Top Athletes, Coaches Inducted Into CHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Ten coaches and student athletes, plus two state champion teams, were inducted into the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of Fame Thursday night at the group's fourth annual awards banquet.

Long-time girls basketball coach Johanna Wright—whose team advanced deep into the state playoffs this year—was the coach inductee.

A new award to honor athletes who give back to the school in other ways was dedicated to Peter L Cross—the former CHS guidance counselor and football, basketball and baseball coach—who was its first recipient Thursday.

The eight athletes inducted included James Valentin, '52, who played for Columbia's 1951 football state championship team and was offered athletic scholarships from 52 colleges (He ultimately went to Indiana University);  Lynn Fader, all-around athlete, '58; Roger Flax, tennis, '61; Marybeth Kakoleski-Gigel, softball, '77; Regina Sullivan, basketball, '79; Gail Bryant, track, '81; Mark Brown, basketball, '87; and Laura Wilkes Evans, all-around athlete, '91.

The 1978 and 1979 soccer teams, which won back-to-back state championships under Coach Gene Chyzowych—were also enshrined.

Inductees included former school athletic stars, past and present coaches as well as the roster of the 1978-79 soccer teams. Though the individual acceptance speeches were deeply personal, universal themes were clearly apparent throughout.

Outgoing president of the organizing committe Roy Greenman was himself a surprise recipient of a Special Recognition award. In his acceptance speech, he identified "role models, tradition, and  dynasties" as the forces that inspired the Inductees and their guests to pursue their dreams and goals.

As the ceremonies were drawing to a close, inductees of the 1978 - 1979 State Champion soccer teams made a special presentation of team-signed jerseys, honoring the contributions and memory of their fallen teammates Willie Shue and Neil Nelson, Class of '78, to be displayed in perpetuity at CHS.

Thunderous applause (and some eye-daubing) provided a constant beat to close the awards dinner.