2003 Coach of the yearHall of Achievement

The High School Hall of Achievement is an elite group of former high school athletes who have distinguished themselves in their professional careers. The inductees serve as tremendous role models for high school athletes. Their message is to employ the values and skills learned in athletics and apply them to your professional career. We are proud of their success and are honored to claim them in our High School Hall of Fame family.

York High School

2003 Coach of the Year

“That’s the important thing in coaching—it isn’t the system you’ve got, it’s your relationship with your athletes.”
-Joe Newton

“That’s the important thing in coaching—it isn’t the system you’ve got, it’s your relationship with your athletes.”
-Joe Newton

  • 16x Northern Illinois Track Coaches Association Coach of the Year
  • 15x Illinois High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year
  • Inducted into the Northwestern University Hall of Fame
  • Boys' Cross Country
    2003 Coach of the Year

    Joe Newton

    York High School

    Elmhurst,
    Illinois

    Impact Statement

    “That’s the important thing in coaching—it isn’t the system you’ve got, it’s your relationship with your athletes.”
    -Joe Newton

    Biography

    “Joe Newton has served as a model of commitment and excellence to coaches and athletes for nearly a half century,” said NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro. “The NHSCA is proud to recognize Joe Newton as the first ever two-time winner of a National High School Coaches Association Boys’ Cross Country Coach of the Year award.”

    Newton is widely recognized as the most accomplished prep cross country coach, and one of the most successful high school coaches of any sport in U.S. history.  He began his career 60 years ago at York High in 1956, and his teams have won 28 Cross Country state championships and one Track & Field State Championship. York also finished second on 10 other occasions. Newton’s teams regularly hold more than 100 athletes on roster, as cross country has become a tradition at York. Coach Newton had 44 podium finishes in 57 years.

    With dozens of coach of the year awards to his credit since 1954. In addition, Newton was the first high school coach to be selected as a coach for the US Men’s Track & Field Olympic Team in 1988. He served as the assistant manager for the marathon runners in Souel, South Korea.

    Newton, known affectionately as the The Long Green Line, coached until 2016 and was a vital part of York and cross country history. As a runner himself, Newton was a decorated sprinter. He attended Northwestern University and graduated with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in 1951 and 1952 respectively.


    Photos

    Professional Achievements

  • 16x Northern Illinois Track Coaches Association Coach of the Year
  • 15x Illinois High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Inducted into the Northwestern University Hall of Fame
  • Westwood High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    “I think that Laura leads by example in all ways: as a student, person, and as someone who relates to the community.” -Nancy Todd, Texas Tech Head Coach

    “I think that Laura leads by example in all ways: as a student, person, and as someone who relates to the community.” -Nancy Todd, Texas Tech Head Coach

  • Third on the school's all-time assists list with 3,653
  • Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year. 
  • Attended Texas Tech University
  • Member of National Honor Society
  • Member of National Spanish Honor Society
  • Member of Student Council
  • Girls Volleyball
    2000 Player of the Year

    Laura Grote

    Westwood High School

    Round Rock,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    “I think that Laura leads by example in all ways: as a student, person, and as someone who relates to the community.” -Nancy Todd, Texas Tech Head Coach

    Biography

    Grote, a 5-foot-10 setter, completed one of the outstanding careers in Texas girls volleyball history by leading Westwood High to the state Class 5A championship. She was voted the state tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Grote had 926 assists and 33 aces as a senior.

    She was selected to the All-State Team as a junior and senior by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, was a two-time Central Texas Player of the Year, and was selected to the Texas Sportswriters Association All-State Team. Grote also was selected the Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year.

    “Athletes like Laura Grote are the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best players not only in the state of Texas, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    “In 30 years of coaching, Laura Grote is the best setter that I have ever taught,” said her high school coach, Zula Blann. Also an outstanding student, Grote ranks in the top 10 per cent of her class academically. She has accepted a scholarship to continue her volleyball career at Texas Tech University.


    Photos

    Records

  • Third on the school's all-time assists list with 3,653
  • Professional Achievements

  • Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year. 
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Texas Tech University
  • Member of National Honor Society
  • Member of National Spanish Honor Society
  • Member of Student Council
  • Glenbrook North High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    “I’ve always wanted to be a fair player, I want to win the right way.” -Chrissie Nolan

    “I’ve always wanted to be a fair player, I want to win the right way.” -Chrissie Nolan

  • Career Singles Record of 106-3
  • Won 3 straight IHSA State Championships
  • Illinois First-Team All-State
  • Named Academic All-Big Ten Conference
  • Attended the University of Michigan
  • Girls' Tennis
    2000 Player of the Year

    Chrissie Nolan

    Glenbrook North High School

    Northbrook,
    Illinois

    Impact Statement

    “I’ve always wanted to be a fair player, I want to win the right way.” -Chrissie Nolan

    Biography

    “Athletes like Chrissie Nolan are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best tennis players in the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    Nolan was unbeaten as a senior, winning her third consecutive state singles title with a perfect 30-0 season record. She became the third girl to win three state singles titles, and the first since 1978. Nolan, whose career singles record was 106-3, led Glenbrook North to a sixth-place state finish.

