SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Alma Dickerson Williams, Elton "Tweety" Francis, Tori Talbert and Jason Washington will be inducted into the Texas State Hall of Honor as the four members of the 2024 Class, the Texas State "T" Association announced Thursday.
Earning the highest athletic accolade for Texas State alumni, the four were voted in by the "T" Association Board of Directors for their accomplishments based on their collegiate career, professional career and their impact on Bobcat Athletics.
The 2024 Induction Ceremony and Hall of Honor Banquet will take place on Friday, November 22 in the J. Garland Warren Room at UFCU Stadium. To purchase tickets to the Hall of Honor Banquet, please contact Brandi Martinez in the Texas State Athletics Department by phone at 512-245-2963 or via email
Tassociation@txstate.edu.
Alma Dickerson Williams, PhD
Track & Field | 1983-87
Alma Dickerson Williams, PhD was a member of the inaugural NCAA women's track and field team for Southwest Texas State. Born in Refugio, Texas, Alma quickly rose to prominence as an outstanding sprinter. During her high school years, she was named Coastal Bend Track Athlete of the Year in 1982 and 1983. Her talent and dedication earned her a place on the Texas State women's track and field team from 1983-1987 where she became a two-time All-American and a four-year letter winner.
In her freshman year, Alma burst onto the scene as a standout member of the inaugural women's track and field team, earning NCAA Division II All-America honors in both the 100 meters and the 4x100 meter relay with impressive 6th place finishes. Her electrifying speed also secured her 7th place in the 200 meters and 8th in the 4x400 meter relay, culminating in her being named Team MVP.
Following a successful inaugural season, Texas State ascended to NCAA Division I status by joining the Gulf Star Conference. However, due to the limited participation of women's teams, no conference championship was held, and the women's track and field team primarily competed in invitational meets. As a sophomore, Alma demonstrated her resilience and adaptability and continued to excel where she was once again honored as Team MVP.
Her junior year catapulted Alma to new heights as she clinched the Gulf Star Conference championship in the 100 meters and anchor of the victorious 4x100 meter relay team. Alma's performances were key to the team's triumphant first Gulf Star Conference Championship.
In her senior year Alma defended her conference title in the 100 meters and also secured conference championships in the 200 meters and the 4x400 meter relay. Additionally, she was a conference runner-up in the 4x100 meter relay, contributing significantly to her team's second-place finish in the Gulf Star Conference Championship.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas State University in 1987, Alma furthered her education with a Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading from Texas State University in 2000. She received her Principal Certification in 2009 and doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in Literary Studies from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in 2013.
Alma began her teaching career at Spring Branch Elementary in Houston ISD, where she taught 2nd grade for six years. Her career flourished as she taught grades 1st through 9th in various subjects and served in numerous administrative roles. She has over 20 years of administrative and specialist experience as an Assistant Principal, Creativity, Innovation, and Design Coach, Reading Specialist, Learning Interventionist, and Learning Lab Director. Currently, Alma serves as the Assistant Principal at Charlie Marshall Elementary School in Aransas Pass ISD.
Alma Dickerson Williams is a devoted supporter of Texas State University and considers herself an "OG" track athlete and frequently attends track and field alumni events, as well as football and basketball games.
Elton "Tweety" Francis
Track & Field | 1979-80
Elton "Tweety" Francis, a two-time All-American and a world-class sprinter, etched his name into the annals of track and field history through his unparalleled athletic prowess and unwavering dedication. His journey to greatness began following a two-year service in the Air Force, after which he joined Southwest Texas State, bringing with him a fierce determination and a passion for excellence.
In 1977, Elton's talent was unmistakably evident when he clinched the Texas State High School Championship in the 200 meters. His freshman year in 1979 was nothing short of illustrious; he dominated the Lone Star Conference Championships, winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.7 seconds and anchoring the victorious 4x110 relay team. He also secured a commendable third place in the 200 meters with a time of 22.2 seconds. Notably, his exceptional performance at the 1979 Lone Star Conference Track and Field Meet earned him the prestigious J.H. "Cap" Shelton Award as the High Point Individual and Outstanding Runner, a testament to his unparalleled athletic talent.
Elton's sophomore year in 1980 further solidified his legacy. He once again triumphed in the Lone Star Conference Championships, claiming titles in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. He also played a pivotal role in the relay events, securing second place in the 4x400 meters and third place in the 4x100 meters, contributing significantly to Southwest Texas' third-place team finish. His remarkable achievements earned him another "Cap" Shelton Award, and his performances at the NAIA national championship meet saw him finish sixth in both the 100 meters and 200 meters, thereby obtaining All-American status.
Elton's records speak volumes about his extraordinary capabilities. His wind legal 100-meter school record of 10.27 seconds, set in 1979, stood unchallenged for 45 years until Shawn Collins equaled it with a wind-legal 10.27 seconds in 2024. His time still stands as the fourth fastest time on the Texas State University all conditions 100-meter list. Similarly, his 200-meter record of 20.68 seconds, set in 1979, remained at the top the list for 33 years, until James Johnson broke it in 2012. Elton's prowess also earned him a spot at the 1980 US Olympic Trials for both the 100 meters and 200 meters, further highlighting his exceptional athleticism. The USA boycotted the Olympics that year. Who knows what might have been in store Elton?
Beyond his athletic achievements, Elton demonstrated a strong commitment to his community and alma mater. He began his professional journey at Gary Job Corps, later joining the staff at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin where he was certified in ASL and subsequently working at Solectron in Austin. Elton stayed a steadfast supporter of Southwest Texas university athletics, often serving as a certified meet official and generously donating his time and resources to support the athletes of Southwest Texas State.
