Inaugural Class of 2025
Meet The Honorees
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Edward G. Robinson
Girl's Track Coach
Member of...
Church of Christ
Charter Member of Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
All-American in Track and Field
Athletic Congress of USA
NCAA Track and Field Association
Texas Amateur Athletic Federation
US Olympic and Paraplegic Committee
US Track and Track and Field Association
National Junior College Athletic Association
International Track Association
Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association
City of Houston Aquatics
Texas High School Coaches Association
Texas Girls Coaches Association
The USA Junior Olympics Track and Field Coaching Association
The Training Committee of The United
States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center
Coach Honors
1990 Coach of the Decade by Texas Sports Writers
Commendation for Outstanding High School Service by the U.S. Track Coaches Association
The Houston ISD Coaches Association Hall of Honor
The Prairie View Interscholastic League of Coaches (PVILC) Coach Hall of Honor
The Texas High School Coaches Hall of Honor
Head Track and Field and Varsity Football Coach at his alma mater: Phillis Wheatley High School
Head coach for the Girls Track Team, Junior Varsity Basketball Team, and Varsity football Defensive
Coordinator at Houston Ross Sterling High School
Head coach for The Boys and Girls Track Teams and Varsity Football Team at Furr High School
Houston Coaching Association's Man of the Year 1994
His Accomplishments
Personal
Junior College All-American Pole Vaulter Triple Jump Record Holder
Winner of the 1971 Southland Conference Crown for Track and Field in the Outdoors Division
Drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Cardinals
Coached
2 World Champion football players
4 Olympians
1 Top 50 NBA Hall of Fame member
20 High School All Americans
3 High School National Record Holders
1 National Record Holder in the Sprint Medley Relay
2 World Record holders
6 state long jump record holders
1 National Record Holder for the Fastest High School Time in 3 Relays
1 #1 Hurdler in 1989
Carlette Guidry Falkquay
Class of 1986​​
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Carlette presently works for the Department of Family and Protective Services.
For the past 21 years Carlette has provided services protecting the unprotected.
She has facilitated meetings between families, stake holders and children
services to develop plan to keep children safe in their homes with families.
Mrs. Falkquay is a two-time Olympic gold medalist from the 1992 and 1996
Olympics representing the United Sates. Carlette was a professional track
athlete for 13 plus years. Carlette is one of the most decorated college athletes
capturing 23 All-American titles. Falkquay was a member of the University of
Texas Longhorns Lady Track and Field Team. In 2015 The Texas Relays
renamed the University/Women 4x100meter relay the Carlette Guidry University/
Wormen 4x100meter relay.
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Carlette has a Bachelors Degree of Arts in Sociology. Carlette was the Co-
founder for Intensity Track Team that was active for 10 years. Carlette continues
to give back in many seen and unseen ways providing advice and wisdom to
students, athletes and many others pursuing their dreams.
PREVIOUS AWARDS
2023 Texas Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
2023 Texas Black Legacy Fund Honoree
2022 Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame Track and Field/Cross Country
2000 Induction into the University of Texas Lady Longhorn Athletic Hall of Fame
Robert Gonzales​
Class of 1984
-Long Beach City College – (AA Degree -General Studies) 1986
-University of Nebraska- (BS Degree – Construction Management) 1989
I’m a Houston, TX native that graduated from Ross Shaw Sterling in 1984 and went on to earn degrees from Long Beach Community College and the University of Nebraska. While at Ross Shaw Sterling High School, I proudly served as Company Commander of the NJROTC program that finished ranked #1 in the nation for the 84 school year. I also served as the photography editor for the yearbook in 1983 & 84. I was fortunate to earn a spot on the Sterling boys’ varsity track & field team all three years at Sterling High School. I capped off my time on that team with an undefeated senior season in the 800mt, winning the Texas 5A state championship and earning first team all Texas and All-American honors. After high school I had the pleasure of earning All-American honors at both Long Beach City College (with Sterling teammates Marvin Brown and Vincent “Bird” Taylor) and the University of Nebraska. After my running career ended, I was called to give back as a coach (Football, Golf and Track & Field). I’ve coached three state medalists as a head high school golf coach. Defensive Back coach in two state football championships (lost both). And of course, Head Track & Field Coach (Juanita, Garfield & Archbishop Murphy High Schools). Doing my tenure at those three schools, my staff and I had 12 individual state champions and won three state championships from cross-country and track & field.
