SHERMAN, TX -- After being lost for more than four decades, a high school class ring is back with its owner. The ring was found on the same high school football field where it was lost 41 years ago.

Sherman Bearcat Stadium is being renovated. But as Jeff Hinton works to irrigate the field for future generations, he's been able to connect one alumnus with something from the past.

"It was probably luck. It could have been found by anybody or it could have been stepped on and never found and he would have had to wait 41 more years," Hinton said.

Around where the 10 yard line should be, Hinton and his Sherman ISD co-worker Matt Mitchusson found this Sherman class ring from 1969. It had been buried under the field for more than four decades.

"It wasn't just a ring on the ground - this ring belonged to somebody and I really wanted to see the person's eyes when we handed it back to him," Hinton explained.

"Never dreamed I'd ever see it again. It was total shock - I guess it's still sinking in," Gary Detro said.

For Detro it's hard to find the words to express his gratitude for the return of the ring.

He knew exactly where he lost the ring when he was a senior escort for Sherman High School in the Fall of '68. But 41 years later, Hinton had to do a little research to find the ring's rightful owner.

"He's a really honest young man with a lot of integrity. Both boys are," Detro said.

Using the GLD initials inside, along with some old year books and a couple phone calls, Hinton was able to track down Detro and return the ring.

While Detro knows he's very lucky to have his old ring back after 41 years, Hinton says really, he's the lucky one.

"We feel good giving that ring back. Lots of guy would have given the ring back, but we just got lucky and were the ones that got to shake the guys hand," Hinton said.

Hinton says they've lowered the field about 7 inches to help alleviate the drainage problems, so the ring had to buried beneath at least half a foot of overgrown grass and dirt.