Mrs. Constancia Wendt is ready to embark on her journey. Photo by: Ashley Combs

By Ashley Combs

Recently Plymouth High School teacher, Mrs. Constancia Wendt, received a grant to go to Peru for six weeks to learn Afroperuvian dance.   She now gets to go to Peru to learn a dance that she saw performed a few years ago and loved. Continue reading →

Part of the Hall of Fame was moved into a different hallway so there will be more room for future members. Photo by: Ellen Smith

By Ellen Smith

Almost every year, new members are inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame and get to go down in history beside many Plymouth alumnus on the walls by the gym.  This year is no exception.

The Athletic Hall of Fame is a prestigious place for athletes of the past and present to finish their high school careers.  Assistant Athletic Director John Scott said, “The Athletic Hall of Fame started in 1985.”  Students, coaches, and administrators can all qualify.  Inductees on the wall range from former boys basketball coach Jack Edison, who won two state titles in his coaching career, to runner Morgan Uceny, who set PHS school records and is now running professionally.

To qualify, a student athlete must “make the All Star Team, make 1st Team All-State, or place in a state meet.” said Mr. Scott.  The individual may also qualify by winning “the Mental Attitude Award in a state tournament.”

Coaches and administrators have to have 15 years of service at Plymouth, coached an Indiana All-Star team, or coached a state championship team.

This year, three seniors have currently qualified.  Damon Howe qualified for wrestling, Kenzie Miller qualified in swimming, and Kody Newman qualified for being the North All-Star team manager.

Howe qualified as both a junior and a senior.  “[I qualified by making the] All-State football team, and North-South All-State,” he said.  “[For wrestling, I placed] 5th at state [my junior year] and was runner up this year.”  Miller “made it to state [in swimming] all four years, broke all the school records, and broke multiple records in other pools.” Girls’ swim coach Leanne Senter called Miller “probably the most successful swimmer here at PHS.”

The number of inductees “varies from year to year, depending on how many athletes qualify and meet the requirements.” said Mr. Scott. Many past and present inductees go on to compete at the college level.  Howe will be “playing football at the University of Findlay,” a Division II school.  Miller also plans to continue her swimming career at Texas Christian University, a Division I school.

Making the Athletic Hall of Fame is quite an honor, one that few athletes can accomplish in their high school career. “It feels great to be on the wall with all the great athletes up there,” said Howe.  “I feel very honored,” said Miller. “I am the first female swimmer to be on the wall.” At the senior awards ceremony held on Friday, many recognized the athletes.  “Forever these students will be on the wall to be recognized by future students,” said Principal Jim Condon.

The Hall of Fame is a representation of all of the hard work athletes put into their sport.  Athletics can teach many values.  “I’m all about teamwork and have learned great coping skills [in my sports].” said Howe.

Benefits of making the Hall of Fame include “[having a] picture on the wall, and having a nice entry on [your] resume.” said Mr. Scott.

This honor given out every year gives all athletes a chance, but only the dedicated make the wall. “Swimming is my life, and that’s the only way of life I know.” said Miller.  “It’s made me a competitive, motivated, and dedicated person.  I’ve learned that even if you fail once, never give up on your dream.”