    Nolan appeared in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” in December of 1999. Nolan will continue her education and tennis career while attending the University of Michigan.

    While at Michigan, Nolan was named to the Academic All-Big Ten Conference multiple times.


    Photos

    Records

  • Career Singles Record of 106-3
  • Won 3 straight IHSA State Championships
  • Professional Achievements

  • Illinois First-Team All-State
  • Named Academic All-Big Ten Conference
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Michigan
  • Deland High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    McLarty was a 15x NCAA All American Swimmer for the University of Florida and then competed as a USA Professional Triathlete for 11 years.

    McLarty was a 15x NCAA All American Swimmer for the University of Florida and then competed as a USA Professional Triathlete for 11 years.

  • 15-time NCAA All-American swimmer at University of Florida
  • Won the Collegiate Triathlon National Championship
  • Silver medalist in the 400m freestyle at the 2004 Swimming World Championships
  • 2006 USA Triathlon's U23 Female Athlete of the Year
  • 2005 USAT Rookie of the Year
  • Attended the University of Florida
  • Member of the National Honor Society
  • Girls' Swimming
    2000 Player of the Year

    Sara McLarty

    Deland High School

    Deland,
    Florida

    Impact Statement

    McLarty was a 15x NCAA All American Swimmer for the University of Florida and then competed as a USA Professional Triathlete for 11 years.

    Biography

    McLarty was the Florida Class 3A state champion in the 200-meter individual medley and finished second in the 500-meter freestyle in 2000. A versatile athlete, she also qualified for the state championships every year in cross country and track in addition to swimming, earning All-State honors in cross country. In high school, McLarty qualified for the Junior Nationals in five events and the Senior Nationals in three events. She was also is a four-time National Iron Kids Triathlon champion.

    “Athletes like Sara McLarty are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best swimmers not only in the state of Florida, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    Also an outstanding student, McLarty ranks in the top 5 per cent of her class with a 4.06 grade-point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has accepted a scholarship to the University of Florida, selecting the Gators over Kentucky, Auburn, Nebraska, and North Carolina.

    She qualified and participated in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials in August, and tried to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team, ultimately finishing 22nd in the 400-meter freestyle. At the 2004 Swim Team Trials, she narrowly missed the USA Olympic team by finishing 4th in the same event. In 2008, she competed at the Triathlon Olympic Team Trials, finishing in 8th position.

    While attending the University of Florida, McLarty became a 15x NCAA All American for the Gators.


    Photos

    Videos


    Records

  • 15-time NCAA All-American swimmer at University of Florida
  • Professional Achievements

  • Won the Collegiate Triathlon National Championship
  • Silver medalist in the 400m freestyle at the 2004 Swimming World Championships
  • 2006 USA Triathlon's U23 Female Athlete of the Year
  • 2005 USAT Rookie of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended the University of Florida
  • Member of the National Honor Society
  • North Shore High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Schmidt is one of only fourteen players in history to have recorded over 100 career victories and over 1,000 career strikeouts in her position as a pitcher.

    Schmidt is one of only fourteen players in history to have recorded over 100 career victories and over 1,000 career strikeouts in her position as a pitcher.

  • Career record of 53-10 as a starting pitcher in high school
  • At LSU, boasts 116 career victories
  • 2x NFCA High School All American
  • 3x NCAA All American
  • 2004 First-Team All-SEC
  • 2004 Women's College World Series MVP
  • 2004 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 25 Finalist
  • 2017 LSU Hall of Fame Inductee
  • Attended Nortre Dame her Freshman year, before transferring to Louisiana State University
  • Member of the National Honor Society
  • Softball
    2000 Player of the Year

    Kristin Schmidt

    North Shore High School

    Houston,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    Schmidt is one of only fourteen players in history to have recorded over 100 career victories and over 1,000 career strikeouts in her position as a pitcher.

