Cathy (Abbenante) Howell
Inducted 2010
Hometown: Mission
High School: Mission High School
College: Pan American University
Best Known for: Coaching – Track/Cross Country
One of the most consistent winners in track and field since the 1980s, Abbenante has an impressive résumé. She earned two degrees and her master's from Pan American University and put that knowledge to good use for area track and cross-country runners, winning eight district titles at Mission and Veterans Memorial.
She started as basketball and track coach at Mission Junior High School and from 1979 to 1985 clinched five titles in basketball and four in track.
From 1986-99 she led Mission High School and to five league titles, three regional crowns, and were state finalists six times. The crowning moment came in 1991, when Mission won the state championship in cross country. Her teams finished in the state top 10 four times.
At Mission Veterans Memorial, Howell paced the track team to five district titles and three second-place finishes, while her cross-country girls have been to the regional championships for six straight seasons.