Hawks alumni recognized at first Hall of Fame ceremony

The first North Harford Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Wednesday October 11th, 2017.   HAWKS alumni came from all over— Washington, Arizona, California- to accept their awards.

The event opened with a warm welcome from principal Mr. Colin Carr, who recognized  the comittee responsible for getting the Hall of Fame up and running.  This  included guidance counselor and soccer coach Mr. Matt Johnstone, gym teacher Mr. Jeff Burrows, ag magnet coordinator, Mr. Greg Murrel, retiree Mrs. Lyn James, science teacher and lacrosse coach Mr. Brady Green, athletic director Mr. Tim Larrimore, retiree Mrs. Linda Duncan and science teacher Mr. Tim Doughtery. Carr commented that this comittee had to balance their work and home lives in order to coordiante “this impressive and grand event.”

    20 athletes were inducted into the Hall of Fame, 10 women and 10 men. When looking for potential inductees, James said,  “Mrs.Duncan and I sat in the conference room in the office and went through every year book since 1950.” Duncan added, “We checked to see how many sports a student played, if they were individual, regional or team championships, or if they were the captians.”

   Duncan and James may not have been athletes at The Nest, but their love of sports here is what  got them inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame themselves. In James’ career as a coach at North Harford, she banked a total of 608 wins! Adding to these wins she won several regional and county titles.  During her career at NH, Duncan served as assistant athletic director, the cheerleading coach, track and field coach and  organized several events including the pep rally.

“ We have a serious love for North Harford, were both retired and we keep coming back,” said Duncan.  

County councilman Chad Shrodes said, “In a lot of different ways this[Hall of Fame] brought all kinds of different people together that are very connected, and will be here forever. This is what what makes North Harford, North Harford.”    Shrodes, a North Harford Alumn himself, said he’s “a die hard North Harford guy, even my campaign colors are green and gold.   I kind of bleed green and gold.”

  Shrodes commented that though he wasn’t a big athlete in high school, he still played sports and had a connection with some one at every table in the room. These connections ranged from his  bestfriend’s sister to even some of his late father’s friends. “It felt good, I had goosebumps as we were sitting there telling those stories.”