Carthage High School is proud to announce its Athletic Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Carthage High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the community to celebrate the achievements of outstanding alumni and supporters who have significantly contributed to the legacy of Carthage athletics.
The 2024 inductees are:
Don Clinton (Class of 1983)
Shannon Ebarb (Class of 1982)
Patsy Ebarb Gage
Ben Sepaugh (Class of 1950)
Carroll Sistrunk (Class of 1962)
Gregory Dale Ware (Class of 1971)
This special ceremony honors the dedication, leadership, and community spirit exemplified by these inductees throughout their athletic careers and beyond. We invite all community members to join us in recognizing their achievements and contributions to Bulldog athletics.
About the 2024 Inductees
Don Clinton (Class of 1983)
Mr. Don Clinton, a 1983 graduate of Carthage High School, excelled as a three-year letterman in baseball, earning All-District honors twice, All-East Texas recognition, and being named CHS Most Valuable Pitcher. As a sophomore, his team won the District, Bi-District, and Area Championships. After high school, he attended Panola College on a baseball scholarship, becoming an All-Conference pitcher in 1985. He then played for Louisiana Tech University, contributing to the Southland Conference Championship teams in 1986 and 1987, with an All-Conference selection in 1987. During his time, the Tech Bulldogs reached as high as #4 in national rankings and advanced to the NCAA Regionals twice.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mr. Clinton returned to Panola College, where he coached baseball for 20 years—9 years as an assistant and 11 as head coach—accumulating 307 wins, 2 conference championships, and mentoring hundreds of athletes. His players included 8 future Major Leaguers, 47 MLB draftees, and 138 who continued their education and baseball careers at universities. Since 2007, he has served as Panola College's vice president of student services and athletic sirector, contributing to the institution for 37 years.
Shannon Ebarb (Class of 1982)
Miss Shannon Ebarb is a proud alumna of Carthage High School, graduating with the Class of 1982. Her love for Carthage football began at just four years old when her mother, Patsy, started taking her to the games—a tradition she has continued ever since.
During her time at Carthage High, Shannon was an active member of the school community, participating in the band, choir, and the Carthage TV program, CHS TV. After graduating, she attended Panola College, earning her degree in 1984, then spent a year at UT Tyler before transferring to Stephen F. Austin State University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.
Even while in college, Shannon made sure to come home every Friday to cheer on the Bulldogs at their games. Over the years, she has built strong connections with members of the Battling Bulldogs and their families, spanning multiple generations. A true Carthage fan through and through, Shannon remains a dedicated supporter of the Bulldogs, loyal in every season, no matter the outcome.
Patsy Ebarb Gage
Mrs. Ebarb Gage has been attending Carthage High School football games for about 60 years. Although not originally from Carthage, she graduated from Marshall High School in 1962. After graduation, she moved to Carthage in December 1962 and married John Ebarb. It was then that she began attending the games. After her daughter was born, she started taking her to the games when she was four years old, attending both Carthage Junior High and high school games while her daughter was in school, as she was a member of the Carthage bands.
Most people would recognize Miss Ebarb from Brownie’s Drive-In, where she worked from May 1964 to October 1984. She is also known for working at the Golden Corral, where she worked from 1986 to 2013. She began serving the football boys and coaches after Coach Surratt became the head coach at Carthage, which allowed her to get to know the players and staff well. She loves attending the Bulldog games and rarely misses any, including regular season, playoff, and state championship games. Though she may not have started as a Bulldog, she quickly became one, embracing her role as a dedicated Bulldog fan.
Ben Sepaugh (Class of 1950)
Mr. Ben Sepaugh, a 1950 graduate of Carthage High School, made a lasting impact in both football and track. He earned varsity letters in football during the 1948 and 1949 seasons, becoming the first Carthage athlete to score a touchdown in Q.M. Martin Stadium. He also excelled in track and lettering in 1949 and 1950 and qualified for the state track meet in the 220-yard dash and the mile relay. After high school, Mr. Sepaugh dedicated 20 years to serving his country in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. His athletic achievements and military service reflect his commitment and perseverance.
Carroll Sistrunk (Class of 1962)
Carroll Sistrunk, a multi-sport athlete, earned three varsity letters in baseball, football, and basketball at Carthage High School. In his senior year, he delivered a standout performance by pitching a perfect game against Marshall, leading his team to a 6-0 victory with 11 strikeouts. Carroll was also recognized as an All-District player in football, excelling on both offense and defense. His athletic achievements earned him a scholarship from Ark-La-Tex Gas Co.
After high school, Carroll attended Panola College, where he played a pivotal role in the 1963 baseball team’s journey to the JUCO World Series, finishing with a 29-7 record. He maintained a .342 batting average and held an impressive pitching record of 8-1 with a 1.99 ERA. Carroll continued his baseball career and education at Northwestern State University after leaving Panola College.
Gregory Dale Ware (Class of 1971)
Gregory Dale Ware, a 1971 graduate of Carthage High School, made a significant impact on the basketball court as a three-year starter. He was named All-District three times and All-East Texas twice. During his junior year in 1970, he co-captained the Bulldogs to a remarkable 30-4 record and their only trip to the state tournament. Known for his tenacity as a rebounder and scorer, he is regarded as one of the best offensive rebounders in the school's history.
After high school, Gregory attended East Texas State University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in physical education, psychology, and clinical psychology. He also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In 1982, he was called to the ministry and later became the Pastor of Barnabas Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, in 1994. Under his leadership, the church grew from three members to over 400.
Gregory's professional career includes serving as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission from 1988 until his retirement in 2014, where he was the Operations Director of Programs for the Northern Region of Texas. He contributed to the community through his involvement with the Dallas County Workforce, Dallas Barber College, Eastfield College Advisory Committee, and the Texas Rehabilitation Action Network.
Gregory has been married to his wife, Cheryl, for 49 years, and they have three children and four grandchildren.