When Katy ISD solicited the community for stadium naming nominations, they definitely got a great response. Here are some of the people that were nominated and who Legacy Stadium could've been named after (in no particular order).
By Ashley Lancaster and Katrina Katsarelis | KATY MAGAZINE, September 2017
Opening photo by Bob McSpadden
1. DALTON STADIUM
What's not to love about Andy Dalton, a former Katy Tiger and current starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals? He's not only a fantastic athlete, he is also an all-around great guy who gives back to children's charities through the Andy and Jordan Dalton foundation. In fact, the only time Katy Magazine had the pleasure of meeting him was when he donated the "Hub" to Texas Children's Hospital - West Campus. (A super high-tech, mobile traveling gaming station for hospitalized kids). Actually, all of the Katy Daltons are pretty darn wonderful. Great nomination in our book!
2. PATTY HENSON STADIUM
We can see why this lovely Katy icon was nominated. As the 35-year director of Katy's Bengal Brigade and Cheerleaders, she has mentored and shaped over 4000+ young women...and counting. Some of her talented dancers moved on to become Rockets, Texans, and Spurs cheerleaders. One was a background dancer for Beyonce. And rumor has it she still stays in touch with her most famous student to date: Renee Zellweger. Great nominee!
3. ALTON FRAILEY STADIUM
Easily one of the finest superintendents Katy ISD has ever seen, Alton Frailey skillfully improved one of the fastest growing districts in Texas, all while upholding our community's very high academic standards. His passion for Katy and the school district was unmatched. He is missed by many including the Katy Magazine team. Excellent nominee! (By the way, we think Dr. Hindt is doing a fabulous job too! )
4. GARY JOSEPH STADIUM
It's no mystery why footballers in Katy love Gary Joseph. Under his leadership, the Katy Tigers have won four state championships, with eight championship appearances. Joseph was named the 2016 National High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year, was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, and in 2017, he took over as president of the Texas High School Coaches Association. A true hometown hero loved by many! Yes!
5. CHARLES KITOWSKI STADIUM
Son of Chuck and Theresa Kitowski, Army Sergeant Charles Bernard (Trey) Kitowski, 31, was killed in Afghanistan in August of 2007 when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He is buried at the Katy Magnolia Cemetery. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for your country. Rest in peace, Sergeant Kitowski.
6. REBECCA FOX STADIUM
It makes perfect sense to us that an education-centered community like ours would nominate a passionate, long-time Katy ISD volunteer and student advocate like Rebecca Fox. She has served on the Board of Trustees since 2004, and has held every position at least once. Fox is not a behind-the-desk board member. Nope. She is hands-on and known for being extremely active and heavily involved with the students, parents, and educators. We're sure that's why she was a nominee! Fox Rox!
7. J.K. ROWLING STADIUM
Yes, this was a real nomination, but as far as we know, J.K. Rowling does not have any Katy connections, so don't get too excited. We're guessing she received some random nominations from our brilliant, Harry Potter-loving student population. It was just so funny to see her name on the list, we had to include her.
AND THE WINNING NAME IS...
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8. LEGACY STADIUM & MIKE JOHNSTON FIELD
Who better to have the field named after him than Katy legend, Mike Johnston. He led the Tigers football program for 22 years, from 1982-2003. Under his direction the Katy Tigers won three state championships and made the Katy Tigers program synonymous with Texas high school football. Johnston still keeps tabs on the Tigers, visiting with Coach Joseph and attending the games. Known for his humility, Johnston considers the name selection an honor and an unexpected blessing. Congratulations Coach Johnston!
We're speculating, but the name Legacy was most likely chosen as the winner because it fully embodies Katy ISD's vision for students, staff, and families to #BeTheLegacy under the leadership of current superintendent, Dr. Lance Hindt. What a perfect, all-encompassing message to send to students and families everywhere! We love it!
*Statistics and information courtesy of Katy ISD Public Information Unit.
ASHLEY LANCASTER is the digital editor for Katy Magazine who can't wait to make new memories watching football under the lights at Legacy. To have your ad featured in Katy Magazine stories like this, email us!