1997 Kingco XC Coach of the Year
ï‚· 2006 Sprint Coach – Washington Exchange -VS- China - Guangzhou, China
ï‚· 2008 Metro Boys Coach of the Year
ï‚· 2005-2010 Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Board Member
ï‚· Vice President 2009-2010
1982-1983
ï‚· Regional Qualifier (Cross Country) All Three Years.
ï‚· Regional Qualifier (3200mt) 1982-1983
ï‚· HISD 3200 Record Holder 1983
1984: Texas 5A State 800 Champion: Undefeated Season (All-American)
• District, Regional & 5A State Champion (800)
• US Jr National Qualifier (Los Angeles) 6th Place
• Sterling’s 3.10.67 (4x4 Relay) 3rd Place State Track Meet
• Team Captain
1985: California Community College: (All-American)
• Conference Champion 800mt & 4x4 Relay
• Southern California Runner Up 800Mt
• California Community College State Meet: 3rd Place
1986: California Community College: (All – American)
• Conference Champion 800mt & 4x400 Relay
• Southern California 800mt & 4x400 Relay
• California Community College State Meet: 6th Place
• Team Captain
• LBCC team still ranked the best Jr College Team Assembled -1986 Team
• US Track & Flied Championship
• Goodwill Games (Russia)- Alernate
• 1987: University of Nebraska: (All American)
• Big8 Conference Champion 600mt & 4x4 (Indoors)
• NCAA 4x800 - 5th Place (Indoors) – All American
• Big8 Conference Champion 800mt & 4x4 (Outdoors)
• Drake Relays Champion- 4X800 Relay
• Milrose Games Champion – 4X800 Relay
• Kansas Relays Champion – 4X800, Sprint Medley & Distance Relay
• NCAA 800mt (4th Place)
• US Track & Flied Championship
• Olympic Festival (North Team)
• World University Games (7th Place) – Yugoslavia
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1988: University of Nebraska
ï‚· Big8 Conference Champion 600mt Indoors)
ï‚· NCAA 4x800 - 2th Place (Indoors) – All American
ï‚· Big8 Conference Champion 800mt & 4x4 (Outdoors)
ï‚· NCAA 4X400 (6th Place -Outdoors)
ï‚· Olympic Trial Qualifier (Semi Finalist)
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1989 (Injured)
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1990 : Reebok Track & Field Team
ï‚· Sunkist 800 Champion (Indoor)
ï‚· Milrose Games 800 (5th Place – Indoors)
ï‚· US Track & Field Championship (Indoor & Outdoors)
ï‚· 1990 : Reebok Track & Field Team
1991: Reebok Track & Field Teamï‚· Milrose Games 800 (3rd Place)
ï‚· US Track & Field Championship (Indoor & Outdoors)
ï‚· Zurick Invite 800 (4th Place)
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2011- 2025: Volunteer Track & Flied Coach (Sterling High School)
Susan Abernathy Murphy
Class of 1975
Susan Abernathy Murphy was born in Houston, Texas, in 1956. She attended Louise
May Alcott Elementary School and Albert Thomas Middle School where she started her
track career with Coach Herman Goldberg running for the Houston Astrobelles. She
attended Sterling High School where she won numerous state and national AAU
championships; she was the first female athlete to represent Sterling High school at the
UIL State Track Meet in 1975 in the 4A division.
Attending The University of Texas in Austin on a track/cross country scholarship from
1975-1979, she majored in history and minored in physical education graduating with a
Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1979. Susan had numerous
accomplishments while attending UT including
• All-American NCAA Track athlete
(4 X 800 relay team, first team to go to Nationals) 1976.
• Three Year Letterman in Cross Country, 1975-1978
• Captain of the University of Texas Track Team, 1978-1979
• The University of Texas Most Valuable Track and Field athlete, 1976
First Female award winner -
• Served on The University of Texas Women’s Athlete Council
Teaching and coaching was Susan’s passion; she taught for over thirty (30) years and
participated in track for over forty-three (43) years. Some of her coaching
accomplishments include
• District Track Champions -7 out of 14 years at Lanier HS; 13 out of 16 years at
Pflugerville HS
• Regional Track Champions -PHS 1995
• 5A State Track Champions – hurdles, shot put, 400-meter dash
Besides coaching, Susan shared her talents in the classroom and with the school
communities in various capacities. She was a Master Peer and Leadership (PAL)
instructor for the state of Texas writing part of the PAL curriculum on both the state and
national levels; she also spearheaded the National Registry of Evidence Based
Programs & Practices (NREPP), mediated anger management sessions, and created
projects that integrated skills so that high-risk students could succeed.
