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Petrolia School Sports

Petrolia Sports History

Basketball for many years was the major sport for Petrolia youth. Track, tennis, and baseball were also important Spring Sports after Basketball season ended.

In 1967 Petrolia’s enrollment had increased enough that it attained the “A” UIL classifcation which is now the AA. In the 1970’s after maintaining the increased enrollment and UIL “A” Classification, the community encouraged and supported Coach Garland Nichols and the school board to initate the district’s Football program. (Several Class AA Texas Districts never initiated a Football program.)

The Petrolia School District was able to acquire the Wichita Falls, HS Coyote Field Bleachers after WF built the Memorial Stadium on the SW Parkway. Community volunteers dismantled the steel frame Coyote Stadium Bleachers and reassembled it in Petrolia creating the first Pirate Football Field.

You are encouraged to share any details which will add to this Petrolia School Sports History. Contact Kenneth Bitz at kenneth@ibitz.net with your Petrolia Sports Stories and Photos.

1973 Boys Basketball Team

The 1973 boys basketball team entered the Texas State Tournament and a advanced to the State finals undefeated. Sadly, they lost the final championship game to Kennard.

Two Pirates made the 1972-1973 1A Boys Basketball All-Tournament Team (As selected by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches)

Paul Lamb - Kennard - Senior - 6-6 - Forward
Darrell Massie - Petrolia - Junior - 6-2 - Guard
Louis Nix - Snook - Junior - 6-2 - Guard
Larry Spruiell - Petrolia - Senior - 6-2 - Guard
Cleotis Wiley - Kennard - Sophomore - 5-9 - Guard
The Texas UIL Web Site https://bityl.co/JUJE

Coached by Garland Nichols the Petrolia Team Roster is displayed below.

1973 Boys Basketball Roster

Several folks who witnessed the '73 Texas State Championship game reported that if Gregg had not been injured in the semi-final game, the game would have been much closer and the Pirates would have likely won the game and ended the season undefeated in spite of the Kennard team's height.

After graduating from Petrolia, Greg Nichols and Larry Spruiell both became HS Coaches, as did their older brothers.