The first inductees of the Madison County High School Mountaineers Athletic Hall of Fame have been chosen.
The Hall of Fame, created earlier this year, is a way to honor and recognize outstanding athletes and coaches who have made a lasting impact on the school and the community. A committee comprised of the MCHS Principal or Assistant Principal, the athletic director, two coaches–one each from male and female sports, a school board member and eight at-large members select the inductees from nominations submitted by the community. The nominations for the inaugural class were due April 11.
Madison County Public Schools Superintendent Anna Graham, who serves as a non-voting advisor to the committee, said the first class of the hall of fame recognizes 10 individuals and one team “whose extraordinary contributions have shaped the legacy of Madison athletics.”
The first inductees are: Eddie Dean, Class of 1974’s Jeff Early, Class of 1973’s Carlton Johnson, Class of 1975’s James “Sleepy” Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Raymond Kirkley, Class of 1946’s Billy Mitchell, Class of 2011’s Claire Moretz, Class of 1992’s Melissa Morton, Class of 1952’s Betty Utz and the 2010 State Championship Boys Basketball Team.
Dean, Mitchell and Katherine Johnson are former teachers and coaches at MCHS. All three have previously been memorialized by having facilities at the school named after them—Dean the football field, Mitchell the baseball field and Johnson the gym. Early was also a coach, as well as a student and school board chairman. Carlton Johnson and Kirkley are among some of the best Central Virginia football players to set foot on a field; Johnson holding the state record for eight touchdowns in a game and Kirkley with 5,290 rushing yards. Basketball player Sleepy Johnson held the school’s record for career points for 34 years with 1,379. Moretz held state records in a variety of track events including the 800 meter run, 1,600 meter run and 3,200 meter run. She was state champion in the 1,600 meter in 2009 and 2010, the 800 meter in 2010 and the 3,200 meter in 2011. Morton was a member of the state champion 4×100 relay team in 1990. Utz played basketball and softball. She was the captain of the basketball team her senior year and also a cheerleader.
“The inaugural class represents decades of excellence, commitment and school spirit,” Graham said.
To be considered for the Hall of Fame, a candidate’s most recent participation in an MCHS sport must have occurred 10 or more years prior. Committee members are ineligible while serving. Nominees can be athletes, coaches, administrators or contributors who, according to the committee bylaws, “have brought pride and distinction to MCHS.” Current coaches are eligible. Inductees will be recognized during halftime of the Sept. 5 varsity football game at Eddie Dean Field with a formal induction dinner held Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Wetsel Middle School Gym. Tickets for the dinner are $50 per person and include a catered meal and presentation of inductees.
“This inaugural celebration marks the start of a proud new tradition at Madison County High School,” Graham said. “We hope the whole community will come together to recognize these remarkable individuals who have inspired generations of Mountaineers.”
Tickets for the induction dinner will be available for purchase beginning Monday, July 7. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Michelle Farmer at (540) 948-3785 or mfarmer@madisonschools.k12.va.us.
