Warren County High School Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

Warren County High School is set to honor a new class of outstanding individuals and teams with their induction into the Lawrence “Sweeney” Shiflett Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s class, a mix of athletes, contributors, and historic teams, will be celebrated during a special ceremony on Friday, September 20th, at halftime of the varsity football game against Clarke County.

Honoring a Legacy: Buck Smith

George “Buck” Smith, an influential figure in Warren County’s athletic community, leads this year’s class. Smith’s contributions have shaped Warren County athletics for over two decades. A graduate of Madison High School in 1988 and Eastern Mennonite University in 1993, Smith joined Warren County in 2001 as the Activities Director. He implemented numerous initiatives that transformed Warren County’s athletic programs into state leaders during his tenure. Smith’s innovations, including a full-time athletic training program and the athletic policy manual, continue to benefit the community today.

Smith’s impact wasn’t limited to just policy; he was instrumental in establishing the WCHS Athletics Hall of Fame, serving as its chairman for two decades. His influence extended to the wider region as he served on various VHSL committees and directed numerous tournaments. Smith retired in July 2024 after serving as Assistant Superintendent for Administration. Reflecting on his career, Smith said, “It doesn’t matter what your background is or where you come from; if you have dreams and goals, that’s all that matters.”

Celebrating Athletic Excellence: Jeffrey Budwash and Seumas O’Reilly

The Hall of Fame will also welcome two outstanding athletes: Jeffrey Budwash and Seumas O’Reilly.

Jeffrey Budwash, a 2013 graduate, made his mark in wrestling, football, and track. Budwash was a dominant force on the wrestling mat, compiling a record of 96-28 and earning multiple district and regional honors. His senior year was particularly impressive, as he finished 3rd in the state wrestling championships and set records for season wins and points. Budwash was equally impressive on the football field, earning all-district and all-region honors as a linebacker and contributing to the 2012 District championship team. Following his high school success, Budwash has continued to demonstrate leadership and commitment, now owning a successful Snap-on franchise and raising a family with his high school sweetheart, Leslie.

Seumas O’Reilly, a 2012 graduate, was a standout in cross country, indoor track, and track & field. O’Reilly’s list of accomplishments is lengthy, including multiple district and regional titles in cross country, three VHSL all-state honors, and school records in the 5k, 800, 1600, and 3200-meter events. O’Reilly’s talent earned him a full scholarship to the University of Mississippi, where he continued to excel in track and cross country before joining the U.S. Navy.

Remembering the Pioneers: The 1976 and 1977 Softball Teams

The Hall of Fame will also celebrate the 1976 and 1977 softball teams, who were trailblazers in Warren County’s athletic history. These teams were dominant in their era, achieving back-to-back regional titles, the first for any women’s sports team at Warren County. The 1976 team finished with a 14-3 record, while the 1977 team went 18-2. Their achievements laid the groundwork for future success in women’s sports at the school, and several players from these teams have already been inducted individually into the Hall of Fame.

Coached by Lawrence “Sweeney” Shiflett and Carolyn Kissinger, these teams are remembered not only for their on-field success but also for their role in advancing women’s athletics in the region. Their legacy lives on through their numerous accolades and the continued recognition of their players and coaches.

Continuing the Tradition

The Warren County High School-Lawrence Sweeney Shiflett Athletic Hall of Fame has a rich history of honoring the school’s greatest athletes, coaches, and contributors. The Class of 2024 continues this tradition, recognizing individuals and teams whose achievements have impacted the Warren County community. Their stories of dedication, excellence, and leadership inspire current and future Wildcats.

The Hall of Fame ceremony promises to be memorable. It will celebrate the legacy of Warren County athletics and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its success.

