Odessa College will celebrate excellence, legacy, and the power of education at the 2026 OC Athletics Hall of Fame & OC Honors Scholarship Gala on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Presented by Kent Kwik, the event will recognize six distinguished individuals whose achievements have helped shape the history of Odessa College athletics while raising critical scholarship funds to support future generations of OC students.
This year's celebration will bring together legendary athletes, accomplished coaches, alumni, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of recognition, philanthropy, and Wrangler pride.
The 2026 Odessa College Hall of Fame inductees are: Doreatha Conwell Waitman, Coach Ken Hefner, Larry Johnson, Coach Dennis Helms, Ty Murray, and Coach Jim Watkins.
The honorees represent a proud tradition of excellence across Odessa College Wrangler athletics, including men’s and women’s basketball, and rodeo.
Beyond celebrating the accomplishments of its inductees, the OC Athletics Hall of Fame & OC Honors Scholarship Gala serves as one of the Odessa College Foundation's premier fundraising events. Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and auction contributions directly support scholarships that help Odessa College students pursue their educational and career goals.
Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring dinner, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, inspiring stories, special guests and both silent and live auctions offering a variety of unique items and experiences.
The evening will kickoff with an MVP Cocktail Meet and Greet with the honorees, presented by DeArco, Inc., at 6:00 PM, open exclusively to our platinum and diamond sponsors. The event and induction ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM for all event attendees.
The 2026 OC Honors Hall of Fame & Scholarship Gala is made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Kent Kwik, DeArco Inc., and the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, businesses and organizations interested in supporting Odessa College students while participating in this milestone celebration. Individual tickets may be purchased online at this link.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information or additional event details, contact the Odessa College Foundation at foundation@odessa.edu or 432-335-6648.
The community is invited to join Odessa College in honoring the legends who helped build its legacy while investing in the students who will shape its future.