Athens H.S. wins battle for best high school gym in Texas in a squeaker

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After a close contest sponsored by TXHSGBB (Texas High School Girls Basketball) on Facebook, Athens High School has been named the winner of the competition for the best high school gym in Texas. Athens High School beat out El Paso Eastwood High School by a razor-thin margin of just 4 votes. The win is especially meaningful for the Athens ISD community, as the gym was designed by the late Superintendent Blake Stiles, who passed away just two weeks ago.

Why it matters

This competition highlights the pride and community spirit surrounding high school sports facilities in Texas. The close margin of victory between the two finalists - one from East Texas and one from West Texas - also underscores the statewide interest and rivalry in this contest. Additionally, the win is seen as a tribute to the legacy of the late Athens ISD Superintendent Blake Stiles, who was instrumental in designing the award-winning gym.

The details

The contest, sponsored by TXHSGBB (Texas High School Girls Basketball) on Facebook, ended at 11 a.m. on Friday with Athens High School emerging victorious over El Paso Eastwood High School by just 4 votes. The Athens High School gym, which opened in the fall of 2018, features over 2,700 seats, a 30-ft screen and projector for events, and a beautiful honeycomb floor. Athens ISD Superintendent Blake Stiles, who passed away two weeks ago, was heavily involved in designing the gym and considered it one of his proudest career accomplishments.

• The contest sponsored by TXHSGBB ended at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2026.
• Athens ISD Superintendent Blake Stiles passed away two weeks prior to the announcement of the contest results.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Due to COVID-19, the plaque recognizing Athens High School's win will be mailed to the school within the next month, rather than presented in person as is typical.