W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax welcomed eight new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Grand Atrium Banquet Venue in Tysons Corner. This is the third Hall of Fame “class” for Woodson. The honors program was established in conjunction with the school’s 50th anniversary in 2012.

They came from as far away as California, Texas and Florida and as locally as the high school’s halls themselves where inductee Billy McCulloch, as Woodson Assistant Lacrosse Coach, still works with the sport at which he excelled. They went on to work in business, investment, coaching, distinguished military careers and even a politician in the group with Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden from the 37th District in Fairfax County. With all of the catching up, the telling of tales and reminiscing about teachers, coaches, games, and events, the gathering had much the feel of a true high school reunion, despite the fact that the honorees represented five different decades and at least eight different sports between them. During the reception, a slideshow picturing the athletes at various times during their Woodson careers attracted much attention and some good-natured jibes about “that crazy hair”, or “those groovy shorts”, or “what the heck were you wearing there?” and Master of Ceremonies – and 1995 Woodson graduate - Jarrod Wronski (who now owns Metro DC DJs) had a time of it to wrangle the crowd to order and begin the official program.

Woodson Interim Principal Dan Meier gave the welcoming address before turning the proceedings over to Wronski and to Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chairs Dan Checkosky, Student Activities Director, and Jim McLaughlin, Woodson Class of 1984. The co-chairs spoke to the school’s long-standing traditions and successful athletics programs throughout the years. “Woodson really is dedicated to the values of the student athlete, meaning that excellence is the standard both academically and athletically,” said Checkosky. Checkosky and McLaughlin called for the recognition of the sponsors, the Hall of Fame Committee, the organizers of the event, and the Woodson coaching staff. There was a standing ovation for retired, long-time Woodson Coach Paul “Red” Jenkins, who was mentioned often throughout the proceedings. Then it was time to make the presentations.

There were so many accomplishments to be recognized for each inductee that the introductions took a considerable amount of time. The audience didn’t seem to mind, breaking into applause (and an occasional ‘whooping’ sound) when various titles, placements and championships were mentioned. There was more applause, a good deal of laughter and even a few tears shed as each honoree addressed the assembly. Of the eight honorees, five were present to accept their awards. Two were unable to attend. Sarrah Hadiji, who now lives in Oregon, was represented by her parents, Carolyn and Mounir Hadiji. Michelle Dodds Heotis sent a letter of thanks that was read by MC Wronski. Stuart Segraves tearfully accepted the honor on behalf of his brother Scott who passed away in 1987.

Viewpoints: What differences do you see between high school sports programs, then and now?