2001 Celebrity Guests


G. W. Bailey - Best known nationally as Capt. Harris in the Police Academy film series and as Sgt. Rizzo in the M*A*S*H T.V. series,G. W. is more recognized locally for his work with the Classic since its inception in 1994 and for his 15 year association with the Sunshine Kids Foundation, of which he recently became the Executive Director. G. W. continues to perform on television and film. Jed Allan - Three-time recipient of the Daytime T. V. Magazine Best Actor Award, and twice named Top Male Daytime Star in the Soap Opera Digest Awards, Jed has also played on Broadway in Oliver, Barefoot in the Park, All American, The Paisley Convertible, and Viva Madison Avenue. Pat Green - By the time musician Pat Green graduated from Texas Tech University in 1995, the singer - songwriter had crafted and refined a talent that had people shouting for more.  Currently, Pat tours full-time, and has released five very successful CD's.  From his roots in Central Texas, listening to classical music early, and his Texas musical heroes later on, it's apparent this up-and-comer has come to stay for a while.
Jonathan Banks- Comfortable on stage, film, or television,  Jonathan has performed at the esteemed Mark Taper Forum, and has been seen in many movies and TV shows,including Wiseguy, Beverly Hills Cop, 48hrs., Crocodile Dundee in L.A., and Plague Season. Earl Billings - a versatile character actor starring in Chicago Hope, Home Improvement and Touched by an Angel among many others.  Earl has recently enjoyed great success as the football official trying to find a coin to flip in a Southwest Airlines commercial, as well as his co-starring role in an AFLAC commercial. Cory Morrow - A native of Houston, Cory's musical influences growing up were traditional and hard-core honky-tonk: Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, and Swinging Doors by Merle Haggard. In 1999, he was nominated as the Best New Act and Best Folk Act by the Houston press as a finalist in the Shiner Bock 1999 Texas Music Showdown.
Kerry Cash- The former University of Texas Longhorn went on to play professionally for the Baltimore//Indianapolis Colts, the Oakland Raiders, and the Chicago Bears. He currently resides in Austin, where he and twin brother Keith operate a sports management firm, "Marketing & Wellness Opportunities in Austin". J. L. Lewis - a member of the Bobcats' 1983 NCAA Division II national championship golf team and a 1987 SWT graduate, Lewis won the PGA's John Deere Classic in 1999, in a five-hole sudden death play-off. He has recorded a pair of ton-10 finishes for the third consecutive season and has been ranked among the top 80 on the PGA tour money list for the second straight season. Ann Cusack - Some of Ann's film credits include What Planet Are You From?, Stigmata, Multiplicity,Birdcage, A League of Their Own, and Grosse Point Blank, starring her brother John and sister Joan. Television credits include appearances on Ally McBeal, What About Joan,From Earth to the Moon, and The Jeff Foxworthy Show. In addition, she sings with the R & B band Faurot.
Satch Davidson- former National League Baseball Umpire, Satch's legendary careeer included working in five no-hit games.  Satch was behind the plate when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record and again behind the plate in the famous 12 inning sixth game of the 1975 World Series. Mary Deese - A recurring character on General Hospital, and  in the soon-to-be released feature film Big Stone Gap, Mary has also co-starred in the movies The Last Assasins, The Wild Rose, as well as appearing on episodes of Family Matters and Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Leslie EasterbrookRhonda Lee  on Laverne & Shirley and Callahan on Police Academy are just two of the "bombshells" Leslie has created on film.  Her experience ranges from Broadway to Superbowl XVII, where she sang the National Anthem. She continues to guest star on television, and make personal appearances across the country.
Doug English - a legendary Texas Longhorn All-American.  Doug was All-Pro for the Detroit Lions for four years.  Now a successful Austin businessman, Doug is the host of the Lone Star Classic which benefits the Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation. Charlie Frazier - a former NFL All Star Team Member, Charlie was an All-American at Texas Southern as well as All-Conference and in 1961 was named Athlete of the Year.  He played for the Houston Oilers from 1962 to 1968 and with the New England Patriots in 1969 and 1970.  Currently, Charlie teaches biology and coaches football and golf at John H. Reagan High School in Houston. Richard Gant -  A fixture on over thirty sitcoms, numerous drama's including Chicago Hope, NYPD  Blue, Picket Fences and a multitude of Movie of the Week's. Recently, he has starred in Sour Grapes and Divorcing Jack, The Big Lebowski, and Godzilla. Richard's role as "Detective Sergeant Dornan" can be seen recurring on the hit show NYPD Blue.
Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin  - a former Denver Bronco All Pro for four years and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl for six years.  In 1984 he was elected to the "Ring of Fame" and his name placed in Denver's Mile High Stadium.  He still possesses
team records for interceptions. 
Larry Hovis - Currently a lecturer at SWT, Larry is best know as Sgt. Carter on Hogan's Heroes and as a writer/performer on Laugh-In.  His acting and singing career has spanned fifty years in television/film and as a soloist for Capitol Records, Sunset Records and MGM Records.  Mr. Hovis was temporary King of Scotland from 1978 to 1981. Louie Kelcher  - a member of the Super Bowl XIX winning San Francisco 49'ers, Louie also played eight years for the San Diego Chargers.  In addition to his athletic prowess, he has film credits for North Dallas Forty and Semi-Tough.  Louie is a graduate of Southern Methodist University where he was named All American in 1974. 
