Dean Blevins: Wes Welker heads list of hall-of-famers that will match most anyone

The state of Oklahoma may not be the biggest, but when it comes to sports, some call it the “baddest” — in a good way.

Five new members were introduced at Thursday’s 2025 Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon.

It struck me again — as it does every year at this time — that this state can match most states in the outstanding quality of its Hall of Famers. When you start with Mickey Mantle and your state was home to Jim Thorpe, you’ve got a running start in any competitive comparison.

With dozens of former inductees on hand, along with their families and sports fans, we were treated to a terrific series of probing questions asked by former Mayor Mick Cornett to those on stage.

Wes Welker, busy coaching in the NFL, was represented by his wonderful parents — deservedly proud but not braggadocious. Also honored posthumously were Enos Semore and Don Porter. John “Jiminy Christmas” Brooks entertained with stories of his longtime friend, whose enormous efforts were invaluable as Oklahoma City developed into the softball home run capital of America.

Ann Pitts-Turner

Ann Pitts-Turner was the first women’s coach at Oklahoma State University. Still sharp as a tack, Ann deferred to her players when asked about the key to her success. Fifteen NCAA appearances, including six AIAW championships later, Ann took the brand-new program to a top-three national ranking. A delightful and classy lady, Ann is another example of the Oklahoma Standard.

Enos Semore

Legendary in the college baseball world, Enos Semore spent half a lifetime on baseball diamonds — primarily at the University of Oklahoma, where he is the winningest coach in school history. With an unfathomable record of 851 wins and 370 losses (.697), he led the Sooners from 1968-89. After playing baseball and basketball at Northeastern State, he led Bacone Junior College to the 1967 national championship. Then he killed it with the Sooners, leading them to five straight College World Series appearances and seven Big 8 titles. I’m proud and lucky to say I knew Enos well. A man who personified class, he was fiercely competitive and a lot of fun to be around.

Don Porter

Don Porter served as president and CEO of the International Softball Federation for 26 years. He spearheaded getting the 1996 Olympics to include softball and again helped add it back as a Summer Olympic sport in 2020. Don helped develop the incredibly popular Women’s College World Series. Those who knew him best speak of his leadership, influence, and loyalty — not only to Oklahomans and Americans but to internationals as well. This honor is well-deserved.

Ken Hayes

We won’t hold it against Ken Hayes that his son captained the 1974 state champion Tulsa Memorial High School basketball team to a close win over my Norman High Tigers in the early days of State Fair Arena serving as the venue. Ken’s a heck of a guy with tons of friends — so many dedicated to seeing Ken inducted into this class. Twice the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year during seven successful years as head coach at the University of Tulsa, he also coached across town at Oral Roberts and New Mexico State. Returning to his alma mater, Northeastern State, in 1983 until his retirement in 1997, Ken finished his career with a 460-329 record.

Wes Welker

Saving the best for last may not seem appropriate, but anyone who knows the history of Wes Welker’s greatness on a football field realizes Wes would top most any list he was on. I told friends today at the luncheon that Wes is the greatest Oklahoma high school football player in history. I thought that made me look smart — only to hear the same thing at my table and from emcee Mick Cornett.

“The Natural” is how then-Texas Tech recruiter and assistant coach Art Briles described the former Heritage Hall phenom after watching video that didn’t impress other schools enough to even offer him a scholarship. Elite as a receiver and punt returner, Wes did it all — and did it very, very well.

After three years with the Miami Dolphins, Wes vaulted into a level only Oklahomans would’ve expected. As Tom Brady’s favorite receiver at New England from 2007-12, Wes caught more passes than any player in the NFL. His career wound down after two seasons in Denver and one in St. Louis.

I knew and know the great Steve Largent and threw passes to the Hall of Famer during summers when he was lighting it up for Seattle. Steve’s hands and precision route-running amazed me. Same with Wes, who also possessed an elusiveness that was rare. In a league of giants, Wes won with every asset except size — although it could be said that his 5-9, 185-pound frame helped him more than hurt him. Good-looking, humble, gifted. God was in a good mood the day Wes Welker bounced into this world. Congrats to a living legend!

Standing Up for Oklahoma

When I traveled around this country playing or calling games for ABC, CBS, and ESPN, I was always proud to stand up for the state of Oklahoma. The big market people, especially, seemed of like mind in thinking that we are all country bumpkins, numbskulls, and a box of deplorables.

I can report (for 96 more days only!) that when I’d see those obnoxious sneers and hear the put-downs about the state I have basically lived in my entire life as a student, athlete, sportscaster, and family man, I would often gladly buck up. And when my passionate soliloquy ended, I often made stronger friendships. More importantly, I’d succeeded in revealing all the things that make the Sooner State a glorious place to live, work, and retire. There’s that word again!

Thanks for checking in. You can see some of today’s events on sportscasts and on Sunday night’s Blitz on News 9 and in Tulsa on News On 6.