Former Classes of WCHS/Lawrence Shiflett Athletic Hall of Fame

•  Class 2002: Lawrence “Sweeney” Shiflett- Athlete, Coach, Contributor
• Class of 2003: Donald Henry ’58-Athlete; Kelly Tharpe Martin ’85-Athlete; Darrell Whitmore ’87-Athlete; Estle Miers-Coach
• Class of 2004: Malcolm Eugene Kendall ’58-Athlete, Michael Love ’71- Athlete, Dana Allison ’85-Athlete, C. Yates Hall III-Coach
• Class of 2005: John Marlow ’57-Athlete; Jim Cameron ’67-Athlete; Francis Brooks, Jr. ’68-Athlete; Sonja Osbourn ’79-Athlete; Warren Miller-Contributor
• Class of 2006: Ricky Leonard ’76-Athlete; Robbi Moose ’95-Athlete; Brandie Dodson ’96-Athlete; Jim Moose-Coach
• Class of 2007: Lynnwood Athey ’55-Athlete, William N. Wood, Jr. ’67-Athlete, Henry J. Owens III ’71-Athlete, Russell ’87 – Athlete, John Blanton-Contributor
• Class of 2008: Robert E. Mason-Coach, Charles T. Dodge-Coach, Robert L. Green ’81-Athlete, Samuel Haley, Jr. ’82-Athlete, Irvin Grant ’85-Athlete
• Class of 2009: Dr. Tripp Bradd-Contributor, Dr. James Favareau-Contributor, Joseph Lee ’95 -Athlete, Robert North-Contributor, Jeremy Paulson ’94-Athlete
• Class of 2010: Alan Wimer ’64-Contributor, Michael Ford ’78—Athlete, Heidi Moore ’99-Athlete, and 1984 Wildcat Softball Team (State Champions)
• Class of 2011: Eric Hawes ’01-Athlete, Jeremy Myers ’98-Athlete, Robert Myers -Contributor, Rodger Seemiller –Coach, Dale Henry ’78 –Athlete, 1985 Wildcat Softball Team (State Champions)
• Class of 2012: Charles Yates Hall, IV ’91-Athlete, Donald “Curley” Hazelette, Jr. ’67-Athlete and Contributor, Richard Lee Runyon, Jr. ’94 -Contributor
• Class of 2013: Robin Richardson ’86-Athlete and Contributor, Dorinda L. Tague ’78-Athlete and Contributor, Charles H. Washington, Jr. ’74-Athlete
• Class of 2014: Emily Harrison ’04-Athlete, Brock Jardine ’03-Athlete, and Dylan McGreevy ’04-Athlete
• Class of 2015: Alphonso Rozier Jordan ‘81- Athlete and Michelle Beardmore ’04 – Athlete
• Class of 2016: Joan Coulthard-Coach, Robert Long-Contributor, and HB Banjoman ’06 – Athlete
• Class of 2017: Andy Burke ’67-Athlete; Bobby Stepp ’76-Athlete; Joseph Owens ’04-Athlete; and Jesse Henry ’06-Athlete
• Class of 2018: Barbara Brown ’73—Athlete and Coach, Lynn Evenson ’74—Athlete, and 1956 Wildcat Football Team
• Class of 2019: John “Jack” Edmondson—Coach and Contributor, Victor Williams ’74 –Athlete, and Janice Strother ’77—Athlete
• Class of 2020: Arnold “Wendei” Davis ’77—Contributor, and Jessica Walker ’04–Athlete
• Class of 2021: Jim Wells – Contributor
• Class of 2022: Mike Corbin ’79 – Athlete, Alan Fox ’84 – Athlete & Contributor, Marie Gadd ’84 – Athlete, Josh Michael ’04 – Athlete, and Danny Wood ’72 – Athlete
• Class of 2023: Gage Steele ’12 – Athlete, Tiffany Walker ’05 – Athlete, Trey Kirkland ’07 – Athlete, Chuckie Sperry ’98 – Athlete, Nicole King ’12 – Athlete, Mary Frances Bukva – Contributor
• Class of 2024: Buck Smith – Contributor, Jeffrey Budwash ’13 – athlete, Seumas O’Reilly ’12 – athlete, 1976 Softball Team, 1977 Softball Team