INGRAM, Texas – Two months after devastating floods swept through the Hill Country on July 4, the bleachers at Tom Moore High School were filled not with worry but with cheers on Wednesday.
The San Antonio Spurs arrived for a full-scale practice and a day of connection, offering a moment of relief for a community still finding its footing.
When the entire Spurs roster sprinted onto the court, the gym erupted. Students rose to their feet, clapping and shouting as their hometown team transformed a midweek afternoon into something extraordinary.
When we came into this atmosphere, it was amazing,” said forward Keldon Johnson. “So many smiles, so many cheers, so much love. It’s definitely big for not only me, but the whole entire Spurs organization.
For many students, the event was both unexpected and unforgettable.
“I was hyped up. Yes, I was hyped up,” said Christopher Alba, a senior at Tom Moore. He added that the visit carried a deeper message: “It means a lot because it shows that we’re not just a small town. Other people are coming out since that flood happened. It shows a lot that they care for us.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson framed the day as a reminder that the Spurs’ reach extends well beyond San Antonio.
I think it’s important for all of us to be out here because this is a part of our community,” he said. “The only message we want to leave is just that we’re here. We’ve had a presence here in a variety of ways and we want to continue to be here. These are our neighbors, and we just want to make sure they know that we’re a part of it with them.
For a town still recovering from disaster, the message resonated. The students said the Spurs’ appearance was more than a distraction — it was a sign that the Hill Country is not alone.