SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Fred Evans, Cyril Friday, Robert "Bobby" Kotzur, Lynwood Wade will be inducted into the Texas State Hall of Honor as the four members for the 2025 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 2025 Induction Ceremony and Hall of Honor Banquet will take place on Friday, November 28 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 512-245-2114 or via email Tassociation@txstate.edu.

Fred Evans
Texas State University proudly announces the induction of former standout defensive lineman Fred Evans into the Texas State Athletics Hall of Honor, recognizing his exceptional impact on the Bobcat football program and his achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Evans transferred to Texas State from the College of DuPage (Illinois) and made an immediate impression upon his arrival in 2004. Originally signed as an offensive lineman, he transitioned to defensive tackle during spring practice – a move that quickly proved to be pivotal for the Bobcats. Coaches noted that he "had the frame of a big man but the movement of a smaller player," and Evans' dynamic play anchored the defensive front throughout his career.

During his first season, Evans started all 11 games, earning Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-Southland Conference honors. Head Coach David Bailiff remarked, "Travis Upshaw and Evans are both 300 pounds and have good springs playing on the interior," while Assistant Coach Tietz added, "What we saw later in the season was offenses changing their protection so they could get two guys on him."

In 2005, Evans' dominance continued as he was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Southland Conference, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America and was named to The Sports Network All-America Third-Team. He was also named to Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-Regional Team and All-America Second-Team list.

That same season, Evans helped lead the Bobcats to their first Southland Conference Championship and a memorable run to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoff Semifinals. His performance earned him a selection to the prestigious Hula Bowl, the nation's premier college all-star game for seniors.

A two-time Oak Farms Dairy Academic Award recipient (2004 and 2005), Evans excelled both on and off the field. He ranks among Texas State's all-time leaders in tackles for loss, recording 18.0 in 2005 to rank second for most in a single season and 17.5 in 2004 to rank third. Over his career, Evans totaled 35.5 tackles for loss, placing him seventh on the Bobcats' all-time list.

Following his Texas State career, Evans was selected in the 7th round (212th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He made his NFL debut that season against the Indianapolis Colts in December before joining the Minnesota Vikings, where he played seven seasons and appeared in more than 90 games during his eight-year professional career.

Evans' approach to the game was defined by determination and discipline. As he was once described, he doesn't just rely on his athletic ability to be successful—he approaches every day with the mindset of what he can do to become better.

His induction into the Hall of Honor cements his legacy as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in Bobcat history.

Cyril Friday
Texas State University proudly announces the induction of former linebacker Cyril Friday into the Texas State Hall of Honor, recognizing his extraordinary contributions on the football field and his lasting impact as a leader.

Friday, a four-year letterwinner from 1980–1983, anchored the Bobcat defense with a rare combination of speed, agility, toughness, and instinct. His name remains etched in the Texas State record books, and his career reflects both dominance on the field and leadership beyond the game.

From the moment he stepped on campus in 1980, Friday made his presence known. Playing linebacker as a freshman, he recorded 53 tackles, two fumble recoveries, three sacks and an interception, earning recognition as the Bobcats' Freshman of the Year. Head Coach Jim Wacker noted at the time, "Cyril's hard to keep out of the lineup he's playing so well. He's got a heckuva future ahead of him."

That future quickly took shape. In 1981, Friday was named First Team All-Lone Star Conference (LSC) unanimously, along with Associated Press (AP) Little All-America Honorable Mention and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-America Honorable Mention. Wacker again praised his sophomore star, saying, "To be the leading tackler, make five interceptions and lead the team in sacks, that was just a great job he did."  He was named the Bobcats' Defensive Player of the Year because of these accomplishments.

By 1982, Friday was recognized as one of the premier defenders in the nation. Twice named Second Team AP Little All-America (1982-1983) and a three-time unanimous First Team All-LSC selection (1981–83), he became the Lone Star Conference Defensive MVP winner in 1983. Head Coach John O'Hara described him as "one of the best in the country…a captain and one of our leaders on and off the field. I'd like to have an entire team of Cyril Friday's."

A three-year team captain, Friday helped lead the Bobcats to back-to-back National Championships in 1981 and 1982. He closed his career as one of the most decorated defenders in program history, ranking among the top 10 all-time in total tackles (362), sacks (24.5), tackles for loss (32), and fumbles recovered (8). He also tied the school record for most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a season (2).

After completion of his eligibility, Friday was selected in the United States Football League draft by the San Antonio Gunslingers and also drew interest from the Canadian Football League.

He went on to a distinguished 29-year career with the Travis County Sheriff's Office, retiring with the rank of Captain. During his tenure, he earned the Meritorious Conduct Bar, Master Peace Officer Bar, and the 2014 NAACP Louie White Law Enforcement Award.

Committed to giving back, Friday dedicated many years as a volunteer football coach with Northern Zone Athletics and the Alex Okafor Youth Football Camp, inspiring young athletes with the same leadership and integrity that defined his playing days.

Friday's induction into the Texas State Hall of Honor cements his place among the Bobcat greats.  His decorated career also earned him a place on the prestigious Lone Star Conference 75th Anniversary Team, further underscoring his impact as one of the league's all-time greats.  From his bone-jarring hits and defensive dominance to his unwavering leadership and service, Cyril Friday exemplifies what it means to wear the maroon and gold.

