2025 Hall of Honor Inductees
LEGACY MEMBER
DON GAY
Mesquite High School Football & Rodeo Hall of Famer
Mesquite High School alum Don Gay is a legend in the rodeo arena and Mesquite community. During his time in high school, Gay played defensive end on the football team while simultaneously making a name for himself in rodeo. In 1971, he qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo as a junior. The following year, after graduating from MHS, he earned a spot in the National Finals Rodeo (World Championship) and finished the season ranked No. 7 in the world.
Over the course of his career, Gay went on to win eight Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Championships in bull riding - a record that remains unmatched to this day.
Due to his trailblazing achievements, Gay was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1972. His father, Neal, was later inducted in 1993 - making them the only father-son duo to receive this honor. In addition, he's also been inducted into the Bull Riding and Texas Rodeo Cowboy Halls of Fame and has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Ring of Honor and Legends of ProRodeo Award - another distinction he proudly shares with his father.
In the late 1980s and 90s, Gay brought national attention to Mesquite by televising the Mesquite Championship Rodeo - a move that played a pivotal role in the city being named the Rodeo Capital of Texas. His influence on the sport of rodeo and the city of Mesquite continues to be felt today.
COACH
TERI MORRISON
Poteet High School Head Girls Basketball Coach
Teri Morrison left a lasting impact on MISD athletics. From 1989 to 2005, she led the Poteet girls basketball program with heart and dedication - compiling a record of 364-161. Throughout her 30-year head coaching career, Morrison's success has been recognized at the highest levels. She was named Budget Rental Car National Coach of the Year in 1994, WBCA District 6 Coach of the Year in 2010 and selected to lead the WBCA All-American Red Team at the 2010 Women's Final Four. She also served as assistant coach in the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game and U16 USA coach in 2014.
Beyond the high school courts, Morrison has become a respected figure in player development. She has worked with Nike Skills Academies, Early Youth Basketball League (EYBL), the Nike Girls National Tournament and as a gym director for Baylor women's basketball and SMU basketball summer camps.
After her time in MISD, Morrison continued her winning tradition with successful coaching stops at Royse City, Waco Midway and Southlake Carroll. At Midway, she led the team to the 4A State Championship in 2009, with her 2008 and 2009 teams earning national rankings. In 2012, her Carroll team ranked No. 12 in the country. Her accomplishments were further cemented in 2023 when UIL honored her as one of the Top 100 basketball coaches in Texas. Over the past seven years, she has brought her coaching talents to New Mexico, where her teams have made state tournament appearances every year - finishing as state runner-up in three of four seasons. With more than 800 career wins to her name, Morrison continues to build a legacy of excellence.
PLAYERS
JASON COFFEY
North Mesquite High School Football | Class of 1997
Jason Coffey was a dominant force on the football field for North Mesquite High School in the mid-1990s. Arguably the best running back in the state during his high school career, Coffey was a key component of the 1996 North Mesquite football team that held the No. 1 national ranking for much of the season.
He spent two years on varsity - racking up over 3,600 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns. Coffey's elite performances earned him two All-State recognitions and cemented his legacy as one of the premier players in Texas high school football.
His accolades also include All-District, All-Area and 2nd Team All-State selections. He was widely known for his reliability and leadership - making him a cornerstone for the Stallions on and off the field.
Coffey's talents earned him a football scholarship to Texas Tech University in 1997, where he continued his athletic career at the collegiate level. His impact on North Mesquite football remains part of MISD's proud athletic legacy.
MAURICE LINGUIST
Mesquite High School Football | Class of 2002
A proud Mesquite High School graduate, Maurice Linguist was a two-sport standout and captain of the undefeated 2001 Skeeters football team that captured the Texas 5A State Championship. His leadership and playmaking as defensive back helped anchor one of the top defenses in state history.
Linguist continued his football career at Baylor University, where he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Academic All-Big 12 honors. After graduating with a bachelor's and master's degree, he launched a coaching career that has taken him to the highest levels of college and professional football.
From Mesquite's Memorial Stadium to some of college football's biggest stages, Linguist continues to embody MISD excellence as a leader and role model.
KRISTINA SHELTON-PINKINS
Mesquite High School Girls Track | Class of 2002
During her time at Mesquite High School, Kristina Shelton-Pinkins was heavily involved in athletics as a member of the girls basketball, soccer and track teams. Although she competed in multiple sports, she was a standout on the track.
Shelton-Pinkins was most known for her consistent dedication and competitiveness, which contributed to her leading the Skeeters track team to a regional competition. She went on to win the Women's 800 Meters Race at the USA Junior Nationals in 2002 - qualifying for the World Junior Championships. To date, Shelton-Pinkins still holds the MHS record for 800 meters. Her athletic and scholastic achievements in MISD earned her a place on the University of South Carolina's track team.
She continued to shine at the collegiate level - earning numerous honors and awards, including Rookie of the Year and landing a spot on the All-Academic Team. Despite facing setbacks, Shelton-Pinkins accomplished one of her goals and captured an NCAA Indoor Championship gold medal in the 800 meter race - further cementing her legacy.
As a track coach, Shelton-Pinkins earned several accolades, including two regional championships and leading her team to a state runner-up finish. Today, she continues to shape the next generation as a 9th-12th grade alternative education teacher in Georgia, while also balancing a part-time career as a realtor.
TEAMS
1982 NORTH MESQUITE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
First MISD Basketball Team to Advance to State
The historic 1982 North Mesquite High School boys basketball team left a lasting legacy in MISD and Texas high school basketball. Led by 2022 MISD Hall of Honor inductee Ron Powell, they made history as the first basketball team from Mesquite to advance to the State Final Four Semifinals. But the momentum didn't stop there. At the time, they also led the state in scoring defense.
While their on-court performance was unmatched, their sportsmanship was just as impressive - earning them the prestigious State Sportsmanship Award.
The NMHS boys basketball team set a new standard, breaking barriers and laying the foundation for future success in Mesquite basketball.
2007 poteet high school baseball
State Runner-Up
The 2007 Poteet baseball team transformed the program into one of the best in the state. Head coach Bobby Doe guided the Pirates to a 34-5 overall record and a 13-1 district finish, earning them a place in the 4A State Championship Game.
Throughout the season, they remained one of the top teams in Texas and spent most of the year ranked at No. 2 in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA) state poll. Their playoff run was filled with memorable moments, including a walk-off single in extra innings to defeat rival Highland Park in the Regional Finals. That victory remained one of the most iconic wins in Poteet athletics history. The 2007 season also marked the beginning of a district winning streak that lasted until 2011, totaling 59 straight victories.
The roster featured 14 future college baseball players, and by 2008, the program had earned national attention with a Top 20 ranking in the USA Today poll. The impact of the 2007 team still resonates today, as their dominance set the standard for excellence in MISD baseball.