The Garland Sports Hall of Fame began in 1986 as the dream of longtime Garland resident Gale Fields. Fields, who served as director of the Lou Huff Recreation Center for 31 years, wanted to find a way to recognize deserving athletes. Because of the efforts of Fields, Homer B. Johnson and several others, the Garland Sports Hall of Fame became a reality.
The 2022 inductees, along with the Gale Fields Outstanding Senior Athletes award recipients – one male and one female – will be announced May 25 at the organization’s annual banquet. Each will also receive a scholarship. (See list of nominees below.)
Additionally, a new tradition will begin at this year’s banquet with the presentation of the inaugural Homer B. Johnson Legacy Award. Johnson, who passed away in 2021, was a tireless advocate for GISD’s student athletes and sports programs.
When the hall of fame began, it took some time to catch up as Garland ISD has been the home to many accomplished sports figures over the years. One inductee was a Garland High School athlete more than 100 years ago. It is now an ongoing task to keep it up-to-date for future generations. The history is important and must be preserved. 
There are representatives from a variety of sports including track and field, gymnastics and tennis, as well as football, basketball and baseball. Many of the athletes enjoyed successful college sports careers, and some have advanced to the professional level. In addition to athletes, coaches of several sports, along with athletic trainers, have been inducted.
GISD is the backbone of the operation. They assist the group in its efforts to preserve the community’s athletic history and provide space for the hall of fame at the Curtis Culwell Center.
Nominations are made by the community and are always welcome. The board members read the nominations then vote on their choices. Nominations are kept for three years and can be resubmitted.
The 2022 inductees are Scott Smith and Carl Myers.
Inductee Scott Smith 
Smith has made contributions at Garland High School as an accomplished athlete as well as athletic trainer. He lettered three times in baseball and was named all-district as a pitcher. He lettered twice for the GHS football team and was part of the 1978 team that went undefeated during the regular season.
Smith attended Tarleton State University where he set five records as the punter. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees then returned to GHS for a 31-year career as athletic trainer. He was named University Interscholastic League Trainer of the Year. And, he was recognized by Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 1992, 2002 and 2004.
Smith and his wife Teresa have two children. He was named a YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Father of the Year in 2021.
Inductee Carl Myers
Myers was a standout pitcher on the 1985 North Garland High School team that advanced to the state tournament. He was undefeated in district play as a pitcher throughout high school and was also a starting outfielder in the 1984 playoffs. His batting average was .447 in district play which included two homers, three triples and 20 runs batted in.
He attended Connors State College where he led the NJCAA in ERA as a sophomore, pitched five complete games and struck out 55 batters. He also won a spot in the NJCAA record book with a 1.02 ERA. Myers then transferred to Oklahoma State where his team ended the 1988 season at 61-8 and 1989 season at 47-19. In addition, he was on the Raiders’ varsity golf team.
Myers is an insurance professional and has served on the boards of multiple charities. He is also a certified life coach.
Event details
The banquet is May 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Place, 5101 N. President George Bush Highway in Garland.
Tickets are $10. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.facebook.com/garlandsportshof/ or www.garlandshof.org.
Watch for details
The Garland Sports Hall of Fame will host a golf tournament in the fall.
Gale Fields Award Finalists: Females
Ruth Bailey, Garland High School
Riana Carter, Rowlett High School
Carleece Gates, Lakeview Centennial High School
Zoria Heard, Sachse High School
Jenny Nguyen, Naaman Forest High School
Goodness Okoh, North Garland High School
Vanessa Rosas, South Garland High School
Gale Fields Award Finalists: Males
Aden Duncan, Naaman Forest High School
Michael Dunnican, Garland High School
Isaiah Ellis, Lakeview Centennial High School
Ivan Garcia, North Garland High School
Tyreon Key, South Garland High School
Jesse Ponce, Sachse High School
Apollo Sharpe, Rowlett High School