Oklahoma State football: Thurman Thomas goes home

Houston’s Willowridge High School opened in 1978, in the Fort Bend school district. It serves the suburbs of Fort Bend and Missouri City. Willowridge’s most acclaimed alumnus is Thurman Thomas.

Thomas was back at his alma mater on Monday, part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s and Allstate Insurance Company’s “Hometown Hall of Famers” program, which honors the roots of football’s greatest player with special ceremonies and plaque dedications.

Thomas, who went on to Oklahoma State University and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, talked about what Willowridge meant to him.

“I still feel a great link,” said Thomas, who led Willowridge to a state football championship in 1982. “Some of my teachers I had, they’re still there. I communicate with them a lot. The past two years, I’ve gone back, we’ve had 100, 150 alumni come back for a weekend party we throw. It’s something I’m very proud of, being part of Willowridge.”

Thomas’ mother still lives in the area.

“What shaped me, I had a great supporting system at home,” Thomas said. “I had a great support system in the community, through the Willowridge teachers, coaches. That really helped me get to where I am today.