Billy Kilmer  - Playing with the New Orleans Saints four years, and the Washington Redskins seven, Billy played in 165 NFL games. He led the Redskins to six consecutive winning seasons, with five trips to the playoffs, an NFC championship, and a trip to Super Bowl VII. His 1,562 career completions is the 20th best total in NFL history. Lance Kinsey  - famous as Proctor in Police Academy, Lance began his career with the legendary "Second City" comedy group in Chicago.  A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Lance is also a successful television and film writer/producer as well as a good friend of the SWT Classic. Tommy Kramer - A Minnesota Vikings quarterback from 1977 to 1989, Tommy was the leading passer in the NFL in 1986.
He led the Vikings to the playoffs seven out of thirteen seasons.. He was both Texas high school player of the year and high school All-American in 1972. Later, he was All Southwest Conference at Rice University in 1975 & 1976, and was a consensus All-American in 1976.
Eugene Lee  - An award winning writer and extremely busy Hollywood actor, Eugene is an SWT alumni who also finds the time to help make the Classic a success. His play, East Texas Hot Links, has enjoyed critical and box office success from Hollywood to Washington D.C. to London, England at the Royal Court Theatre.  Doug Moreland  - Up-and-coming Americana music star and chainsaw artist Doug Moreland is making his debut appearance at the CenturyTel SWT Celebrity Classic. The Fort Davis, Texas native is a South Plains College alum who is right in the middle of the Texas "music revolution".With such gigs as Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic and three albums to his credit, he's someone we'll be hearing much more from in the future. Philip Moon - an actor of great versatility, Philip has appeared in Batman Forever, The Joy Luck Club, Lethal Weapon 3, and The Big Lebowski.  He has guest starred on series such as NYPD Blue, Babylon 5, and  L.A. Law.  His time spent on  daytime  dramas The Young and The Restless, As The World Turns and Guiding Light have made him a fan favorite. 
Kellye Nakahara  - one of Hollywood's most recognized actors, Kellye appeared in every episode of the 11 years of M*A*S*H as Nurse Kellye.  She now enjoys life as a hugely successful artist, while her acting career continues to flourish.  Her watercolors have become wildly popular in California.  She has generously donated two of her latest pieces for our auction. David Naughton - one of the most recognized faces of television commercials, David developed a following after his appearances in the musical Dr. Pepper ads of the 1970s.  David is most familiar to horror-flick devotees as David Kessler in the 1981 film  An American Werewolf in London.  He  also appeared in the series At Ease and My Sister Sam Tate Randle -A four year letterman as a Texas Tech Red Raider, Tate went on to 6 years in the NFL, playing for the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Oilers, and the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts. Tate started and currently coaches a flag football team at Navarro Elementary/Middle School where his children attend.
Mel Renfro  - a Dallas Cowboy from '64 to '77, Mel made the Pro-Bowl his first 10 seasons.  He led the league with 10 interceptions in '69, voted MVP of the first NFC/AFC Pro-Bowl Game in '71 and holds the rare distinction of playing in 4 Superbowl games.  Elected into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in '81, he was  inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in '96. Mel is Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Advantage Golf of North Texas.  Scott Thomson -  Scott received his training in New York City and went on to perform numerous times in the New York Shakespeare Festival with Christopher Walken, amoung many others.  His Hollywood film career includes Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Johnny Dangerously, Police Academy, Twister,  and the upcoming summer release of Loser. Ron White - Currently appearing in sold out shows across the country with Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall as part of the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour".  Ron's credits include a Showtime appearance where he earned a "longest laugh" record.  He will be performing for us at the Celebrity Classic Dinner.
Dan Wilcox - Dan has worked in television and film for 36 years. He was a Writer - Producer on M*A*S*H, and he ran the Newhart and Growing Pains series. Other credits include Cosby, The Jeff Foxworthy Show, F. M., and Roots II. He wishes it noted that he writes better than he plays golf. Ellis "Skeeter" Williams - has recently appeared on Cover Me for USA network, Zoe on WB and Washington Slept Here for TNT starring Tom Selleck and Faye Dunnaway, to be aired this fall.   Skeeter has also been featured on ABC's The Practice and continues his recurring role on The Hugeley's.   He has just completed "Rocky & Bullwinkle", an animated feature with Robert DeNiro  which will be released this summer. Bill Woodley -  is in his 15th season as the Head Golf Coach at the University of Arkansas. During his 21-year career as coach, his teams have earned 41 tournament victories, have made 12 trips to the NCAA championships. A former Bobcat who holds bachelor's and master's degrees from SWT ('78 & '80), his teams have claimed six conference titles.

