Thursday, Tyler Legacy High School dedicated its Field House after former coach Mike Owens. It will now be called the Coach Mike Owens Field House. A dedication ceremony was held, and the plaque and name were unveiled at the front of the building. Coach Owens led the former Robert E. Lee High School (REL) football team to the 2004 Class 5A Division I State Football Championship.
“Coach Owens is a legend in East Texas, and this unveiling serves as recognition of his teams’ many accomplishments,” Tyler ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marty Crawford said. “On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the 2004 State Championship, the dedication of the Coach Mike Owens Fieldhouse signifies the ultimate pinnacle of Texas High School Football, not only for Coach Owens, but for the players, assistant coaches, student support, student body, faculty, staff, parents, and community members that gelled together to accomplish such a difficult feat.”
Owens began his head coaching career in 1982 at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas. He stayed there for 14 years, leading the Yellowjackets to five playoff appearances.
In 1996, Owens came to East Texas, taking over the Tyler Lee program. He built the Red Raiders into a powerhouse, winning five district championships and earning playoff berths in 13 of 15 seasons. Plus, Owens led REL to the first state football championship in school history. He coached the Red Raiders from 1996 to 2010 and compiled an overall record of 111-69.
“We are excited to name the field house after Coach Mike Owens,” Tyler ISD Athletic Director Greg Priest said. “It is a tribute to his dedication and leadership, which he exemplified throughout his coaching career.”
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.