest Carol Park's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/24/2026

On this week's Hall of Fame Facts, Al shares abut the dynamic duo that is Joe and Barbara Crousen. Barbara Crousen was the men's and women's head track and field coach at McMurry, and she is only female head coach to win a national championship coaching a men's team (and she did it twice!).
Her husband Joe was a legendary as well. He was the defensive coordinator on the 1996 Cooper football team mentioned in last week's video and left a positive impact at other coaching stops that included Mississippi State, Ranger College and McMurry.

We'd love for you to visit the museum in the Mall of Abilene to learn more about this dynamic duo. Have a great week!