From 2009-2010, she served as the director of the Austin ISD track and cross-country
program managing both track and cross-country facilities for district events. Upon
retirement in 2009, Susan took on the role of coordinator for Pflugerville ISD’s
Leadership Experience Program. She is still active in that role today..
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Having a successful career included numerous honors for Susan including
• Featured Track Lecturer at 21st Annual Coastal Bend Coaches Clinic, 63rd
Annual THSCA Coaching School
• Humanitarian of the Year for high schools: Lanier High School, Austin,
Pflugerville High School
• Master Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) Teacher
• Member of First Sanctioned Track Team at the University of Texas, Four Year
Letterman in
• Teacher of the Year Finalist: 5 times
• Teacher of the Year for Pflugerville High School 2009
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Susan being Susan, she continues to help communities in various ways by annually
spearheading “Susie’s Champs” for Relay for Life and Race for the Cure at Pflugerville
High School to support breast cancer research; she also annually organizes the Pink
Out pep rally as a fund raiser.
Susan Abernathy Murphy has been married to University of Texas basketball player
Mike Murphy for 45 years. She has two sons: Brent of Round Rock, Texas, and Lance
of Buda, Texas, and two beautiful grandchildren.
Linder Johnson
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Linder Johnson is a trailblazer in the field of education, celebrated for her steadfast commitment to student achievement, academic excellence, and community empowerment.
With a career spanning over four decades, she has left an indelible impact on countless students, educators, and families across the Greater Houston area.
A proud 1973 graduate, Linder ranked in the top 5% of her class, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of learning. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Southern University in 1976 and continued on to complete a Master's Degree in Education in 1978. Driven by a passion to lead and inspire on a broader scale, she earned her Administrative Certification in 1989, preparing her for leadership roles that would shape the course of educational programs and policies.
Linder's professional journey began in North Forest ISD, where she taught for four years before joining Houston ISD, where she devoted an exceptional 45 years to teaching and administration. During her 35 years in educational leadership, she oversaw and supported programs in special education, athletics, attendance, LPAC, IAT, discipline, and at-risk student support, advocating for equitable, inclusive, and student-focused practices.
Throughout her career, Linder exemplified servant leadership-guiding students and staff with integrity, empathy, and an unwavering belief in every child's potential. She credits her success to the influence of powerful mentors: Ms. Maura, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Wainwright, and Mr. Fuentas, whose wisdom taught her the importance of building relationships, nurturing talent, and using data to drive meaningful progress.
Linder is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., embodying the organization's core values of scholarship, sisterhood, and service. Her commitment to uplifting the community has earned her several prestigious honors, including being named Administrator of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (2007) and her induction into the Texas African American Coaches Association (PVIL) Hall of Fame in 2000.
Outside of her professional achievements, Linder is the proud mother of her daughter, Lakisha Nicoe Williams, whom she calls the joy of her life. As the eldest of six siblings, she
has always embraced leadership, responsibility, and family values as cornerstones of her life.
Linder Johnson's legacy is one of purpose, perseverance, and impact. Her journey continues to inspire educators, students, and community leaders to dream bigger, lead with heart, and always puts students first.
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Dr. Byron Hughes
Class of 2001
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Dr. Byron D. Hughes, Sr. is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the
University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. He also serves as the Associate
Medical Director of the Pediatric Trauma Program, Associate Program Director of the
Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program, and the Medical Student Clerkship Director for
Pediatric Surgery. He holds dual undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Biology
from Howard University, where his foundation in cultural awareness and scientific
inquiry was first cultivated.
Dr. Hughes’ academic career is deeply rooted in public health. He holds a Master of
Public Health from Tulane University with dual concentrations in Maternal & Child
Health and Health Education & Communication. He graduated with honors and was
inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health. He was also selected
for the Tulane 34 Award—one of the university’s highest honors for
students—recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Dr. Hughes earned his Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of
Medicine as a Health Justice Scholar, reflecting his enduring commitment to health
equity and systems-based change. He completed his general surgery residency at the
University of Texas Medical Branch, where he was recognized and awarded for
excellence in teaching and leadership.
A dedicated surgeon-scholar, he completed his pediatric surgery fellowship at Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital, a renowned institution recognized as a global leader in pediatric care
and surgical innovation. His clinical interests include minimally invasive pediatric
surgery, trauma care, chest wall deformities, and medical education.