    Biography

    Schmidt has enjoyed an outstanding career at North Shore. A right-handed pitcher, she was voted her team’s Most Valuable Player three times. After giving up only one earned run as a freshman, she helped lead North Shore to the state’s Class 5A title as a sophomore in 1998, a year she earned All-Tournament Team and First Team All-State honor. She pitched her team to the regional quarterfinals this year.

    Also an outstanding student with a 4.0 grade-point average, Schmidt has accepted a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, one of the nation’s elite college softball programs.

    “Athletes like Kristin Schmidt are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best players not only in the state of Texas, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    Schmidt continued to Notre Dame for one year after graduation. She then transferred to LSU. where she excelled. She was named the Women’s College World Series MVP in 2004, despite the Tigers not making it to the finals. The three- time All American recorded 1,000 career strikeouts and boasts 116 victories.


    Photos

    Records

  • Career record of 53-10 as a starting pitcher in high school
  • At LSU, boasts 116 career victories
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2x NFCA High School All American
  • 3x NCAA All American
  • 2004 First-Team All-SEC
  • 2004 Women's College World Series MVP
  • 2004 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 25 Finalist
  • 2017 LSU Hall of Fame Inductee
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Nortre Dame her Freshman year, before transferring to Louisiana State University
  • Member of the National Honor Society
  • Colorado Springs Christian School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Sherbondy excelled both on and off the field during high school and college.

    Sherbondy excelled both on and off the field during high school and college.

  • 3X NAIA Scholar-Athlete
  • Attended Covenant College
  • Member of the National Honor Society
  • Valedictorian at Colorado Springs Christian School
  • Girls' Soccer
    2000 Player of the Year

    Ashley Sherbondy

    Colorado Springs Christian School

    Colorado Springs,
    Colorado

    Impact Statement

    Sherbondy excelled both on and off the field during high school and college.

    Biography

    Sherbondy was a defensive standout, marking her opponents’ top forwards as a middle defender and also playing the outside back and center back positions. She was a First team All-League selection and a member of the Colorado Springs All-Metro All-Star Team, and also stars for the Pride Elite under-18 traveling team. She also was one of 34 elite players nationwide selected to help run camps that travel around the Women’s World Cup schedule as part of the organization Uncharted Waters. A three-sport athlete, Sherbondy also was a member of the cross country and basketball teams.

    “Athletes like Ashley Sherbondy are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best athletes not only in the state of Colorado, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    Sherbondy also was outstanding in the classroom. The National Honor Society member graduated No. 1 in her class of 107 with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, and scored 28 on the ACT and 1190 on the SAT. She was Student Government president as a senior, and was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Bibles for the World. She will attend Covenant College in the fall.

    As a junior, Sherbondy was named to the NAIA’s first team All-Region. She completed as a three time NAIA Scholar Athlete.


    Photos


    Community Service

    Volunteered for both Habitat for Humanity and Bibles for the World.

    Professional Achievements

  • 3X NAIA Scholar-Athlete
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Covenant College
  • Member of the National Honor Society
  • Valedictorian at Colorado Springs Christian School
  • Bishop Gorman High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Hentzner helped lead Bishop Gorman to a second-place finish in the Class 4A Nevada girls golf state tournament.

    Hentzner helped lead Bishop Gorman to a second-place finish in the Class 4A Nevada girls golf state tournament.

  • Attended University of Nevada Las Vegas
  • Girls' Golf
    2000 Player of the Year

    Christine Hentzner

    Bishop Gorman High School

    Las Vegas,
    Nevada

    Impact Statement

    Hentzner helped lead Bishop Gorman to a second-place finish in the Class 4A Nevada girls golf state tournament.

    Biography

    Hentzner helped lead Bishop Gorman to a second-place finish in the Class 4A Nevada girls golf state tournament last fall, finishing among the top 10 players individually. In the National Open High School Golf Championships, held June 23-25 in Winter Garden, Florida, Hentzner was the highest-placing senior in the girls competition, finishing in ninth place. The tournament was part of the 3rd annual National High School Sports Festival, which attracted nearly 1,000 athletes to the Orlando, Florida area for competition in golf, tennis, and soccer June 23-26.

    “Athletes like Christine Hentzner are one of the reasons these Championships are so gratifying,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills, and we are extremely proud to be honoring her.”

    Hentzner put together three consistent rounds of golf at the Orange County National Golf Center, shooting 77-76-77 for a 54-hole score of 230. Christine Kim, a sophomore at Oak Grove High School in San Jose, California, won the event with a 215 total.

    Hentzner played collegiately at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. In 2002, she was received Academic All-Mountain West Conference honors. As a senior, she and the Rebels claimed the team title at the Mountain West Conference Championships.


