Rosebud-Lott Dedicates Stadium to Late Coach

In a heartfelt ceremony Friday night, Rosebud-Lott Independent School District honored the late Bill Baine by renaming its football stadium in his memory. The newly dedicated Baine Stadium at Cougar Field now stands as a tribute to a man who spent his life shaping young athletes and building community spirit through football.

Baine, a longtime Texas educator and coach, died Aug. 29, 2024, at the age of 72, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.

“I got to know Bill a few years ago, he’d stop by and he always loved to talk football,” said Cougars head coach Brandon Hicks, now in his sixth season. “What a great man. He talked to a couple of my football teams, and I always appreciated what he stood for. Any time in a small community that you can honor someone who accomplished what he accomplished, that deserves to be commemorated and remembered. The stadium couldn’t be named for a better guy.”

Baine grew up in Killeen and graduated from Killeen High School in 1970. After earning his degree from Texas A&M University in 1977, he embarked on a coaching career that spanned decades, with stops in Killeen ISD, Van Horn, and eventually Rosebud-Lott.

During the pregame ceremony, district officials unveiled the new stadium signage as community members, students, and alumni paid tribute.

“Thank you, Bill Baine, for your years of service to the students of Rosebud-Lott ISD,” the district said in a statement. “May your legacy live on in the minds and hearts of those that enter this stadium.”

The Cougars capped off the emotional night with a victory, defeating Thrall in their home opener.