By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor 

After more than 20 years of serving as Westlake football’s team physician, Newt Hasson will make history with his induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in May.

Hasson, an orthopedic surgeon who has lived in Westlake for 24 years, will become the first high-school team doctor to receive a spot in the hall at the May 2 ceremony at the Ferrell Center in Waco. That status makes his induction particularly special, he said.

“I was just thrilled when I heard the news,” he said. “I’ve already thought a little about what I’m going to say, and one thing will be that I’m accepting this for all the health care professionals that work and have worked with high-school athletes.”

Hasson, who says he can count “on one hand” how many games he has missed, says his silent but sentient presence on the sideline testifies to the lessons learned from his mentors. 

“They always told me the only way to be a real team doctor is to be on the sideline every time the team takes the field,” he said. “That’s my reward, to be able to watch those kids give it their all.”

Hasson has volunteered his time as team doctor and has long spearheaded volunteer efforts by area nurses and physicians to perform annual physicals at Westlake High School. 

Hasson was selected by Hall electors in the category of special contributor to Texas high school football. Hall electors also chose one player from each decade, including: T Jones from Childress, pre-1950; Johnny Roland from Corpus Christi Miller, 1950s; Bob Goodrich from Dallas Woodrow Wilson, 1960s; Bubba Bean from Kirbyville, 1970s; Kenneth Davis from Temple, 1980s; and Shaud Williams from Andrews, 1990s. The late Pat Shannon of San Antonio Jefferson was elected as this year’s coach honoree. 

The ceremony is set for 6 p.m. For information, contact Tiffany Wilkins at (254) 829-1556.