The Mustangs’ home football stadium was named in Hooks’ honor in 2006.
“The district is saddened to hear of the passing of coach Dan Hooks,” the district’s statement read. “He was a leader on and off the field, who impacted the lives of many students at West Orange-Cove CISD and the greater Orange community. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. We will never forget this legendary member of the Mustang family.
Hooks played football at Barbers Hill High School, then at Sam Houston State University. He was on Lamar University’s coaching staff as a full-time assistant, but eventually found his way to West Orange-Stark as a defensive coordinator.
Four years later in 1981, Hooks got the head coaching role at West Orange-Stark and never looked back. He won consecutive state championships in 1986-87, cementing the Mustangs’ spot among the state’s football powerhouses.
Hooks retired after the 2010 season and lived in Orange County. He had been actively involved in the community drug awareness campaigns and spoke regularly to civic clubs in the area.
Leave a Reply