    Photos

    Personal Honors

  • Attended University of Nevada Las Vegas
  • Bel Air High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    “She just has that natural fluidity, being in the right place and getting herself open.” -Phyllis Hemmes, Head Coach

    “She just has that natural fluidity, being in the right place and getting herself open.” -Phyllis Hemmes, Head Coach

  • Bel Air High School's All-time Leading Scorer
  • Field Hockey
    2000 Player of the Year

    Jacque LaFleur

    Bel Air High School

    Bel Air,
    Maryland

    Impact Statement

    “She just has that natural fluidity, being in the right place and getting herself open.” -Phyllis Hemmes, Head Coach

    Biography

    The 5-foot-9 LaFleur excelled in three sports – field hockey, basketball, and softball – at Bel Air High. She was Bel Air’s leading scorer for three years, ending her career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 53 goals and 22 assists. She was a three-time Baltimore All-Metro Second Team selection and was selected Second-team All-State by the Maryland Coaches Association as a senior. She was voted the winner of the Al Cesky Memorial Scholarship as Bel Air High’s top senior athlete this year.

    “Athletes like Jacque LaFleur are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best lacrosse players not only in the state of Maryland, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    As a three-year starter in basketball, LaFleur finished her career with 1,198 points – the first female player at Bel Air High to score more than 1,000 point in a career – and also led her team in rebounds and steals her final two years. She also was a four-year starter at shortstop on the softball team and was a four-time All-Harford County Team selection.

    Also an outstanding student, LaFleur graduated seventh in her class of 365 with a 4.08 grade-point average, and scored 1410 on the SAT exam.


    Photos

    Records

  • Bel Air High School's All-time Leading Scorer
  • Professional Achievements

  • Honolulu

    2000 Player of the Year

    “I don’t want to take credit for it all because everyone helped me, but I definitely put in the work.”
    Victoria Chang

    “I don’t want to take credit for it all because everyone helped me, but I definitely put in the work.”
    Victoria Chang

  • 4x Hawaii State Champion 1,500 meters
  • 4x Hawaii State Champion 3,000 meters
  • 2x NCAA Qualifier
  • 2x Hawaii High School Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year
  • Attended Stanford & University of Hawai`i
  • Graduated with her J.D.
  • Member of the National Junior Honor Society
  • Girls' Cross Country
    2000 Player of the Year

    Victoria Chang

    Honolulu

    Punahou School,
    Hawaii

    Impact Statement

    “I don’t want to take credit for it all because everyone helped me, but I definitely put in the work.”
    Victoria Chang

    Biography

    Chang was the state cross country champion as a senior, then ascended to national recognition by winning the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships in December. Chang ran the 3.1-mile course in a record time of 3:05.8, 17 seconds faster than the previous record set by Erin Sullivan in 1997. Chang won the race by nine seconds.

    “Athletes like Victoria Chang are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best cross country runners not only in the state of Hawaii, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”

    Chang also was a four-time state champion in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs, leading Punahou High to the state track and field team title all four years. She set state records in both events as a junior in 1999, running the 1,500 in 4:38.83 and the 3,000 in 9:38.03.

    Chang accepted an athletic scholarship to Stanford University and later transferred to the University of Hawai’i. She also graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii.


    Photos


    Community Service

    Volunteered with the Special Olympics and National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii

    Records

  • 4x Hawaii State Champion 1,500 meters
  • 4x Hawaii State Champion 3,000 meters
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2x NCAA Qualifier
  • 2x Hawaii High School Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Stanford & University of Hawai`i
  • Graduated with her J.D.
  • Member of the National Junior Honor Society
  • Pickens County High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Thomason is the Dragonettes All Time Points Leader with 2,343 points and led Pickens to the Final Four all four years in high school.

    Thomason is the Dragonettes All Time Points Leader with 2,343 points and led Pickens to the Final Four all four years in high school.

  • 2x Naismith Award Honoree
  • Named First Team All State
  • 2014 Inductee of PHS Athletics Hall of Fame
  • Attended Furman University
  • Girls' Basketball
    2000 Player of the Year

    Alison Thomason

    Pickens County High School

    Jasper,
    Georgia

    Impact Statement

    Thomason is the Dragonettes All Time Points Leader with 2,343 points and led Pickens to the Final Four all four years in high school.

    Biography

    The 5-feet-11 Thomason led Pickens County to the Women’s Final Four in Georgia. She was the winner of the Naismith Award as the state’s top female athlete as a junior and senior. As a junior, she averaged 25.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, added 59 blocks and 66 steals, and shot 59.2 per cent from the field and 71.1 per cent from the free-throw line. She was the subject of a cover story in Sports Illustrated for Women magazine as a senior and featured in the Faces in the Crowd section. She also maintained a 4.0 grade-point average and graduated in the top 15 per cent of her class.

