The 2026 Tulsa Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame inductees were honored at the 14th annual ceremony in June. The inductees included:

1979 Hale High School Football Team - State Champions

 

 

 

 

 

Born from the unexpected merger of Nathan Hale and Charles Mason High Schools, the 1979 Rangers transformed from former rivals into a single, unified force. Led by a veteran coaching staff and a dynamic sophomore quarterback, the Hale Rangers defied all odds to capture the 4-A State Championship.

The season culminated on December 8, 1979, at Skelly Stadium, with a stunning 15–6 upset over the undefeated Midwest City Bombers. In a legendary defensive performance, the Rangers held a team that averaged 55 points per game to just one touchdown. More than just champions, this team stands as a timeless blueprint for teamwork, cohesion, and the enduring Ranger spirit. Ranger spirit lives forever. Give ‘em Hale, Rangers!

Debbie Cunningham Miggins, Student Athlete at Edison High School

A trailblazing figure in Oklahoma tennis, Debbie Cunningham made history as a pioneer for female athletes at Tulsa Edison High School. In an era before established girls’ teams, she showcased her exceptional talent by competing on the boys’ varsity squad, where she remarkably went undefeated and won the Tulsa All-City boys’ tournament at the #6 position. Her high school career culminated in a dominant performance at the 1975 State Championship, where she captured the Class A Singles title, cementing her legacy as one of the state’s most formidable and resilient competitors.

Cunningham continued her stellar athletic and academic journey at Oklahoma State University, where she earned a full scholarship and became a multi-time Big 8 champion in both singles and doubles. Beyond the court, she applied her competitive drive to a distinguished thirty-year career in business management, rising to become the first female Vice President at Market Planning Solutions. A member of a legendary Oklahoma tennis family, Debbie’s journey remains a testament to the power of perseverance, excellence, and the enduring spirit of Title IX.

Virgil “Onions” Martin Legend, Webster High School

V. E. “Onions” Martin officiated Oklahoma wrestling for over 40 years. His name is synonymous with officiating regional and state tournaments for many years. He also contributed to the sport by helping start the Blue T Wrestling program at Clinton Jr. High School in Tulsa. He was named the 1989-90 Official of the Year and the 1990 Methuselah of Wrestling. He was selected for the Oklahoma Officials Hall of Fame in 1983, the OSSAA Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Edison Wrestling Tournament Hall of Fame in 1974. In 1990 he was selected to the Villareal-McDonalds Hall of Fame. He was awarded the first V.E. Onions Martin Award, named in his honor, in 1986. Martin was previously recognized for his 40 years of service at Webster High School.

Brian Debose, Student Athlete at McLain High School

Brian DeBose stands as a towering figure in the storied history of Tulsa McLain basketball, embodying the grit and excellence of Tulsa Public Schools’ athletics. Under the guidance of Coach Mike Bolton, DeBose transitioned from a standout talent into a state champion, leading the Scots to their historic 1990 Class 4A title and earning his place among Oklahoma’s “Super 5.” His legacy only grew at Oklahoma City University, where his explosive play and leadership secured multiple NAIA National Championships and 1994-95 All American. Today, Brian is remembered not just for his rim-rattling dunks and All-American accolades, but as a symbol of the “Scot Pride” that continues to inspire generations of young athletes in the Tulsa community.

Lamar Burks, Student Athlete at Booker T. Washington High School

Lamar Burks’ career is deeply intertwined with Booker T. Washington and Central High School. At BTW, he was a state champion athlete and an All-Conference center on the Hornets’ 1973 state championship football team. He later served as an assistant coach at his alma mater starting in 1984.

Moving to Central High School, he served as the head track coach where he was named the AA Metro Track Coach of the Year in 1991 and the Region 7 Track Coach of the Year for the 1997-98 season.

Lamar is the founder and curator of the Booker T. Washington Athletic Museum, housed in the school’s historical building. He narrated and produced documentaries on the history of BTW football and basketball, including “Booker T. Washington Boys Basketball: A Legacy of Champions”. He has been recognized by the Oklahoma State Legislature as a sports historian.

Burks also spent over 30 years as an art teacher and coach within TPS, during which he helped research and preserve the history of other notable athletes, such as four-time state track champion Alesha Peel.

As a graduate of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, Lamar was a three-year football letterman from 1974 to 1978.

Layn Phillips, Student Athlete at Memorial High School

Layn Phillips was born and raised in Oklahoma and is a proud graduate of the Tulsa Public School system. He went to Byrd Junior High, Memorial High School and accepted a tennis scholarship to the University of Tulsa. He won the 1970 state high school number 2 doubles championship with his partner Mike Knox and went on to win the 1974 number 1 singles title in the Missouri Valley Conference. He graduated from Tulsa University and pursued law studies at the University of Tulsa and Georgetown University. He went on to be appointed by President Reagan to serve both as the United States Attorney in Tulsa and later as a United States District Judge in Oklahoma City. Today he serves as a nationally recognized mediator of complex commercial and sports litigation.

