After much debate and consideration, the Oxford High School Hall of Fame Committee is ready to announce the inaugural class to the community.
For nearly a century Wildcat fans have enjoyed watching the athletic achievements of many high school athletes and coaches ever since the Wildcats captured their first title, the Tri-County League in baseball, in 1913.
Oxford Athletic Director Mike Watson said that the process was very democratic and that selections were coming in right until the deadline.
Overall, there were 50 nominations submitted. ‘Surprisingly, the group came to a pretty quick consensus on the top ten,? said Watson. ‘Votes were cast for many different nominees, but when we listed the top ten vote-getters the committee was pleased overall.?
The inaugural class includes: Elmer Ball, Jim Bates, Chris Gambol, Mike Goodfellow , Mike Lantry, Dr. Ed Meads, Helen Smith, Ian Smith, Roz Chapman (Van Guilder) and Andy Vascassenno.
Each week, the Oxford Leader will feature a story profiling a different Hall of Fame inductee beginning with former Coach Elmer Ball (see below).
The 2010 class, the first half of the initial charter class which will include 10 members selected in 2011, will be honored during halftime of the Friday, Sept. 17 game against Farmington Harrison.
The festivities will continue the following evening when a banquet honoring the inductees will be held at OHS beginning at 7 p.m.
Watson said that this was a tremendous first group of inductees. ‘In this class we have coaches, contributors and athletes from a variety of different eras and experiences.?
‘My own personal goal was to encourage diversity in the charter classes,? he said. ‘In the first two years, we certainly needed to invite the best of the best, but I also believe that it is important to draw inductees from different sports and different eras and backgrounds.?