    “Athletes like Alison Thomason are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best athletes not only in the state of Georgia, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”


    Photos

    Professional Achievements

  • 2x Naismith Award Honoree
  • Named First Team All State
  • 2014 Inductee of PHS Athletics Hall of Fame
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Furman University
  • Westfield High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Fraser was a three time state qualifier for Westfield before being appointment to United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

    Fraser was a three time state qualifier for Westfield before being appointment to United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

  • Attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY
  • Boys' Track & Field
    2000 Player of the Year

    David Fraser

    Westfield High School

    Houston,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    Fraser was a three time state qualifier for Westfield before being appointment to United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

    Biography

    Fraser has excelled at Westfield High despite running cross country and track for only three years. He first attracted attention by qualifying for the state cross country tournament in the rugged Houston Class 5A district and region qualifying series, one of the nation’s outstanding distance running regions. He went on to qualify for the state meet three years, finishing 14th in the state championships as a senior.

    “Athletes like David Fraser are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best runners not only in the state of Texas, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Fraser was a standout youth baseball player prior to beginning his cross country and track career. In addition to his success in the outstanding Houston area, Fraser, who also ran the 1,600 and 3,200 meters for the Westfield High track team, competed in the prestigious Foot Locker North Carolina Juniors Race in Charlotte, N.C. and finished ninth out of 250 contestants.

    Also an outstanding student, Fraser ranks in the top 10 per cent of his class academically and is a member of the National Honor Society. He also owns and operates his own lawn care service company. Fraser has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where he will continue his track career.

    As a senior at West Point, Fraser ran a personal best in the mile, with a time of 4:13.48 at the Armory Invitational in February of 2004.


    Photos

    Personal Honors

  • Attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY
  • Shoreham-Wading River High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    “I try to go to every tournament to gain more experience and learn by wrestling and observing.” – Jesse Jantzen

    “I try to go to every tournament to gain more experience and learn by wrestling and observing.” – Jesse Jantzen

  • 1st wrestler to win 4 New York State Championships
  • 1st wrestler to place 6 times in New York State history
  • High School Career Record of 215-3
  • College Career Record of 132-13
  • 2004 NCAA Champion & Oustanding Wrestler
  • 3x NCAA All American
  • 4x NCAA Qualifier
  • Attended Harvard University and is the most decorated wrestler in its history
  • Inducted into Harvard Varsity Club
  • EIWA Conference Hall of Fame
  • Suffolk County Hall of Fame
  • Wrestling
    2000 Player of the Year

    Jesse Jantzen

    Shoreham-Wading River High School

    Shoreham,
    New York

    Impact Statement

    “I try to go to every tournament to gain more experience and learn by wrestling and observing.” – Jesse Jantzen

    Biography

    It is the first year the NHSCA has presented this award.  Jantzen’s dominating performance at the 11th annual Senior National High School Wrestling Championships, held March 24-26 at the A.J. Palumbo Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., resulted in his unanimous selection as this year’s award winner. This year’s Senior Nationals attracted a record 797 competitors from 48 states, including a total of 53 entries in the weight class at which Jantzen competed, 140 pounds (competitors received a three-pound weight allowance).

    “Athletes like Jesse Jantzen are one of the reasons these Championships are so gratifying,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best wrestlers ever in New York State. We are extremely proud to be honoring him.”

    No individual stood out from the rest nationally as the 1999-2000 wrestling season began, but Jantzen put himself in front of the pack by completing, at least statistically, the most dominating career in the history of New York State wrestling. By winning the 145-pound state title the first weekend of March in Syracuse, Jantzen won his fourth state championship after placing third in the state as a seventh- and eighth-grader. No wrestler had ever won four state titles or placed six times in the 37-year history of the New York state tournament, but Jantzen accomplished both. Also selected the state tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler as a junior and senior, Jantzen finished his senior season with a 41-0 record and a career record of 215-3.

    Jantzen was just as dominating in the Senior Nationals, allowing only two points in six matches as he piled up three pins, a major decision, and two technical falls, including a title-match technical fall in just 3 minutes, 17 seconds over Ohio state champion Nate Yetzer of Mansfield. Jantzen was voted the winner of the Jeff Reese Memorial Award as the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler.

    Also an outstanding student, Jantzen earned a 3.2 grade-point average and scored 1110 on the SAT.  He will attend Harvard University in the fall.