Demarco Cobbs, Student Athlete at Central High School

Demarco Cobbs emerged from Tulsa Central High School as one of the most versatile and dominant athletes in state history. A 2010 Parade and Under Armour All-American, Cobbs was a true five-tool threat who excelled as a quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive back, and return specialist. His senior season was nothing short of historic, as he racked up over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Braves to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. Named the Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year and the Ford Award winner, his rare combination of 4.4 speed and physical power made him the nation’s top-ranked “athlete” recruit and a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s rich football heritage.

Cobbs took his talents to the University of Texas, where he transitioned to linebacker and became a three-year letterman for the Longhorns. Despite battling injuries, he distinguished himself as a resilient leader and a premier student-athlete, earning Academic All-Big 12 honors three times and the prestigious Big 12 Community Champion Award. After graduation, he extended his impact on the game as a professional player in Brazil and later as a collegiate coach at the University of South Florida. Characterized by his explosive playmaking on the field and his academic commitment in the classroom, Demarco Cobbs remains a gold standard for Tulsa Public Schools athletics.

Tom Jones, Student Athlete at Will Rogers High School

A celebrated titan of Oklahoma golf, Tom Jones built a legendary career defined by elite competitive success and visionary leadership. A standout at Will Rogers High School, Jones became a cornerstone of the Oklahoma State University golf dynasty, earning All-American honors all four years and helping the Cowboys secure the 1976 NCAA National Championship. His individual prowess was equally remarkable, highlighted by a Big Eight Conference title and a victory at the 1981 Magnolia Classic on the PGA Tour. His transition from professional play to club management solidified his legacy, as he directed premier venues including Karsten Creek and Blessings Golf Club, while serving as a driving force behind the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame.

As the President and CEO of Oak Tree National since 2013, Jones has continued to shape the landscape of the sport at the highest level. His stewardship was instrumental in the success of major events like the 2014

U.S. Senior Open, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s most respected administrators. Beyond the trophies and tournaments, his dedication to the Cowboy Golf Foundation and his role as Chairman of the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame Executive Board demonstrate a lifelong commitment to preserving the heritage of the game. For his peerless contributions as both a champion athlete and a transformative executive, Tom Jones stands as a true icon of the Oklahoma golfing community. A native of Tulsa, Tom and wife Norma Jean have three daughters, Jennifer, Jessica (deceased), and Tommye.

Darin Plautz, Student Athlete at East Central High School

A standout forward defined by elite sharpshooting and championship poise, Darin Plautz left an indelible mark on every program he touched. A 1987 graduate of Tulsa East Central High School, Darin’s senior campaign remains one of the most decorated in school history, earning him First Team All-State and First Team All-Tulsa World honors. His journey continued at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where he served as a cornerstone of the 1989 NJCAA National Championship team. Known for his ability to stretch defenses and deliver in the clutch, he parlayed that junior college success into a standout Division I career at Creighton University. As a Bluejay, Darin became one of the Missouri Valley Conference’s premier perimeter threats, helping lead the program to an MVC title and a memorable run to the second round of the 1991 NCAA Tournament.

Beyond the box scores and championship rings, Darin’s legacy is rooted in leadership and community. Over three decades of marriage to his wife, Gerri, he has remained a fixture in the Omaha sports landscape, mentoring the next generation of athletes—including his sons, Dylan and JJ.

Larry & Garrick McGee, Booker T. Washington High School

The McGee family legacy is rooted in a shared philosophy of discipline and development, beginning with Larry McGee’s dominant tenure at Tulsa’s Booker

T. Washington High School. From 1981 to 1989, Larry compiled a stellar 90–22 record, capturing a football state championship in 1984 and two additional state titles in track. This foundation of excellence shaped his son, Garrick McGee, who transitioned from playing quarterback for his father to becoming a prominent figure in the collegiate and professional coaching ranks. After stints at high-profile programs like the University of Oklahoma and a period in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Garrick reached a major career milestone in 2011 when he was named the head coach at UAB. Currently serving as the Wide Receivers Coach at University of North Carolina under head coach Bill Belichick, Garrick continues a multi-generational commitment to the “process of becoming winners,” using the football field as a classroom for life.

Archie Marshall, Student Athlete at Edison High School

A legendary figure in Tulsa and Lawrence basketball lore, Marshall’s career was defined by elite talent, relentless perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit. A standout at Edison High School and the Oklahoma State Player of the Year, he first showcased his dynamic scoring ability at Seminole Junior College before joining the University of Kansas under Coach Larry Brown.

As a cornerstone of the mid-1980s Jayhawks, Marshall’s athleticism and leadership propelled Kansas to the 1986 Final Four. Despite suffering two devastating knee injuries, his presence remained the emotional heartbeat of the program and served as the primary inspiration for the “Danny and the Miracles” squad that captured the 1988 NCAA National Championship. He was elected by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1988 NBA Draft, and later took his talents to the CBA and Australia.

In 2005, Marshall completed his degree at the University of Kansas—a meaningful milestone that reflected his determination both on and off the court. Throughout his journey, he was anchored by the deep love of his family: his mother, Laverne; his children, Ray, Evan, and Breshet; his sister and brother-in-law, DeElaine and Keith Palmer; and a devoted circle of nieces, nephews, and friends. His life stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring strength of his Tulsa roots.

Click through the slideshow below to see images from the press conference held in the Tulsa Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame: