FHS ATHLETICS HALL OF GREATS BANQUET & INDUCTION CEREMONY April 22, 2017 2217 N. College Ave. • Fayetteville, AR 72703 2017 FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS HALL OF GREATS CONTENTS HALL OF GREATS HISTORY PROGRAM 2017 HALL OF GREATS INDUCTEES: Ronnie Brewer Bill & Carol Brunner David Lashley Gail Striegler Phil Stewart Robert Wilks SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICSHALL OF GREATS In early 2015, a number of Fayetteville High School graduates, other former staff and friends were enlisted to establish a way to recognize outstanding former athletes, coaches, and several categories of boosters. The newly formed board chose the name Fayetteville High School Athletics Hall of Greats. The INTENT OF THE BOARD IS: Fayetteville High Schools has a long and rich tradition of success in athletics that spans many decades. Many players, coaches, fans, and other loyal supporters have played major roles in those victories and championships. The mission of the board of the Fayetteville High School Athletics Hall of Greats is to honor and remember those whose outstanding dedication, leadership, and abilities cause them to stand out from among numerous others who contributed significantly to the success of the Purple Dogs over the years. FHS HALL OF GREATS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Bradford - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 1984 Kelly Danner Collyar - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 1984 Michael Brisiel - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 2001 Dwight Tucker - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 1974 Ami Watson Cleveland - FHS graduate & athlete, Class of 1998 Jason Daugherty - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 1997 Carol Brunner - FHS teacher/coach, 1966 -1990 Jane Brockmann Gearhart - FHS Class of 1970 Cari Tanneberger Humphry - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 1994 Jason Pleimann - FHS graduate and athlete, Class of 1988 Bo Bittle - FHS graduate & athlete, Class of 1997 Billy Waite - FHS graduate & athlete, Class of 1988 Gary Head - Friend of Fayetteville High School Duane Davis - FHS graduate, athlete and trainer, Class of 1987 Mary Frances Kretschmar - Former girls basketball coach and assistant athletic director, 1982-2007 Larry Parnell- FHS graduate/athlete & coach, Class of 1966 PROGRAM Master of Ceremonies .................................Ms. Lisa Cornwell Reception and Silent Auction .................... 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Welcome ................................ Mrs. Mary Frances Kretschmar Invocation ....................... The Honorable Judge John Threet Dinner INDUCTION CEREMONY Ronnie Brewer Phil Stewart Bill and Carol Brunner Gail Striegler David Lashley Robert Wilks SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION Elizabeth Costner Ben Farrell Closing Remarks ...........................................Ms. Lisa Cornwell RONNIE BREWER Ronnie Brewer was a standout athlete at Woodland Junior High School and Fayetteville High School. While in junior high, Ronnie played both football and basketball. After entering high school, Ronnie made the decision to concentrate on basketball. He was named to the All-Conference and All –State in high school for three years. Ronnie was Arkansas Mr. Basketball in 2003, and was named to the Parade All- American team. After being recruited by various colleges , Ronnie chose to stay true to home and attend the University of Arkansas on an athletic scholarship. Ronnie played for the Razorbacks from 2003-2006. While at the U of A, Ronnie averaged 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He also shot 75% from the free-throw line. After college graduation, Ronnie spent the next seven years playing professional basketball. In 2006, Ronnie was drafted in the first round as the 14th overall pick by the Utah Jazz. In 2010, Ronnie joined the Memphis Grizzlies and then made his way to the Chicago Bulls until 2012. From Chicago, Ronnie joined the New York Knicks. He joined the Houston Rockets in 2013 and then returned to the Chicago Bulls in 2014. Ronnie has touched many lives during his career. Since entering the NBA, he dedicated himself to making a difference in each of the communities where he resided. While playing professional basketball, Ronnie supported the Salt Lake City, Chicago, and the New York City areas. He continued to dedicate resources to his hometown of Fayetteville. He established the Ronnie Brewer Foundation and is able to bless families with a holiday meal during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ronnie’s foundation raised money to help build a new gymnasium and life center for the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club. He is the host of an event that helps fund scholarships for high school students to attend college. Ronnie was motivated to start his foundation because he found it important to give back to the community in the same