UIL honors Mansfield Timberview, boys basketball state teams amid COVID-19 pandemic
For the first time in its 100-year history, the University Interscholastic League honored state tournament teams with a virtual celebration.
The boys basketball tourney was suspended after four games on March 12 at the Alamodome in San Antonio and was later canceled along with all spring activity on April 17 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
On June 10-11, the UIL recognized the state tournament teams live on YouTube.
“We’re celebrating something we couldn’t get to finish. This tournament has meant so much to me throughout my career both as a coach and administrator at the UIL,” executive director Charles Breithaupt said. “I can’t imagine what our coaches are feeling when they couldn’t finish the state tournament.
“I played for two state championships, winning one and I can’t fathom, and my heart goes out to them.”
The UIL had a contingency plan to return.
Breithaupt said that they expected to be back in two weeks and set a return date for April 10-14.
“Our staff did a great job putting this tournament together. They worked behind the scenes to do all they could to resurrect the tournament,” he said. “Coming back now seems a bit anti-climatic and I know some of you want to do that.”
Nine teams from Dallas-Fort Worth clinched a berth this year, including Mansfield Timberview, which had gone to the Alamodome for the third time in four years.
On June 10, Mansfield ISD and Timberview High School administration along with Timberview head coach Duane Gregory took part in the Class 5A celebration. Other state teams included Lancaster, SA Wagner and Fort Bend Hightower.
The Wolves made the state tourney for the fourth time in program history, winning titles in 2017 and 2019.
They were 2-2 in district play before ending the year 15-1. They were 29-8 overall.
Gregory, who finished his 32nd year, 11 as head coach at Timberview, was also recognized as 2019 boys basketball coach of the year. He’s compiled a 270-110 career record.
“I want to thank all the people at the UIL throughout this entire process and my administrators in Mansfield. They are very supportive in what we do and how we do it.
“My players and coaches had a great growth year. As defending champ, you get everyone’s best shot during the next season. We graduated all five starters so my guys had to learn under tough competition.
“The toughness and trust carried them through the playoffs. We felt like we were peaking at the right time and we were excited to defend our state championship. Really proud of my guys this year.”
Each conference had a separate YouTube presentation that included head coach, school representatives and remarks from Breithaupt. The videos are still open the public.
View the whole Class 5A presentation here
View all state presentations here
Wednesday, June 10
Conference 1A (La Rue La Poynor)
Conference 3A (Dallas Madison, San Antonio Cole)
Conference 5A (San Antonio Wagner, Mansfield Timberview, Lancaster, Fort Bend Hightower)
Thursday, June 11
Conference 2A (Martin’s Mill, San Saba, Shelbyville, Gruver)
Conference 4A (Argyle, Stafford, Houston Yates, Oak Cliff Faith Family)
Conference 6A (Northside Brandeis, Duncanville, Dickinson, Wylie)
