The Highland Local School District is taking nominations for its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023..
The hall debuted in Highland’s 50th year of existence. The first inductees came from Highland High School along with former high schools at Sparta, Marengo and Chesterville, which consolidated to form Highland in 1962.
Among the student-athletes who have been into the hall are former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tim Belcher, runner Jennifer Klugh Margraff, basketball coach Jim Schoch, the Highland 1998 Ohio state championship basketball team, the 2006 Scots baseball team that went to the state tournament, and dozens of other skilled performers.
To be eligible for a 2023 nomination, athletes must have been out of high school for 10 years. Coaches and/or administrators may also be nominated as long as they have been removed from coaching and/or service to Highland Local School District for 5 years. Nominations will be accepted from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. The class induction will be held Sept. 15, 2023, prior to Highland's home varsity football game vs Marion Harding.
Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Chair Tim Hilborn is excited about the opportunity to honor some of the best athletes in the history of Highland Local School District.
“Each year, we enjoy learning more about the history of our community and its past student-athletes, coaches and administrators,” Hilborn said. “Part of this process is learning about their achievements, looking through our athletic history and figuring out how to share their stories with those in the community today.”
Highland Athletic Director Mike DeLaney sees this as an opportunity to teach the Scots' current student-athletes about the history of Highland athletics.
“Participating in athletics takes leadership, self-discipline and commitment to something greater than oneself,” DeLaney said. “The stories of the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will help our student-athletes see that the work they are doing pays off while they are in high school and later on in their lives."
To nominate a past athlete of Highland Local School District, visit https://highland.k12.oh.us/hall-of-fame and click on the nomination form. Once the form has been completed the nomination should be mailed to Highland Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Athletic Director’s Office, Highland High School, 1300 St. Rt. 314, Marengo, OH 43334, or the form can be dropped off in the Highland High School office. A school district statement reads: The purpose of the Highland Athletic Hall of Fame is to foster the athletic programs of Highland High School by honoring and recognizing those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Athletic Department.
