That pride was exhibited by many people who have been part of Temple’s program for as long as they can remember, such as retired coaching legend Bob McQueen and current senior linebacker John Hamilton.
However, it was also shown by much newer members of the Wildcat family, especially those for whom the 2003 season was their first at Temple — head coach Tam Hollingshead, his assistants, and senior running back Chris Barry.
The banquet, sponsored by the Temple Quarterback Club, honored and celebrated the Wildcats’ 8-4 record and run to the second round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs last fall.
Though Temple’s football followers remained supportive during the recent few lean years, the fact that the Wildcats recorded their first winning season since 1999 and earned their first postseason victory since 1997 certainly made the evening even more special than usual.
Quarterback Club president Derek Jemeyson captured that sentiment with this statement: “There’s nothing like watching the Temple Wildcats on Friday night. But it was pretty nice watching them on Saturday, too.”
Hollingshead concurred.
“What stands out to me with this team was character and courage,” he said. “I thought we got better every game down the road, and we became tougher and more tenacious, all the things you want in a team.
“I’m very proud of them. These guys got us re-started, and we want to continue to go.”
The banquet served many purposes — and people, as a barbecue meal got the activities started.
Temple introduced its players, coaches, cheerleaders, the Kittens drill team, and members of its support staff before coaches present and past — Hollingshead, his assistants, McQueen, and former longtime assistant Don Davis — presented the player awards, 17 in all.
Hamilton delivered the popular, traditional “A Senior Speaks” speech, which was followed by a 30-minute video of the Wildcats’ season, game-by-game.
Particularly popular with the large crowd were the highlights of Temple’s eight wins — against Killeen Ellison, Round Rock McNeil, Pflugerville, and Smithson Valley during the 4-0 start; District 13-5A victories over Copperas Cove, College Station A&M Consolidated, and Bryan; and the first-round playoff defeat of McNeil before the season-ending loss to top-ranked The Woodlands.
Barry, who transferred to Temple last spring, and senior safety/receiver David Reese received the most awards, with four apiece.
Barry, an 1,800-yard rusher, was voted Most Valuable Player and Best Offensive Back by his fellow players. He also received the Bob McQueen Scholarship Award and shared the Wildcat Players Award with Reese.
Meanwhile, Reese shared the Outstanding Receiver honor with senior Tony Troup (Best Defensive Back) and also accepted the Fortitude Award and the Most Conscientious Player honor.
Hamilton, the Temple Daily Telegram’s 5A/4A C0-Defensive Player of the Year, was named Outstanding Linebacker and Scholar Athlete and along with Troup and senior quarterback Eron Sauls won the Wildcat Captains Award.
Senior Julius Thomas received two honors: Best Defensive Lineman and the George Johnson Scholarship Award. Senior Zach Haynes was selected Best Offensive Lineman, junior kicker/punter Weston Gooch took the Outstanding Special Teams Player Award, and senior Brandon Soto received the Don Davis Integrity Scholarship Award.