    Photos

    Videos


    Records

  • 1st wrestler to win 4 New York State Championships
  • 1st wrestler to place 6 times in New York State history
  • High School Career Record of 215-3
  • College Career Record of 132-13
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2004 NCAA Champion & Oustanding Wrestler
  • 3x NCAA All American
  • 4x NCAA Qualifier
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Harvard University and is the most decorated wrestler in its history
  • Inducted into Harvard Varsity Club
  • EIWA Conference Hall of Fame
  • Suffolk County Hall of Fame
  • Mountain Pointe High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Russell, a three time State Champion, finished 8th overall in wins in Mountain Pointe’s history.

    Russell, a three time State Champion, finished 8th overall in wins in Mountain Pointe’s history.

  • 3x State Champion
  • Ranked 8th all time in school history with 79 singles wins
  • Attended William & Mary
  • Boys' Tennis
    2000 Player of the Year

    Geoff Russell

    Mountain Pointe High School

    Phoenix,
    Arizona

    Impact Statement

    Russell, a three time State Champion, finished 8th overall in wins in Mountain Pointe’s history.

    Biography

    “Athletes like Geoff Russell are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best tennis players in the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Russell won Class 5A state singles titles as a freshman, junior, and senior. He was undefeated his final two year and didn’t lose a single set as a junior. As a senior, he won 56 of 58 sets. He accepted a scholarship to the College of William & Mary.


    Photos

    Records

  • 3x State Champion
  • Ranked 8th all time in school history with 79 singles wins
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended William & Mary
  • The Bolles School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Lim won seven titles in the backstroke and butterfly from 1996 through 1999. He then went on to compete at three Olympic Games.

    Lim won seven titles in the backstroke and butterfly from 1996 through 1999. He then went on to compete at three Olympic Games.

  • Set the national high school record in the 100 backstroke
  • Won Malaysia its first-ever Asian Games swimming gold medal (1998)
  • 3x Olympic Team Member (1996, 2000, 2004)
  • 1998 National Sportsman of the Year
  • 1998 Malayian Olympian of the Year
  • In 2009, inducted into Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame
  • Attended University of California at Berkley
  • Boys' Swimming
    2000 Player of the Year

    Alex Lim

    The Bolles School

    Jacksonville,
    Florida

    Impact Statement

    Lim won seven titles in the backstroke and butterfly from 1996 through 1999. He then went on to compete at three Olympic Games.

    Biography

    Lim set or helped set three national records as a senior and won four events to lead The Bolles School, coached by National High School Boys Swimming Coach of the Year Larry Shofe, to the Class 4A state team title. Lim set a national record in the 100-meter backstroke in 46.82 seconds, and was a member of two relay teams, the 200-meter medley relay (1:31.62) and the 400-meter freestyle relay (3:01.80) that also set national records. Lim’s fourth victory came in the 100-meter butterfly, which he swam in 47.64 seconds to set a state record.

    “Athletes like Alex Lim are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best swimmers not only in the state of Florida, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Lim also competed in the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, for his native Malaysia. He accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of California-Berkeley.


    Photos

    Records

  • Set the national high school record in the 100 backstroke
  • Won Malaysia its first-ever Asian Games swimming gold medal (1998)
  • Professional Achievements

  • 3x Olympic Team Member (1996, 2000, 2004)
  • 1998 National Sportsman of the Year
  • 1998 Malayian Olympian of the Year
  • In 2009, inducted into Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended University of California at Berkley
  • U.S. Air Academy

    2000 Player of the Year

    Walsh set school records for both single season and career goals before attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

    Walsh set school records for both single season and career goals before attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

  • Set school record for both single season (25) and career goals (69)
  • Named First Team All State
  • Attended US Air Force Academy
  • Left the Air Force as a Captain
  • Boys' Soccer
    2000 Player of the Year

    Dan Walsh

    U.S. Air Academy

    Colorado Springs,
    Colorado

    Impact Statement

    Walsh set school records for both single season and career goals before attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

    Biography

    Walsh, a forward, was named to the All-Colorado Team by the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News as a senior after scoring 25 goals and adding 7 assists in 15 games, ranking second in the state’s Class 5A scoring race. The 25 goals gave him 69 in his career, both school records. He also starred for the Chargers Premier Gold under-18 traveling team. A three-sport athlete, Walsh was a captain of the basketball team and was voted the team’s Most Inspirational Player as a senior. He was also a member of the track team.

