Legacies - Woodrow Wilson Wildcat Athletics

LEGACIES BEGIN HERE

TIM BROWN

CLASS OF 1984

Tim Brown was a multi-sport star who lit up the field with speed, precision, and athleticism. As a wide receiver, he broke records, drew national attention, and went on to shine at the University of Notre Dame, becoming one of the most iconic players in college football history and the 1987 Heisman recipient.

Tim has given back to his alma mater for over 30 years through the annual Tim Brown Golf Tournament, organized by the Woodrow Athletic Booster. Held each spring, the tournament raises vital funds for Woodrow athletics, drawing alumni, community members, and sponsors in support of Wildcats programs

DAVEY O’BRIEN

CLASS OF 1935

Davey O’Brien made his mark early as a standout quarterback at Woodrow, leading the Wildcats to an undefeated season and a state championship. His leadership and talent paved the way for a legendary college career at TCU, ultimately culminating in the 1938 Heisman Trophy.

THEO “COTTON” MILES

HEAD COACH 1959 - 1970

Theo “Cotton” Miles left an extraordinary legacy at Woodrow Wilson High School. His profound impact on Woodrow Wilson students and athletes earned him induction into both the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame and the Woodrow Wilson High School Hall of Fame.

In 2023, Woodrow honored his legacy in the most fitting way by naming the school’s competition gym the Theo “Cotton” Miles Gymnasium. His name now lives on in the heart of campus, a daily reminder of the standard he set and the lives he impacted.

Herschel Forester Sr.

TEACHER & COACH 1928-1958

Herschel Forester Sr. was a Woodrow Wilson High School alumnus who returned to his alma mater as a dedicated physics teacher and beloved football coach. Serving from the school’s early years into the 1950s, he shaped generations of Wildcats both on the field and in the classroom. In recognition of his service, Dallas ISD named Woodrow’s home football stadium Forester Field, preserving his legacy at the heart of the school’s athletic community.

His sons, Herschel Forester Jr. (’48) and Bill Forester (’49) were standout Woodrow athletes who went on to play at SMU, with Bill later enjoying a Hall of Fame NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.

ADDITIONAL NOTABLE ATHLETIC ALUMNI

Ralph Guldahl (Class of 1930) – U.S. Open and Masters champion golfer
Rowland Wolfe (Class of 1934) – Olympic gold medalist in tumbling, 1932 Summer Olympics
Len Akin (Class of 1936) – NFL player with the Chicago Bears
Malcolm Kutner (Class of 1938) – NFL Player of the Year (1947), three-sport star at the University of Texas, AP All-American, WWII Navy aviator
Jack Halliday (Class of 1946) – NFL tackle for the Los Angeles Rams
Herschel Forester (Class of 1949) – NFL offensive lineman, Cleveland Browns (1954–1957)
George Forester (Class of 1950) – NFL linebacker, Green Bay Packers (1953–1963), 4× Pro Bowler, Packers Hall of Fame inductee
Curley Johnson (Class of 1953) – Super Bowl III champion punter, New York Jets
Fredd Young (Class of 1980) – NFL All-Pro linebacker, Pro Bowler
Alton Lister (Class of 1976) – NBA player and Olympic team member
Anthony Randolph (Class of 2005) – NBA player
Sergio Kindle (Class of 2006) – NFL linebacker, Texas Longhorns standout
Xavier Gipson (Class of 2019) – NFL wide receiver for the New York Jets
Bob Goodrich (Class of 1963) – Emmy-winning NFL producer, Texas HS Football Hall of Famer

THE CLASS OF 1966

The Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1966 has made a lasting impact on the school’s athletic community through its annual Don Land–Paul Hyland Scholarship, awarded to outstanding Wildcat athletes who demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, academic excellence, and school spirit.

Since 1992, the program has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to deserving seniors, thanks to the dedicated efforts of alumni like Tom Mason, who leads the initiative.

Mason is joined by a loyal group of former teammates who remain deeply committed to Woodrow’s legacy. Mike Mohon (#80), Steve Parrott (#44), and David Thomas (#40) regularly participate in the scholarship presentations. Their continued involvement, alongside support from classmates like Gary Griffith, Sherwood Blount, Leon Seith, Keith Cupples, Walter Patton, and Paul Goodrich, is a powerful testament to the Class of 1966’s enduring pride in Woodrow Wilson High School.