BIG SPRING, Texas — Howard College celebrated what would have been Cotton Mize's 100th birthday on November 4, 2026, by honoring his lasting impact on the Big Spring community and the college's softball program through the establishment of two endowed softball scholarships in his name.
Mize, a longtime Big Spring community leader, businessman, former mayor and respected softball coach, left a legacy of service that continues to influence generations. His son, Johnny Mize, established the endowed scholarships to honor his father's memory and support future Howard College softball student-athletes.
The idea came together following a recent conversation about the history of Howard College softball and Mize's role in its early years. In 1999, when the program's first coach, Andy Mace, experienced health complications during the season, Mize stepped in to lead the team. Despite having never coached a women's team, he agreed to help, guiding the Hawks through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
During the celebration, his son, Johnny Mize, expressed his gratitude to Howard College, Dr. Cheryl T. Sparks and the softball program for making the tribute possible.
"My dad was a great dad, he was a great man, he was a great coach," Johnny said. "My dad was a winner and he really created a legacy of winning around Big Spring."
Johnny shared that his vision for the scholarship fund extends beyond honoring his father's accomplishments on the field. He hopes the endowment will continue to grow, creating a lasting tradition of success for Howard College softball and the Big Spring community while keeping his father's legacy alive.
"I just hope we can do a good job in serving others and being the best that we can be because that's what he was as a coach," Johnny said. "He wanted our best and he had a way of making each of us find our best, and I'm so grateful for that."
Dr. Sparks reflected on Mize's reputation as someone who consistently stepped forward when his community needed him, describing him as a servant leader whose influence extended well beyond softball.
"Softball happened to be one way, but there were a lot of other ways," Sparks said, reflecting on the many opportunities Mize took to make a difference in others' lives.
The celebration brought together family, friends, members of the Howard College community and current softball student-athletes to remember a man whose influence helped shape both the community and the college's athletic history.
As Howard College continues to build its softball program, the two endowed scholarships will serve as a lasting reminder of Mize's commitment to helping others and the legacy he leaves behind.
Through these scholarships, the Cotton Mize legacy will continue to make a difference for generations of Howard College student-athletes.