Elton "Tweety" Francis passed away in September 2006, leaving behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and excellence. His contributions to track and field, his community, and his unwavering spirit continue to inspire future generations.
Tori Talbert
Women's Basketball | 2001-05
Tori Talbert is a celebrated four-year letter winner for the Texas State Women's Basketball team from 2001 to 2005. Standing tall at 6'2", Tori's remarkable talent and dedication have earned her a permanent place in the annals of the university's sports legacy.
In her freshman year, Tori showcased her remarkable skills by earning Southland Conference First-Team All-Conference honors and being named the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year. She played in 27 of the 28 games as a true freshman and led the conference with a shooting percentage of .579. Not only did she top the conference in shooting, but she also led her team in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and free throws.
Tori's sophomore year saw her ascend to even greater heights. Tori was the top rebounder in the conference and ranked 5th nationally, maintaining a 51% shooting percentage despite being frequently double and triple-teamed. She was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference. Her stellar performance in the Southland Conference Tournament, where she scored 22 points to beat UTSA in the championship, propelled her team into the NCAA tournament and her earned her the Tournament MVP nod.
In her junior year, Tori continued to dominate on the court, earning Second-Team All-Conference honors. She led the conference in field goal percentage (.511) and rebounding (263) and was the team's top scorer and shot-blocker.
Her senior year was the crowning glory of her collegiate career. Tori was once again named the Southland Conference Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference. She led the conference in scoring with 560 points and field goal percentage (.532) and served as the team captain.
Tori Talbert's illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades and records. She was a four-time Texas State Most Valuable Player and was honored 12 times as the Southland Conference Player of the Week. She was also selected to the Southland Conference All-Decade Team.
In terms of season records, Tori ranks #7 in scoring with 560 points, #7 in rebounding with 269 rebounds, and holds the #1 and #2 spots in free throws with 147 and 144, respectively.
Her career records at Texas State University are equally impressive: she ranks #1 in rebounding with 1,147 rebounds, #4 in scoring with 1,870 points, #9 in blocked shots with 57, and #1 in free throws with 503.
Within the Southland Conference, Tori holds several records that underscore her stellar career. She ranks #4 in single-game rebounds with 25, #9 in season scoring average with 22.4, and #7 in career rebounds with 1,147.
Tori's commitment to excellence extended beyond the basketball court. She was a two-time Oak Farms Dairy Academic Award recipient and graduated in 2006 from Texas State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Sports Science and a Minor in Mass Communications. In 2013, she earned a Master's degree in School Counseling from University of Texas-San Antonio.
Presently, Tori serves as a Counselor at John Paul Stevens High School in San Antonio. She is also a Community Liaison for volunteer organizations such as Clothe-A-Child, LovePacs, and Angel Tree. Tori remains actively involved with Texas State University, attending alumni events, and is proud to share that her daughter will be attending Texas State in the fall to play volleyball.
Jason Washington
Football | 1998-2001
Baseball | 1999-2002
Jason Washington has been selected for induction into the Texas State University Hall of Honor, recognizing his outstanding contributions in both athletics and academics during his tenure at the university. As a dual-sport athlete, Jason made his mark as a four-year letterwinner, excelling as a centerfielder for the baseball team and defensive back for the football team.
During his football career, Jason demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and skill. As a freshman, he recorded 34 tackles, including a standout performance with 12 tackles and his first career sack against Southern Illinois. In his sophomore year, he recorded 23 tackles, two quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles against McNeese State. His junior year saw him contribute in the Bobcat secondary with 27 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Jason capped off his collegiate football journey with a career-best 66 tackles, earning Southland Conference Honorable Mention Team honors in his senior year.
In addition to his football career, Jason prowess also extended to the baseball diamond. He saw limited action as a freshman but quickly ascended to a starting role by his sophomore year; playing in 43 games and boasting a .320 batting average. He led the team with ten stolen bases and was a crucial member of the Southland Conference Tournament Championship Team, while also being named to the Southland Conference All-Tournament Team and the NCAA All-Regional Team. His junior year earned him a spot on the preseason All-Conference team; he played in 39 games, batted .295 with 43 hits, and led the team with 17 stolen bases, achieving a .990 fielding percentage and being named to the Southland Conference Honorable Mention Team. As a senior, Jason served as Team Captain and was selected to the Southland Conference Team-Honorable Mention. Jason remains among the top 10 in career stolen bases at Texas State, with 38.
Jason's excellence was not confined to the playing fields. He consistently excelled academically and earned multiple academic honors, including the prestigious 2002 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholarship Award and the 2001-2002 Southland Conference Student-Athlete of the Year Award. A two-time selection to the Southland Conference All-Academic Teams for both football and baseball, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Management in 2002 and went on to earn a Master of Education in Sports Management in 2004.
After graduation, Jason continued to contribute to Texas State as part of the football coaching staff from 2004-2006 and 2011-2014. He further developed his coaching expertise at Rice University (2007-2010), the University of Houston (2015-2016), and the University of Texas (2017-20219) and Mississippi State University (2020-present). Currently, he serves as the Director of Life Skills and NFL Liaison for Mississippi State. Jason has coached and developed a total of 12 players to the NFL and earned recognition as the Big 12's top recruiting coach in 2018 by 247Sports.
Jason is also committed to giving back to his community and has actively participated in the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Wounded Warriors. Jason is married to Mary Cameron "MC" Yeomans and they are the proud parents of two children, son Jaxson, and daughter Jayla. Jason continues to embody the values of dedication, excellence, and leadership both on and off the field.
