Oklahoma Panhandle State University football has had some quality members inducted into the Hall of Fame over the years of its existence. This year, OPSU adds another player into its esteemed corridors as John Winchester is set to be inducted into the 2015 Aggie Hall of Fame on Saturday, Jan. 22.
John Winchester played football at OPSU from 1973-77, but the man dedicated his working life to the sport. He began playing football in the seventh grade in Texhoma, Okla. and he continued his playing career through senior season at OPSU. While playing at Texhoma High School, Winchester made the 1972 Oklahoma All-State team at halfback.
Winchester played safety for the Aggies during his four years at OPSU, and earned several accolades along the way. He was named second team All-District for the 1974 season, first team All-District for the 1975 season, and Defensive Player of the Year and All-American for the 1976 season.
Upon graduating from OPSU with degrees in History and Physical Education, Winchester began a career in coaching. He served as football coach, athletic director, or both for 32 years at several schools in Oklahoma. He returned to Texhoma in the early 1990’s and eventually found himself in Turpin [Okla.] where he won two state titles in 1995 and 1997. Winchester was also named All-State Coach for the State of Oklahoma in 1995.
Winchester retired from coaching several years ago and now enjoys spending time with his family. When asked about his first reaction of being named to the Aggie Hall of Fame he recalled feeling “very humbled.” He went on to say, “I felt disbelief. I’m not sure what the process is for being nominated, but I’m truly thankful and this is a great honor. It’s one of the highest accomplishments I’ve ever had.”
Several factors aided in Winchester’s choice of OPSU as a student athlete. First, he said that he liked OPSU because it was close to home; being from Texhoma he lived only ten miles away. He also stated that he grew up going to Aggie football games and watching the local players compete, and that he had always wanted to take the field for OPSU. Winchester added, “I liked that you got to meet a lot of people, and OPSU has people that are down-to-earth. I also thought the teachers did their best to help us out; they were always there to help when we needed it.”
Winchester also said that his most vivid memory of football at OPSU was the O-Club initiations. He said that, while rowdy and a little ornery at times, the O-Club also taught players about the history of the school and the principles expected of athletes. He said that his fonder memories of the O-Club involved him initiating others, rather than his own initiation into the fold. The O-Club was an organization of athletic lettermen at OPSU.