His research portfolio reflects a passion for community-based participatory research,
injury prevention, and health equity. Through peer-reviewed publications, national
presentations, and invited lectures, Dr. Hughes strives to bridge the gap between surgery
and public health, advancing innovative, patient-centered solutions that improve
outcomes for children and underserved populations. He has also traveled to Kenya and
Tanzania to provide pediatric surgical care, extending his commitment to global child
health.
Dr. Hughes serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Big Sister Little Sister
Mentoring Program, further demonstrating his dedication to mentorship and community
engagement.
Easter Gabriel
Class of 1979
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Easter Gabriel was born June 15, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age of ten she moved to Houston, Texas where her life would change irrevocably for one significant reason: she was introduced to track and field. She joined the Houston Astro Belles and soon earned a dynamic reputation as a champion; she won numerous events such as the 400-yard dash, 200-yard dash and the 100-yard dash. Gabriel also competed on the mile relay and the sprint relay teams during her career as an Astro Belles.
Easter Gabriel fully embraced her role as a scholar athlete. After graduating from Houston’s Sterling High School, she attended Prairie View A&M in 1984. While attending Prairie View A&M, Gabriel participated in both the women’s track and cross-country teams. She later graduated with a degree in Elementary Education—a career path that is truly indicative of the compassion and enthusiasm she has for others. After graduation, Easter most notably competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials. She then went on to coach some of the state's top sprinters at Hartman Middle School and Yates High School. She also coached Volleyball at Jones and South Oak High Schools. Gabriel has received numerous honors and awards throughout her college and coaching career, accolades that showcase her commitment to helping future generations succeed in a sport which she loves so dearly.
Although track and field is her first love, Gabriel also is passionate about volleyball. She has played and continues to play in a volleyball league in Dallas, Texas.
Athletic Honors/Titles: Lettered in Track & Field 1979-1984; Track Team Captain 1981-1984.
Outstanding Achievements: NCAA Track All-American; NAIA Track All-American (Indoor &
Outdoor);
Most Outstanding Women’s Track Athlete;
1983 Pan American Games 400-meter dash bronze medalist; member of the mile-relay
championship team at the 1983 Pan American Games
Represented USA World Championships in Helsinki, Finland (1983), Germany (1981)
and Canada (1982);
NAIA Sprint Medley Relay Team Record Holder (1:39.32 – 1982);
back-to-back outdoor NAIA 400-meter dash champion (1982-83);
member of 1983 NAIA 4x100-meter outdoor relay championship team
member of the three-time NAIA sprint medley outdoor championship team (1981-83);
member of the back-to-back NAIA 4x400-meter relay outdoor championship team (1982-83)
1982 600-yard run NAIA Indoor Track Champion; 1983 600-yard run NAIA Indoor Track
Champion; member of the back-to-back NAIA 1,600-meter indoor relay championship team
(1982-83);
Member of the 1983 3,200-meter relay NAIA Indoor Championship Team.
SWAC Triple Jumper Record Holder.
Inducted into the Drake Relays, Texas Black Sports and the Prairie View Interscholastic
League Coaches Association Hall of Fames.
JUNE 1984 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION/ PHYSICAL EDUCATION, PRAIRIE VIEW A & M
UNIVERSITY.
SWAC Champion, 400M, Triple Jump, 100M, Meters, 4 x 100 Relay, 4 x 400 Relay, Sprint
Medley Relay.
Women’s Track and Field All American 4 years.
Texas Black Athletes Association Hall of Fame, Prairie View Hall of Fame
USA Coaching Experiences: 2006 IAAF World Junior Team Coach, Beijing China
2011 Pan Am Games Juniors Coach, Miramar, Florida
2013 Pan Am Games Juniors Coach, Medellin, Columbia
2016 World Junior Games Juniors Coach, Poland
PAN AM GAMES RELAY COACH,
POLAND RELAY COACH,
MEXICO RELAY COACH,
COLUMBIA MEMBERSHIPS
USATF TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION
Dr.Kenneth Ciolli
Class of 1975
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Kenneth attended Sterling High School from 1973-1975, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was the point guard for the Varsity Basketball Team during his junior and senior years while also playing on the Baseball Team. Kenneth was accepted and planned to attend Norte Dame University but that changed when Guy V. Lewis called and offered him a basketball scholarship at the University of Houston. As a Cougar player, upon graduation Kenneth became the leader in both assists and steals for the University. He received a BS in Biology and graduated Suma Cum Laude. Kenneth went on to attend Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed a Family Practice residency at UT Memorial Southwest Houston and received his Board certification in Family Practice with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. Kenneth was a private practice doctor in San Antonio from 1990 -2012. As one of the eight founding Physicians, he helped to establish WellMed and WellMed Medical Management Inc. Kenneth is an avid Cougar basketball Alumni and spends his leisure time cycling, fishing, and playing golf.