way he felt supported while he was growing up. BILL AND CAROL BRUNNER In an era dominated by men’s athletics, two trailblazers began a women’s sports program at Fayetteville High School. Bill began his coaching career in Fayetteville schools at the old Hillcrest Junior High (now Ramay) in 1964. From Hillcrest, he eventually landed at Fayetteville High School. Bill began the women’s track program at FHS. In 1976, he coached them to win the 4A State Meet after only a couple of years of existence. He was named the Arkansas Activities Association’s Women’s Track Coach of the Year. He was also a guest lecturer at the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star clinic. Bill was the Voice of the Bulldogs as the broadcaster of all the football and basketball games. After retiring from coaching, Bill became an assistant principal, where he remained until retirement. Carol was a physical education teacher and was the sponsor for the Peppers/ Cheerleaders. Carol began women’s basketball in 1971-72. She coached them to victory in the 4A state tournament. In 1977, she was named the West All-Star assistant coach for basketball. Carol began women’s gymnastics at Fayetteville High School in 1973-74. She was elected Outstanding Gymnastics Coach in 1977-78. Carol served seven years on AHSCA Girl’s State Athletic Committee, serving two years as the chairman. She served three years as Arkansas Activities Association representative on the National Federation of High School Association’s national rules committee for gymnastics. She also served as a guest lecturer at the Arkansas High School Coaches Association’s All-Star Clinic. They have continued their love and support for FHS athletics, earning them the 2015 David Lashley Bulldog 6th Man Award. They have contributed a combined 102 years to Fayetteville athletics, and continue to support the program to this day. The wins and trophies are legendary, but their legacy of success was more than just on the court. They prepared their students for Life. DAVID LASHLEY David Lashley attended Fayetteville High School and graduated in 1950. While in high school, David played football and basketball. He lettered in each of these sports and was named All-American in football. After graduation, David attended the University of Arkansas and was a three year letterman on the Razorback football team. David took pride in helping others achieve their full potential in athletics or their favorite interests. He could always be seen at Fayetteville High School events cheering for everyone on the team. David was a Public Accountant and during tax season he carried his briefcase as he followed the teams all over the state. David was the father of five girls. All attended Fayetteville High School and all lettered in a sport in high school. Some of David’s proudest moments were seeing his girls succeed in athletics as well as in life. His grandchildren hold a total of 10 state championship rings. David did not just have a love for his alma mater, he loved the Fayetteville community. He spent many hours serving on boards, coaching softball teams, coaching 7th grade football and working for the betterment of Fayetteville High School and the community. Although David was a busy dad, he found the time to serve as Treasurer for the FHS Booster Club for twenty years. Because of his dedication to FHS, the 6th Man Award was named after him. David has served on numerous boards: The City Parks and Recreation, The Boys and Girls Club, The Fayetteville Community Foundation, and The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation. David was a man that could not say no to anyone or any organization if they needed help. He always wanted to make things better for everyone. David was instrumental in the founding of Butterfield Trail Village and served on the Board of Directors for many years. Included in the construction project currently underway is the David Lashley Board Room. PHIL STEWART Phil Stewart attended Fayetteville High School and graduated in 1961. His love for his alma mater continued throughout his life. He attended all sporting events while his children were in high school at FHS and continued this dedication until his death in 2013. Phil was a man of many talents. He could be seen cooking hamburgers at football games or up in the press box helping with spotting and assisting the PA announcer. He might be seen working the concession stands at basketball games and was a frequent spectator at FHS baseball games. Phil had a gift for knowing when an athlete needed shoes, food, a ride, a suit for the prom or just a pat on the back. If Phil knew that a student needed something, he was right there, ready to help. He would help the student who cleaned the gym floor or who was the star of the team. He had a heart that encompassed the entire FHS athletic family. Phil was well known by the coaches as well as the students at FHS. When a student would see Phil on the sidelines, you could see a huge smile on that student’s face.