    “Athletes like Dan Walsh are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best athletes not only in the state of Colorado, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Walsh also was outstanding in the classroom. The National Honor Society member earned a 3.98 grade-point average, graduated in the top 7 per cent of his class, and scored 25 on the ACT and 1150 on the SAT. His accomplishments earned him a spot on the Colorado State Academic First Team.  He earned an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.


    Photos

    Records

  • Set school record for both single season (25) and career goals (69)
  • Professional Achievements

  • Named First Team All State
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended US Air Force Academy
  • Left the Air Force as a Captain
  • DuQuoin High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Two time state place finisher, Furlow continued to play golf at Southern Illinois University.

    Two time state place finisher, Furlow continued to play golf at Southern Illinois University.

  • 2x State Place Finisher
  • Attended Southern Illinois Univeristy
  • Boys' Golf
    2000 Player of the Year

    Jason Furlow

    DuQuoin High School

    DuQuoin ,
    Illinois

    Impact Statement

    Two time state place finisher, Furlow continued to play golf at Southern Illinois University.

    Biography

    Furlow twice placed high in the Class A Illinois boys state golf tournament, finishing third in the state as a junior in 1998 and 11th in the state last fall as a senior. In the National Open High School Golf Championships held June 23-25 in Winter Garden, Florida, Hentzner was the highest-placing senior in the boys competition, finishing in fourth place. The tournament was part of the 3rd annual National High School Sports Festival, which attracted nearly 1,000 athletes to the Orlando, Florida area for competition in golf, tennis, and soccer June 23-26.

    “Athletes like Jason Furlow are one of the reasons these Championships are so gratifying,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills, and we are extremely proud to be honoring him.”

    Furlow’s consistent play at the Orange County National Golf Center kept him within striking distance of the lead throughout the 54-hole event. An opening-round 71 left him 11th after the first day, but he improved seven spots the second day with an even-par 70 and finished the tournament with a 72 for a final score of 3-over-par 213. The performance also helped Furlow improve 35 spots over last year’s performance when he finished 38th with a 308 total.  John Bradley Holmes of Campbellsville, Kentucky, a junior at Taylor County High School, won the event for the second consecutive year with a 208 total.


    Photos

    Records

  • 2x State Place Finisher
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Southern Illinois Univeristy
  • Lockport High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Beck was a three-sport athlete, was a New York State Champ in wrestling, named All-State for football and threw the shot put and discus in track and field.

    Beck was a three-sport athlete, was a New York State Champ in wrestling, named All-State for football and threw the shot put and discus in track and field.

  • First Team All State
  • Wrestling State Champion
  • Attended Edinboro University
  • Football
    2000 Player of the Year

    David Beck

    Lockport High School

    Lockport,
    New York

    Impact Statement

    Beck was a three-sport athlete, was a New York State Champ in wrestling, named All-State for football and threw the shot put and discus in track and field.

    Biography

    The 6″6″ 275-pound Beck, an offensive lineman, was a first team All-State selection. In addition, he was selected All-Western New York and Lineman of the Year. His performance on the offensive and defensive lines this year was critical to Lockport High’s success in 1999, as the team advanced to the Section 6 finals played at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park.

    “Athletes like David Beck are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best football players not only in the state of New York, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    A three-sport athlete, Beck also was the Section 6 Class A wrestling champion at 275 pounds as a senior and threw the shot put and discus for the Lockport track team. His volunteer work includes two missionary trips to Mexico, two years as a volunteer for the United Way and Helping Hands programs. He will attend Edinboro University of Pennsylvania this fall on a football scholarship.


    Photos


    Community Service

    Volunteer for United Way and Helping Hands

    Records

  • First Team All State
  • Wrestling State Champion
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Edinboro University
  • York High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Sage won the 2000 Illinois State Championship  in the 3200m race then continued on to Stanford and won the 2002 NCAA Outdoor 1500m Championships.

    Sage won the 2000 Illinois State Championship  in the 3200m race then continued on to Stanford and won the 2002 NCAA Outdoor 1500m Championships.

  • State Champion in 3200m race
  • State Runner up as Junior and Sophomore
  • Ran the fastest double in state history
  • 2002 NCAA Outdoor 1500m Champion
  • 2001 Pac-10 Cross Country Athlete of the Year
  • Attended Stanford University
  • Boys' Cross Country
    2000 Player of the Year

    Donald Sage

    York High School

    Elmhurst,
    Illinois

    Impact Statement

    Sage won the 2000 Illinois State Championship  in the 3200m race then continued on to Stanford and won the 2002 NCAA Outdoor 1500m Championships.

