Stephenville ISD announced Friday that its new high school stadium will be named after Art Briles, a decision honoring the former head coach who led the Stephenville Yellow Jackets to four state championships from 1988 to 1999. The dedication took place during the final game at Tarleton Memorial Stadium, as Stephenville’s community gathered to commemorate both Briles’ legacy and the team’s 1994 state championship players. The field will be named after another influential coach, Mike Copeland, who has contributed to Stephenville athletics for nearly five decades.
Art Briles is celebrated in Texas high school football for transforming the Stephenville program during his tenure, leading the team to four state championships and consistent playoff appearances. After leaving Stephenville, Briles held coaching positions at Texas Tech and the University of Houston before joining Baylor University in 2008. Under Briles, Baylor experienced a resurgence, winning two Big 12 championships and achieving national prominence. However, his tenure at Baylor ended in controversy when he was dismissed in 2016 amid criticism over his handling of sexual assaults involving players. Baylor’s investigation revealed a failure to properly address or report the assaults, leading to significant backlash and tarnishing Briles’ reputation.
Despite the controversy, Stephenville ISD officials and community leaders emphasized Briles’ positive contributions to the district. “With the naming of Art Briles Stadium, we honor the values of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork that he championed,” stated SISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Cederstrom, highlighting Briles’ impact on Stephenville’s program and local culture. Chad Elms, board president, echoed this sentiment, explaining that Briles’ leadership helped shape the district’s athletic program and foster community pride.
The new Art Briles Stadium is set to open in May, representing a new era for Stephenville football while honoring two figures who shaped the school’s athletic legacy. The decision to commemorate Briles has sparked mixed reactions, given his success and the lasting impact of the Baylor controversy. However, SISD remains committed to celebrating Briles’ achievements, with the hope of inspiring future generations to value character, dedication, and resilience.
