 Heather (“Hex”) Lightfoot is a pioneer in hammer throwing among deaf female athletes. Three years ago, she took up the hammer throw and discus. Since then, she has increased the hammer throw distance by an average of close to 15 feet a year. During the USA Deaf Track and Field trials in June, 2000, she threw over 140’ four times, with her best throw hitting 147 feet. This record is under consideration as a world record. Lightfoot set the world record of 132’ 6” in 1999. At 147’, her closest opponent was some 35 feet behind. In the discus throw, the USA record was a tough one to break. The old record was held by Dorothy Damerietz of Texas, set in 1969 with a toss of 133’. Lightfoot once again showed her athletic skill by surpassing the 31-year-old USA record with a toss of 134’2”. There was no one closer than 20 feet. Lightfoot, a graphic designer, graduated from Gallaudet University in
1999. A native of Bothell, Washington, she is the daughter of Hildy and
Daniel Lightfoot. She is an assistant junior varsity volleyball coach for
the Model Secondary School for the deaf. Said Lightfoot, “I thank my throwing
coach at Gallaudet, Thomas Withrow, Jr. He has helped me improve my throwing
distance in the discus throw and showed me the Hammer throw. I still get
a rush out of it when I deliver a really good one!”
 Brandon Reese is one of the best student-athletes to graduate from the Texas School for the Deaf. Reese, who hails from Houston, Texas, is not only a super athlete, but a highly regarded student as well. He exhibits excellent leadership skills and attitude both on and off the field. Reese was the starting fullback on offense and linebacker and strong safety on defense in Football for the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). As a fullback, he shattered every school record in rushing and scoring. He is also the record holder for Texas Private Schools Career Rushing Yards with 8,049 yards. He ranks fifth in Texas All-Time Career Rushing, which includes all private and public schools in the Texas. This iron man never leaves the field. He is a linebacker, a kick-returner, and a kicker, but running the ball is where he excels. Reese holds nine school records, ranging from rushing attempts to touchdowns. He ran 100 yards or more 45 times. One time, he ran for a single-game record 357 yards, passing Kyle Janke’s record of 6,971 yards, and the national deaf record of 6,840 yards, held by Patrick Harris of the Kentucky School for the Deaf. Reese was the first player from TSD to be on an All-Centex football
team, a huge honor as this team consists of top players from all schools
in the metropolitan Austin area. The 26-player 1999 All-Centex team featured
4 running backs. Only 33 different running backs were chosen on teams from
1990 to 1999.
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