Retired Graford coach named to TABC Hall of Fame

Former Graford High School basketball coach Charles Hearne will be inducted into the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame during a May 20 ceremony, beginning at 6 p.m. Hearne coached at Graford for 18 of his 30-year coaching career before retiring after the 2002 season. After retiring Hearne remained near Graford, owning and operating a ranch east of town. “I am thankful that we live in the Graford community,” Hearne said. “Sheryl and I enjoy being able to visit with not only former players, but also their parents and fans.” Hearne first gained notice while playing on the 1963 Texas State Basketball Tournament third-place Millsap High School Basketball Team. He would later play for Harding University and between playing college basketball and taking his first coach job a MHS in 1968, he met his future wife, Sheryl, who would support him throughout his career. The Hearnes would have four children, Tammy, Dana, Darrell and Ronnie. Their sons each played at Abilene Christian University and each had extensive coaching careers. Ronnie Hearne retired as coach of the Tarleton State University TexAnns Basketball Team with more than 1,000 wins. While raising a family, Hearne coached for 30 seasons tallying 995 wins with 33 loses. He coached 12 varsity girls teams with eight making the postseason. He coaches 27 boys boys teams with 20 playoff contenders. Twenty-three of his teams made it to the regional round. His first major success came in 1972, when his Huckabay girls team was state runner-up. Two years later, his Huckabay boys team won the state championship. Hearne coach the 1982 Graford boys basketball team to a state semifinals appearance, then accomplished the same feet again in 1988. Tim Ford (1989), Brian Lemley (1991) Arron Pappas (1991) and Ronnie Ferrell (1992) each played in the THSCA All-Star Game. The coach of the 1991 THSCA North Team, Randy Spain, a player under Hearne at Huckabay and coached Pappas. He credits his loyal fans for making his hall of fame induction possible. “This honor was made possible only because of the many loyal fans, who are the best in Texas; parents that made sacrifices and dedicated players,” Hearne stated in a press release. “I was blessed to coach hard-working, motivated young men and women. They spent many hours in the gym and believed in a team concept.” The ceremony will take place at 6 pm. inside the El Tropicana Hotel in San Antonio. Before the ceremony, there will be a get together at Pete’s Tako House at 502 Brooklyn Ave. Anyone interested in attending should contact Tammy Maxey and Dana Kemp, Hearne’s daughters, by Facebook.