Past Celebrity Guests

Samuel L. Jackson  - The versatile actor's most recent credits include The Phantom Menace, Deep Blue Sea, and Shaft Returns; but, he is more than content to hang out at home with his wife of many years, LaTanya Richardson, and their daughter Zoe, and to indulge his far healthier addiction: playing golf. Jeff Foxworthy Marion Ramsay - Marion created "Hooks", the most loved character in the Police Academy movies. With her "squeky" voice and innocent eyes, audiences have adored Marion's characters from the beginning of the comedy film series. A career that has ranged from Little Shop of Horrors in New York to recent national commercials, she continues to enjoy being a recognized and loved performer.
Haley Joel Osment Bob Lilly - Pro Football Hall of Famer, Bob Lilly was the first draft choice--ever--of the new Dallas Cowboys Football team in 1961.  During his 14 year career, Bob was named All-Pro seven times and played in eleven All-Star games.  When he retired in 1975, he was honored by the Cowboys, who inscribed his name in Texas Stadium in their "Ring of Honor." Bill Engvall - his success on the national comedy scene has been remarkable.  His latest CD, Dorkfish is #1 on Billboard's Comedy Chart, where his signature album Here's Your Sign, reigned for 15 weeks.  From being a regular on Delta and on the Jeff Foxworthy Show to headlining in Las Vegas, Bill is truly the "hottest comic in the business".
Cliff Harris - In 10 years with the Dallas Cowboys, Cliff played in five Super Bowls, six Pro Bowl squads, and named First Team All-NFL for four seasons by the AP and the Pro Football Writers Assoc.  The Hall of Fame Selection Committee named Cliff to the All-Pro Team of the '70's.  Recently inducted to the NAIA Hall of Fame, The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, and awarded the NFL Alumni Legend's Award. Burton "Bubba" Gilliam - the national spokesman for Pace Foods for over 10 years, his quote "This stuff's made in New York City?" has become legendary.  His acting debut in Blazing Saddles is followed by many films and more than 100 television shows, including three seasons on Evening Shade. Ken Stabler - Quarterback four years under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.  Ken was voted "MVP" in the '67 Sugar Bowl win over Nebraska.  Named NFC's most valuable player in '74 while with Oakland.  Ken led the Raiders to victory in Superbowl XI, and was named player of the year.  Voted to the All-Pro Team in '74, '76 & '77.  Played in the Pro Bowl in '73, '74, '76 and '77.  Led the Oilers to the Playoffs in '80.
Dan Patorini - Quarterback for the Houston Oilers for nine years, Dan led the team in 1978-79 to the AFC Championship.  He went on the play for the Oakland Raiders, L.A. Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles.  In the '74 Pro Bowl, he threw a record 74 yard touchdown pass.  During Dan's career in the NHRA Top Fuel Circuit, he broke the 270 m.p.h. barrier.  He set four world records in Unlimited Drag Boat Racing.  Charlie Waters - Charlie was a mainstay of the Dallas Cowboys during the 1970-82 period.  He started 11 years for the club, played in 5 Superbowls and won 2 World Championships.  Pro Bowl 3 times and selected All Pro 3 times.  His honors include NFL All Rookie Team, NFL Alumni Assoc.  Legend Award, Silver Anniversary Team, 300 All-Time Greatest Players and the South Carolina and Clemson University Hall of Fame among many others. Don Trull - an All American from Baylor University, Don went on to play quarterback for the Houston Oilers.  He also served as the color commentator for Baylor University and the Houston Oilers.  Presently a businessman in Houston, Don is on the National Board of the NFL Alumni Association as well as the Houston chapter's past president.

 

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