Mineral Wells Area News

GORDON, Texas — Less than 24 hours before a tornado swept through town, the Gordon Longhorns baseball team secured a hard-fought regional semifinal win, defeating Oglesby late Saturday night after multiple weather delays.

On Sunday, May 18, around 7:30 p.m., a confirmed EF-1 tornado with wind speeds of up to 105 mph tore through Gordon, damaging homes, school facilities, and community landmarks.

Initially, Gordon ISD announced a one-week closure to assess the damage. But by Thursday, the school district confirmed it would close for the remainder of the school year due to widespread water and structural damage to campus buildings.

“We’re heartbroken for our school and community — but we’re also grateful that we still have ways to come together before the year officially ends,” the district shared in a message to families.

Longhorns Advance to Regional Finals

Despite the destruction, the Longhorns advanced to the Class 1A Regional Final against Perrin-Whitt, with the best-of-three series set to begin Thursday, May 22, at Stephenville High School.

With Gordon’s own fields rendered unusable, Stephenville ISD stepped in to provide the team with practice facilities while their campus remains under repair. The team continues to compete as the community rallies around them.

Emergency Response and Volunteer Support

The emergency response was swift. Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District #1 played a key role in coordinating immediate safety efforts, clearing roads, and working alongside first responders to assist families and assess damage. Every station in the district sent first responders as well as mutual aid from four other counties and EMS Service by Sacred Cross.

Tornado Destroys Gordon ISD Athletic Facilities

The tornado caused catastrophic damage to Gordon’s athletic infrastructure. The football field, baseball field, track, bleachers, field house, concession stand, weight room, and scoreboards were all destroyed. Multiple school buses were damaged, and every building on campus was affected in some way.

Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Provides Critical Support

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation responded quickly with a donation of equipment and financial support for Gordon’s student-athletes. The donation included:

– Four large boxes of cage baseballs

– A pitching machine

– Four 12-packs of game balls

– Two 24-packs of practice balls

– Several bats and gloves

– Academy gift cards and cash

– A commitment to return and assist in rebuilding the baseball field

Gordon ISD shared the gesture publicly, calling it a meaningful act of support during an incredibly difficult time.

Hink’s Becomes Community Gathering Place

In the days following the storm, Hink’s food truck — located under a large oak tree in downtown Gordon — became an unofficial gathering place for responders families, volunteers, and neighbors. It served more than free food; it offered a familiar place to reconnect, share information, and support one another during a time of uncertainty.

Residents described it as a place to breathe and regroup — a space where the community spirit could thrive even in the shadow of devastation. Owner Shelby and countless volunteers and food donors made sure everyone was fed and rested.

How to Help

Gordon ISD has launched a donation fund to help replace destroyed equipment and support recovery efforts. Funds will go directly toward student programs and rebuilding needs.

To donate, visit Gordon ISD’s Facebook page facebook.com/gordon.isd.1 or to contribute, click this link.

Gordon Strong

From cleanup crews to ballfields and food trucks to classrooms, the Gordon community has come together in extraordinary ways.

“We are GORDON STRONG, and we will rebuild,” the school district wrote.

“Together, we’ll come back stronger than ever.”

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