Joseph Woodson
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Mr. Joseph Woodson, Retired Director of Bands at Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation Early College High School
in Houston, Texas. He taught in HISD for 42 years beginning his teaching career at Dowling Middle
School and 39 years at Sterling, teaching Instrumental Music, Music Education, Marching, Concert and
Jazz Band.
Graduated from Weimar High School in Weimar, Texas and received his Degree in Music Education from
Texas Southern University. He was a woodwind major, but currently performs on bass. Also, a member
and past President of Phi Mu Alpha (Kappa Delta Chapter) music fraternity. Also, additionally a member
of M.E.N.C. (Music Education National Conference) He has served as staff musician at Galilee Missionary
Baptist Church for over 45 years. His professional music affiliations are TBA (Texas Bandmasters
Association) TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association).
Throughout the years, Mr. Woodson have coached students on all instruments and many have earned
music scholarships to various colleges and universities throughout the country. Some are currently Band
Directors in the Greater Houston area. He believes in a comprehensive program while enhancing band
members musical knowledge through band competition sponsored travel and musical exposures.
Sterling Jazz, Concert and Marching Band while under the direction of Mr. Joseph Woodson for 39 years
has traveled extensively within the United States gaining valuable exposure and numerous excellent and
superior awards. These accomplishments were achieved through the Grace of God, help and love of
many band students throughout the years.
Currently, Mr. Woodson is a member of the Conrad Johnson Big Blues Band Orchestra and in the past
have performed with various ensembles and conducted many music camps for students from Gospel to
Jazz.
Teaching music, mentoring, fostering leadership skills and watching students grow on all levels is an
earnest part of Mr. Joseph Woodson!
Johnny Thomas
Class of 1982
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Johnny Thomas is a former NFL standout, record-setting collegiate athlete, and successful Houston-based custom home builder whose impact extends well beyond the field.
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A proud graduate of Sterling High School, Johnny excelled in both football and track. As a senior, he led all Houston-area running backs in rushing yards and earned All-District and All-State honors. That same year, he anchored Sterling’s 4x100 meter relay team to a 5A State Championship, setting a state record that turned heads across Texas. One year prior, he helped the mile relay team place second at the state meet.
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Recognized as one of the nation’s top 400-meter runners, Johnny accepted a dual-sport scholarship to Baylor University, where he made his mark in both football and track. After redshirting his freshman football season, he joined Baylor’s nationally recognized track team and became a member of the legendary mile relay squad that set a collegiate record at the Texas Relays, a record that stood unbroken for 28 years. He also set the Baylor school record in the 200 meters and was part of the 4x400 meter relay team that went on to win the NCAA National Championship and run the fastest time in collegiate history. To this day, Johnny and his teammates still hold the Baylor school record in the 4x200 meter relay. He finished his collegiate track career as the most decorated All-American runner in Baylor history.
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On the football field, Johnny brought the same tenacity and versatility—starting at every position in the defensive backfield for Baylor. His senior-year performance earned him a spot in the 1987 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Washington Redskins. During his rookie season, the Redskins won the Super Bowl. Over the course of 10 seasons, Johnny played for four NFL teams and later spent two years coaching defensive backs and special teams for the San Diego Chargers.
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After retiring from the NFL, Johnny channeled his drive into entrepreneurship, founding a custom home building company that has thrived for over two decades. He has designed and built stunning homes for high-profile clients, including professional athletes, throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.
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Deeply rooted in faith, family, and community, Johnny considers his greatest achievement to be his marriage of 32 years to his wife, Katrice Thomas, and raising their three children—Jade, Joshua, and Johnathon. He remains active in the Houston community, mentoring youth and supporting organizations dedicated to empowering the next generation.
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Whether as an athlete, coach, builder, or mentor, Johnny Thomas leads with excellence, humility, and a commitment to leaving every space—and person—better than he found them.