Athletic Hall of Fame Pin

The stadium fills with excitement and anticipation as the community  waits to hear about those who are being inducted into the HHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Community members, as well as members of the Hall of Fame Committee, come together to recognize special athletes who demonstrated teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and overcame obstacles during their time in sports at Highlands High School, whether it was as an individual or a team achievement. The room grew quiet as members of the Committee began to welcome everyone, and the sounds of chatter and laughter gradually faded. As the anticipation begins to grow, former athletes focus their attention on the Committee members as the names of the inductees start to be announced.  Everyone focused on the field as the Committee began to line them up, putting them on display. These alumni athletes are typically recognized by the community during the Blue/White football game one Friday each fall.  They’re more intimately recognized the following night at the Highlands Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet at Highland Country Club.  

The Athletic Hall of Fame was designed as a way to honor alumni who were standout athletes or coaches at Highlands. Many of these athletes are honored 20 years or more after they graduated, demonstrating the lasting impact of their achievements. Community members complete an application to honor former standout athletes who had a huge impact on Highlands High School Athletics.  The Athletic Hall of Fame Pin isn’t just a piece of metal; it symbolizes the achievements of student-athletes and inspires current and future athletes. 

John Weyer was the president of the athletic boosters when he created the Highlands High School Athletics Hall of Fame. After seeing how Somerset High School had a shrine dedicated to its own athletics, with information, championships, etc, the first thing Weyer thought of was questioning why Highlands didn’t have a hall of fame. He began to create one for Highlands High School. 

“And there’s a shrine to Somerset athletics from early 1900’s to present. It includes all their information about athletic hall of fame and championships, and it’s kind of like our trophy room in front of the gym, but on steroids. So the first thing that hit me in the face was, “Why doesn’t Highlands have a Hall of Fame?” 

When the hall was first founded, they had to find a way to determine which athletes should be inducted into the hall of fame. The committee didn’t look for people themselves, rather they relied on others to nominate athletes who greatly excelled in their sport(s). 

Mueller's most valuable memory while coaching at Highlands was the support from the community, as well as the relationships he built. 

 “So for me, the things that I enjoy the most, that I love the most really, was my relationships, especially with the players and other coaches.”

As the Country Club fills with former athletes, conversations and chatter begin to fill the room. Instead of being on the football field, running on the track, cheering on the sideline, or at a swim meet like they used to be, people gather on a special night to recognize their dedication and accomplishments during their time as an athlete. Athletes from different graduation classes fill the room with laughter and joy, as old teammates reconnect and tell stories that seem as if they were just yesterday. 

“At the banquet, the Hall of Fame inductees basically give a synopsis of what they did, how they affected Highlands athletics, and how successful they were. The individuals are given a chance to kind of extrapolate that on there,” Weyer said. 

Highlands High School athletics have a rich tradition of success and achievement, from winning state, regional, and national championships. These athletes and teams have shown teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to get our program where it is today. 

“I just want people like yourselves, people like me, to realize that this school has a rich, rich tradition of athletics. They have a rich, rich tradition of success. These are the individuals that provided that success,” Weyer said.

If you would like to nominate an alumni athlete to the Highlands Athletic Hall of Fame, the nomination form is here. CLICK HERE.