Ponder Points

Junior Coffey: A Panhandle great

With the Southwest Conference not integrating until 1967, Junior Coffey was forced to leave the state to play college football, choosing the University of Washington.
With the Southwest Conference not integrating until 1967, Junior Coffey was forced to leave the state to play college football, choosing the University of Washington.

In the 1960s, Junior Coffey was one of the best athletes in the Texas Panhandle. A Dimmitt Bobcat, Coffey stood at 6’1 and weighed 200 lbs. with a 10.2 speed timed in a 100-yard dash. He became one of the leading running backs and defensive linebackers in Texas High School football. 

As a senior in 1960, the Castro County product rushed for 1,562 yards in 11 games to lead the Dimmitt offense. …