This year's Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony was an evening of humility, gratitude, motivation and plenty of laughs as the presenters and award recipients reminisced about memorable moments of their respective careers. The event was especially meaningful as the 1956 Frederick High School football team spoke about breaking down racial barriers by integrating the football team at a time when schools were still segregated.
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett continued his traditional role as Master of Ceremonies for the Hall of Fame by introducing Hall of Fame members in attendance, this year's inductees, Governor Brad Henry, Congresswomen Mary Fallin and Lt. Governor Jari Askins. Hall of Fame members at the banquet included Bob Barry, Sr., Bob Dickson, Bob Fenimore, Marques Haynes, Danny Hodge, Bob Kurland, Kelli Litsch, J.D. Martin, J.W. Mashburn, J.D. Roberts, Arnold Short, Dick Soergel, Ray Soldan, Eddie Sutton, and Clendon Thomas. The evening opened with a State of Oklahoma by Highway Patrolman Stanford McConnell singing the National Anthem. After welcoming remarks by Orthopedic Solutions Director Dr. Kevin Hargrove, the banquet's presenting sponsor, Governor Henry was introduced and announced a donation of $2.5 million for the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Museum's building fund.
Congresswoman Fallin and Lt. Governor Askin’s began the induction process with accolades to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the great sports heritage of Oklahoma. Then the ceremony began with presentation of induction plaques to the evening's honorees as each was inducted.
Jerry Shipp was introduced by his good friend Harold Harmon. Shipp an outstanding basketball player for Southeastern Oklahoma State University is only one of seven U.S. basketball players who have represented the U.S. in all three major international tournaments: Olympics (1964), World Games (1963) and Pan-American Games (1963). He was the leading scorer on all three of these teams. In addition, he played for the Phillips “66” Oilers and is their all-time leading scorer.
Oklahoma State University and PGA Golfer, Doug Tewell, was introduced by Tom Randle, PGA Chaplain, and a longtime Tewell friend. He won four PGA titles and eight Champions Tour events during his pro career, including the 2000 Seniors Championship. Plus, he has been a recognized color analyst for the Golf Channel, ESPN and Fox Sports.
Walter Roland “Waddy” Young, OU’s first consensus football All-American (1938), he was considered the top coverage man in the country. His senior year, his athletic ability and leadership were keys to the defense giving up only 12 points the entire year. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers professional football team and played two seasons.
Young, also received the Bob Kalsu Freedom Award. Major General Tom Bostick, Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, traveled from Ft. Knox, KY, to make the presentation. At the outbreak of World War II, Young joined the Army Air Corps and flew B-29’s. In January 1945, in a raid over Tokyo, while trying to assist his friend to fight off swarming Japanese planes, he was shot down and killed. He gave his life doing in combat what he had done on the football field – running interference for his teammates.
Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman introduced the 1956 Frederick Football Team which received the “Team of Legend” Award. The “Bombers” were the first integrated high school football team to win a state championship. They won 14-0 and won their games by a combined score of 553-26. An inspiring story of how sports inspired a group of young men who so loved football they were able to overcome the issue of race and establish bonds which still exist today.
The evening was closed with Mayor Cornett thanking everyone for attending this special evening.