Woodrow Wilson High School. Photo by Renee Umsted.
Woodrow Wilson High School’s competition gym is being named to honor former coach Theo “Cotton” Miles.
Miles, who died in November 2021 at age 97, was the head coach of the school’s football team for 11 years, and he led the team to the state semifinals. During his time at the helm, Woodrow won the city championship seven times, according to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial website.
He was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2010, The Dallas Morning News reported. He is also a member of the Woodrow Wilson High School Hall of Fame and was named a “Jack of Honor” at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin. The award is given to people who have added to the success of the school’s athletic program as a student-athlete, coach, trainer, manager or in an administrative role. Miles participated in football, baseball, basketball and track at the university.
When Miles left Woodrow, he coached at Skyline High School until his retirement from coaching in 1975, according to his obituary.
There will be a dedication ceremony of the Theo “Cotton” Miles Gym at 11 a.m. May 13.
