WILLIAMSON - In an event held in the prestigious Mountaineer Hotel ballroom, the Williamson Athletic Hall of Fame inducted it’s 2009 class with grandiose fanfare this past Saturday.

Hall of Fame Committee President and WHS Hall of Famer Cecil Hatfield opened the ceremony by introducing to the assembled crowd of well over one hundred attendees Williamson Mayor Darrin McCormick. McCormick welcomed the inductees and the many returning Hall of Fame members back to Williamson. McCormick expounded on the fact that Williamson High’s rich athletic history has helped, through the years, forge Williamson into the close knit community that it is.

Williamson High School Principal Johnny Branch came and sang the national anthem and offered the invocation. Branch also took the opportunity to publicly announce that Williamson High is pursuing state designation as an “Innovative School Zone ” and said that the support of the community and alumni were needed in the endeavor.

Following the banquet meal, Hall of Famer and nationally known recording artist Jimmy Wolford was introduced as emcee for the event.

After sharing fond recollections of his ten years as emcee of the annual induction ceremony, Wolford proceeded to call each member of the 2009 class individually to speak and accept their Hall of Fame plaques.

Inductee Michael Bench offered that “I thank the committee for just considering me.” Inductee M. Douglas Hodges said “I’ll never forget what Williamson High did for me.” Inductee Brenda Jones shared that “My role as a competitor and coach in athletics defined my life.” Inductee Tim Moore emphatically stated “This is the greatest moment of my life.” Inductee John Michael Phillips told the crowd that “I’m proudest about being the fourth member of my family to enter this Hall of Fame.” Inductee Carl Tommy Rowe said that “I may have moved to Texas, but I have never forgotten Williamson.” Finally Wolford tearfully accepted on behalf his friend and personal hero, the late Kenneth Varney saying “Kenneth was about 6’1”, but to me he stood seven foot.”

Hatfield returned to close by saying “This is our Heisman banquet and I’m proud of this Hall of Fame and of Williamson High.”

Wolford closed the ceremony with his legendary song “Will There Be Any Red Dog in Heaven?”