By Mark Jurgena
On Feb. 16 the first class of the Kahok Hall of Fame was enshrined during a sold-out ceremony at the Gateway Center in Collinsville.
There were seventeen individuals and four athletic teams bestowed with this honor. Among individuals, there were two categories one for Distinguished accomplishments and one for Athletic accomplishments.
Those in the Distinguished category included Donald Bitzer (Class of 1951), Irving Dilliard (1923), Moses Harrison II (1950), Richard Mark (1923), John Shimkus (1926), Lucille Stehman (1936), Mathew Welch (1910).
Those inducted into the Athletics category included Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Class of 2008), Terry Bethel (1957), Walter “Hoot” Evers (1938), Arthur Fletcher, Vergil Fletcher, Tom Jager (1982), George Musso (1918), Bogie Redmon (1961), Joe Reiniger (1989), Fred Riddle (1961).
Teams inducted into the Hall include the state champions from the 1941 boys baseball team, 1961 boys basketball team, 1981 boys soccer team, and the 2010 girls bowling team.
The task of creating fell to many in the district however one of the main movers behind the idea was current athletic director Clay Smith.
“The Inaugural Collinsville Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was a dream come true,” said Smith. “It was a special night honoring Kahoks for their accomplishments made in athletics, the community, and professionally. I’m already looking forward to planning next year’s induction class and discussing all the great accomplishments of the nominees.”
The 2024 event is scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Gateway Conference Center.
