HC introduces Hall of Fame

Located in the large connector of the cafeteria, the Wall of Fame recognizes past and present prominent HC student athletes as well as state championship winning teams. For the first time in school history, the expanding accomplishments of our sports teams will be visible to everyone at HC.

The purpose of the Wall is “to honor and recognize Henry Clay’s rich tradition of champions at the state, collegiate, and professional levels,” Counselor Sharron Wesley said.

As well as the Wall of Fame addition, HC will host an Athletic Wall of Fame reception ceremony on Saturday, Sep 26 to commemorate the student athletes presented on the wall as well as unveiling some 40 new athletes. The Wall of Fame committee highly encourages everyone to attend to see the elaborate sports history of HC dating back to 1918.

“The HC Athletic Wall of Fame ceremony will honor ninety-seven years of athletic excellence,” Bushong said. “Some of the state championship coaches will be at the celebration.

The Wall of Fame is brand new to HC and is intended to unite students. To be included, the athletes must have graduated from HC and meet the criteria for KHSAA State Champions, Collegiate National Champions or Olympic/World Championship Athletes. Also, the sport must be recognized as an official sport by the KHSAA.

For example, our 2014-15 state championship winning lacrosse team can’t be displayed until lacrosse is formally sanctioned as an authorized sport in Louisville, Kentucky in 2016.

“The Wall of Fame is an admirable idea,” Lacrosse State Championship Goalie Connor Haney said. “Being a part of a state championship winning team last year is a wonderful feeling, but it can’t be displayed on the Wall because of regulations, I wish it could be displayed on the Wall of Fame for everyone to see.”

The Wall of Fame committee is organized by a group of former and current staff members plus students whose job is to locate former athletes as well as find pictures to show on the wall.

The committee has a Facebook page titled Henry Clay Athletic Wall of Fame and a website that lists the recognized athletes and teams as well as photos of them. The committee includes: Becky Bushong, Daniel Brown, Sharron Wesley-Porter, Joe Ratliff, Greg Quenon, Julia Rudnick-Woodall, Ben Evers, Karen Evers, Dave Bair, Jake Bell, and Gary Martin.

“The page includes our criteria for inclusion into the Wall of Fame and photos of the athletes and the trophies our teams have won,” Former HC staff member Becky Bushong said.

At HC, sports are a rich tradition that wins numerous accomplishments that we want to be featured. The committee wants students to be aware of and interested in our sports history.

“Henry Clay is honored in athletic history, yet many are unaware as to the talent that was once contained within the walls of this exceptional school.” Bushong said. “The creation of an athletic wall of fame will serve to rectify this inadequacy.”

The purpose of distinguishing these student athletes is to inform the public about HC’s culture of sports and the achievements of specific teams.

“The Wall is a useful way of updating students about sports at HC,” 2014 State championship track and field member Kenny Omangelo said. “Being on the Wall of Fame makes me proud to be an athlete at HC.”