    Biography

    Sage is a product of one of the nation’s top high school cross country programs led by National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year Joe Newton.  He won the Illinois Class AA individual title, running the 3-mile course in a time of 14:03, the fourth fastest time in state history. He was the state runner-up as a sophomore and junior and 24th in the state as a freshman.

    As the leader of York’s track team, Sage won Class AA titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters as a junior and senior. As a senior, Sage ran the fastest double in state history, setting a Class AA record in the 3,200 in 8:42.89 and running the 1,600 in 4:07.58, missing the state record by less than one-half second.

    “Athletes like Donald Sage are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best runners not only in the state of Illinois, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Also a standout in the 800-meter run, Sage ran the anchor legs that helped York establish national indoor and outdoor records in the 4X800-meter relay. He was the runner-up in the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships last December, and in June ran a mile in 4:00.29 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, the fastest time for the mile run by a high school athlete since the great Marty Liquori in 1967.

    Also an outstanding student, Sage accepted an athletic scholarship to Stanford University.

    While at Stanford, Sage continued to excel. In Track and Field, Sage placed 5th at the NCAA’s in the 1500m as a freshman. As a sophomore, Sage won the 1500m race at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. After redshirting, Sage finished 3rd at the NCAA’s. He is a ten- time All American.

    In Cross Country ,Sage helped Stanford win its second straight NCAA title as a junior. He was the 2001 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.


    Photos

    Videos


    Records

  • State Champion in 3200m race
  • State Runner up as Junior and Sophomore
  • Ran the fastest double in state history
  • Professional Achievements

  • 2002 NCAA Outdoor 1500m Champion
  • 2001 Pac-10 Cross Country Athlete of the Year
  • Personal Honors

  • Attended Stanford University
  • Coronado High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Spivey aided Coronado High School during his high school career and continued to do so at Sacred Heart University.

    Spivey aided Coronado High School during his high school career and continued to do so at Sacred Heart University.

  • Attended Sacred Heart
  • Boys' Basketball
    2000 Player of the Year

    Zach Spivey

    Coronado High School

    Lubbock,
    Texas

    Impact Statement

    Spivey aided Coronado High School during his high school career and continued to do so at Sacred Heart University.

    Biography

    The 6-feet-10, 225-pound Spivey was voted his district’s Class 5A Most Valuable Player as a senior after averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 4 blocked shots per game.

    A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he has accepted a scholarship to Sacred Heart University.

    “Athletes like Zach Spivey are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best athletes not only in the state of Texas, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Spivey was a four year starter for Sacred Heart University.


    Photos

    Personal Honors

  • Attended Sacred Heart
  • Carlsbad High School

    2000 Player of the Year

    Hall, an integral player in Carlsbad’s baseball success went on to be a versatile player for Stanford University.

    Hall, an integral player in Carlsbad’s baseball success went on to be a versatile player for Stanford University.

  • Set state record for batting average and home runs
  • Named Gatorade New Mexico High School Player of the Year
  • First Team by Collegiate America
  • Member of National Honor Society
  • Attended Stanford University
  • Baseball
    2000 Player of the Year

    Brian Hall

    Carlsbad High School

    Carlsbad,
    New Mexico

    Impact Statement

    Hall, an integral player in Carlsbad’s baseball success went on to be a versatile player for Stanford University.

    Biography

    The 5-foot-11 Hall was an All-District player four years and an All-State player three years. The starting center fielder on Carlsbad High’s 1998 Class 4A state championship team, Hall moved to shortstop the next season and continued his outstanding play. He won the state’s Triple Crown, setting state records with a .676 batting average and 11 home runs.  His 43 RBIs were one shy of the state record.

    He was named the Gatorade New Mexico High School Player of the Year and was a USA Today Pre-Season Super 25 selection. He also was named to the First Team by Collegiate America, and to the Second Team by Baseball America. “Athletes like Brian Hall are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “He has worked extremely hard to develop his skills and has become one of the best baseball players not only in the state of New Mexico, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring him.”

    Hall also played on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Phoenix Scout Team in 1998 and was the Most Valuable Player at the Arizona Pro Baseball Camp the same year. Also an outstanding student, Hall graduated 17th in his class of 475 with a 4.46 grade-point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He has accepted a scholarship to Stanford University, one of the nation’s elite baseball programs.

    Hall provided to be very versatile for Stanford. He spent time playing first base, third base, and each of the outfield positions. His senior year he was an All-American Candidate.


    Photos

    Records

  • Set state record for batting average and home runs
  • Professional Achievements

  • Named Gatorade New Mexico High School Player of the Year
  • First Team by Collegiate America
  • Personal Honors

  • Member of National Honor Society
  • Attended Stanford University