(Bruce Rigler died July 7, 2017)

Much of the history of Wayland athletics has been personally witnessed by Bruce Rigler. Since the early 1940s, Rigler has been in the stands for most contests held in Plainview, and many on the road. But Rigler has done much more than sit on the sidelines.

An active member of various booster organizations supporting Wayland athletics, Rigler has also taken the time to become personally involved with university athletes, coaches and administrators. A longtime member of The Athletics Congress, Rigler has officiated at many elementary, junior high, high school and university track meets held at Wayland and other venues. At the time of his induction, he had accompanied Wayland’s track and field teams to six consecutive NAIA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He was awarded the 1989-90 McClung Service Award for his involvement with the WBU athletics program.

Rigler has also been an ardent supporter of other youth programs in Plainview. At the time of his induction, Rigler had missed only six Plainview High School football games in 60 years. He received the Citizens Service Award from the Plainview Chamber of Commerce in 1994.

Rigler’s commitment to athletics is paralleled by his lifelong commitment to the dairy industry and agriculture, where he has held office and received significant recognition by Texas Farm Bureau, American Jersey Cattle Club, Associated Milk Producers, Texas Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Texas Animal Commission, Plains Irrigation Gas Users, Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Jaycees, and Water, Inc.

Rigler’s commitment to the improvement of education and athletics, the dairy business, and farming and ranching practices, plus his great support of youth and their activities, is evidenced by his unyielding involvement in the programs he holds dear.