Lightfoot inducted into hall of fame as WC athletics celebrates a championship year

The Weatherford College Board of Trustees received an update on the college’s athletic achievements during their July meeting Thursday, highlighted by a surprise announcement honoring new Athletic Director Jeff Lightfoot.  

Before Lightfoot could begin his presentation, WC President Tod Allen Farmer and Board Chair Dan Carney surprised him with the news of his induction into the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. The recognition celebrates Lightfoot’s decades of leadership and success in collegiate baseball, including surpassing the 900-win milestone this past season.  

Lightfoot introduced new Assistant Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach Kailee May before sharing a comprehensive overview of the 2024–25 athletic year, emphasizing WC’s championship culture both on and off the field.  

“We have a championship culture here with all of our programs and in all endeavors, including academics,” Lightfoot said. “You can’t be champions on the field without being champions off of it.”  

WC’s 230 student-athletes completed approximately 3,300 credit hours, with every team earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The college also recognized dozens of academic honors, including NJCAA and NIRA scholar awards.  

Volleyball, baseball and softball each had standout seasons, with volleyball and baseball earning their third consecutive conference titles. Baseball finished third nationally, while softball reached the regional tournament and was ranked as high as 12th.  

Both men’s and women’s basketball teams reached postseason play, while golf and tennis programs were nationally ranked throughout the season, with both golf teams winning conference titles.  

The rodeo team had another successful year, sending athletes to the College National Finals Rodeo and the National Steer Roping Finals. Cashton Weidenbener secured the national championship in team roping, and Jacee Graff earned reserve national champion honors in goat tying.  

Eight of WC’s 10 athletic programs were nationally ranked, with seven All-Americans and 60 student-athletes transferring to four-year universities this fall.  

Several coaches were honored for their leadership, including Bob McKinley, who received the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award and multiple Coach of the Year recognitions across various sports.  

Looking ahead, Lightfoot expects continued growth and excellence from WC’s student athletes.    

 

In other business, the board:  

• Approved the minutes from the June 12 meeting.  

• Approved the financial reports ending June 30.  

• Approved a template for use in future educator preparation program memorandum of understanding agreements.  

• Approved the renewal of sealed proposals for intercollegiate athletic insurance.  

• Approved an electrical and mechanical service contract.  

• Approved the renewal of a commercial charter bus service contract.  

• Approved a cooperative purchase for classroom renovation for the Medical Lab Technician Program to update plumbing.  

• Rejected a proposal from Woodmont Company for $1.4 million for the purchase of 5.063 acres of college land on West BB Fielder Road, as the offer is below the appraised property value.  

• Approved the issuance of revenue bonds and appointed the president and executive vice president of financial and administrative affairs as the pricing officers.  

• Received written reports from Wise County, academics and student services.  

 

  In his president’s report, Farmer:  

• Announced the return of the college dance team and their upcoming debut during the WC Connections Week, followed by appearances at the campus cookout, athletic games, and additional community events throughout the year.  

• Announced the launch of the WC Patrons of the Arts Society by the WC Foundation.  

• Announced the resignation of Dawn Kahlden, director of student pathways; Jennifer Livengood, testing assistant; and Angi Ellis, workforce specialist.  

• Provided an enrollment report. As of July 7, summer enrollment stood at 2,395, compared to 2,211 at the same time last year. Fall 2025 enrollment stands at 4,589 students, compared to 3,228 the previous year, representing a 42.16 percent increase. While the fall enrollment numbers may be artificially high due to early enrollment efforts, Farmer said the college does anticipate a record-high enrollment for the upcoming semester.