Robert "Bobby" Kotzur
Robert "Bobby" Kotzur never imagined his name would one day be etched among the legends of Texas State Athletics. From earning a starting role as a freshman in 1972 to becoming an All-American and NFL draft pick, Kotzur has earned his place in Bobcat history through relentless effort and undeniable talent.

Kotzur first stepped onto the field for Southwest Texas State (now Texas State University) in 1972. By the end of his freshman season, the young defensive tackle had earned a starting role — a glimpse of what was to come. The following year, he built on that momentum with 19 tackles, 31 assists, and two fumble recoveries, proving he had the toughness and instincts to lead.

In 1974, Head Coach Bill Miller made a pivotal decision that changed Kotzur's trajectory — moving him from tackle to middle guard. "Kotzur has tremendous potential and…lateral agility so we thought his talents could be better utilized at middle guard," Miller said. The move paid off immediately. Kotzur anchored a defense that was the best against the rush in the Lone Star Conference, earning First Team All-Lone Star Conference and honorable mention All-America honors.

By 1975, Kotzur wasn't just a leader on the field — he was the team's captain, its voice, and its fire. Called the "heart of the defense," he collected a string of accolades few players in program history had achieved: First Team All-Lone Star Conference, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-America, Associated Press (AP) All-America, and Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year by unanimous vote.

In making the AP All-America First Team, Kotzur became only the third Bobcat ever to earn the distinction. His place among the greats of the Lone Star Conference was later solidified with selection to the Lone Star Conference All-Decade Team.

The ultimate validation came in 1976, when Kotzur's childhood dream seemed within reach. Drafted in the ninth round of the NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Kotzur signed with the team and took part in training camp. Reflecting on the opportunity, he said, "I was real thrilled to be chosen. When I was contacted… I just couldn't believe it. It's a dream come true for me." While his tenure with the Bills did not include a regular season appearance, Kotzur went on to continue his professional football career with the Charros and Toros.

After football, Kotzur returned to the values that had always defined him — hard work and family. He built a career in construction, first as a worker and later as a supervisor, before serving as a correctional officer and recreational supervisor at the Karnes County Correctional Center.

Off the field, he built his proudest legacy with his wife, Sandra, and their three children — Robby, Rose, and Ryann.

For those who played alongside Kotzur, his impact went far beyond the stats or the accolades. He was a teammate you could count on, a leader who inspired belief, and a Bobcat who carried the pride of his school into every snap. His Hall of Honor induction is not only a recognition of greatness on the field, but also a celebration of the character and resilience that shaped his life.

Lynwood Wade
Texas State University is proud to announce the induction of Lynwood Wade into the Texas State Hall of Honor, recognizing his extraordinary impact on Bobcat men's basketball and his lasting legacy as one of the program's most influential players.

A transfer from Paris Junior College (Texas), Wade quickly established himself as a leader on and off the court, serving as team captain both years he wore the maroon and gold. Renowned for his exceptional scoring ability, tenacious defensive play, and relentless energy, Wade's never-give-up attitude became the heartbeat of a team on the rise.

In his first season as a Bobcat (1992–93), Wade was named the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year, earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team, and was recognized as the Team MVP. His arrival sparked new energy within the program and laid the foundation for what was to come.

The following year, Wade helped guide the Bobcats to one of the most memorable seasons in school history. During the 1993–94 campaign, he was named Southland Conference Tournament MVP, leading Texas State to its first NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bobcats entered the tournament riding the nation's longest winning streak, with Wade at the center of their success. He again earned First Team All-Conference honors, ranked second in NCAA Division I in field goal percentage (65%), and was selected as the CBS Player of the Game during the NCAA Tournament matchup against UMass. For the second consecutive year, he was named the Bobcats' Team MVP.

Wade's name is firmly etched throughout the Texas State record books. Over his two seasons in San Marcos, he scored 1,061 points and grabbed 529 rebounds, ranking 20th all-time in both categories. His consistency and endurance also place him eighth in career minutes averaged (32.9) and free throw attempts (446). Wade's scoring average of 18.3 points per game ranks fourth in program history, and his .593 field goal percentage stands ninth all-time.

His single-season performances were equally impressive. In 1993–94, Wade scored 593 points, the ninth-highest single-season total in school history. That same year, he ranked sixth in field goals made (232) and field goal percentage (.652), fourth in free throw attempts (258), and tenth in total minutes played (1,051). These numbers reflect not only his elite efficiency but also his unmatched endurance and competitiveness.

Wade's dominance and consistency earned him a place on the Southland Conference All-Decade Team, further solidifying his status as one of the league's all-time greats.

Former head coach Jim Wooldridge summed up Wade's impact best:
"I can't think of any player in my coaching career that had more to do with changing a program and impacting winning than Lynwood Wade."

Wade went on to enjoy a 10-year professional basketball career competing across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.  After retiring from professional play, he turned his focus to education and coaching, bringing the same passion and leadership that defined his playing career into the classroom and sidelines.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreational Administration from Texas State in 1998 and later completed a Master of Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.  As a high school basketball coach in Oklahoma, Wade guided his teams to four regional championships between 2014 and 2022. Today, he serves as an Assistant Principal at Muskogee High School, where he continues to inspire young students.  When his students discover his athletic accomplishments, Wade uses it as a teaching moment telling them, "This is how it is, this is what being accountable and being a leader can do for you too." In recognition of his lasting contributions to athletics and his community, Wade was inducted into the Muskogee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

Wade remains a shining example of what it means to be a Bobcat for life—a competitor, a leader, and a role model who continues to make a difference wherever he goes.