TYLER, Texas — An East Texas school district approved the renaming of their high school fieldhouse in honor of a former coach.
The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the Tyler Legacy High School Field House to Coach Mike Owens Field House Monday night.
Owens was the head coach at former Robert E. Lee High School from 1996 to 2010, where he made school history by leading the football team to its first state football championship- the 2004 Class 5A Division I State Football Championship.
“This is an honor for the coaching staff, me, and the many wonderful players we had over our 15 years in the Tyler ISD,” Owens said. "I am overwhelmed and humbled to have the field house named in my honor. On behalf of myself and the coaching staff, we thank the Tyler ISD for this incredible tribute. Go, Red Raiders!”
In 1982, Owens began his head coaching career at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur. In 14 years at Thomas Jefferson HS, he led the team to five playoff appearances.
In 1996, Owens took over the football program at Tyler Lee HS and rebuilt it into a powerhouse with five district championships and earning playoff berths in 13 of 15 seasons. He compiled an overall record of 111-69.
Owens retired in 2011 after the 2010 season, but he has had a lasting effect in the community.
“I had the privilege of working with Coach Owens for 13 years as his 7 on-7 coach from 1998 until 2011,” Trustee Andy Bergfeld said. “In my opinion, there is no one more deserving of this honor in Red Raiders history. He taught a generation of young men the things it takes to be a responsible member of society and thousands, I’m sure, thank him.”
