CLASS OF 2024
Dave Amsler – Credited with bringing soccer to the region, Amsler spent 50 years mentoring soccer players in Chesterfield. He founded the Richmond Strikers in 1976 and FC Richmond Soccer Club in 1985.
James Farrior – A Matoaca High School alumnus and high school All-America selection by Parade magazine, Farrior was selected eighth overall in the 1997 NFL draft by the New York Jets. He continued his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning two Super Bowl rings.
Johnny Grubb – A Meadowbrook High School alumnus, Grubb was a member of the 1974 National League All-Star team, and the Detroit Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship team. After 16 years as a professional baseball player, he also coached at the pro level before returning home to coach at Meadowbrook High School and American Legion Post 137.
Denny Hamlin – A graduate of Manchester High School and one of the most decorated NASCAR Cup Series drivers, Hamlin racked up victories, records and accolades for five years at Southside Speedway, where he returned to host the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown from 2008-2010.
Ken Oxendine – A Thomas Dale High School alumnus, Oxendine was one of the top nine high school football recruits in the nation as a senior. He played at Virginia Tech and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons before returning home to Chesterfield, where he started Box Sports Group – a foundation that aims to invest in sports and education, youth development and community redevelopment.
Bobby Wadkins – A Meadowbrook High School alumnus, Bobby Wadkins was a standout junior golfer at Meadowbrook Country Club, winning two Richmond city junior titles. He played in 715 PGA Tour events with six runner-up finishes. Since turning 50, he competed on the Champions Tour, winning four times – including a major title at the 2006 Senior Players Championship.
Lanny Wadkins – A Meadowbrook High School graduate, Lanny Wadkins won four Richmond city junior titles while playing out of Meadowbrook Country Club. He was a 21-time winner on the PGA Tour, including the 1977 PGA Championship. He played in the Ryder Cup eight times between 1977 and 1993, then served as captain of the U.S. team in 1995.
Lacey Waldrop – A graduate of Thomas Dale High School and a Gatorade national high school Player of the Year nominee, Waldrop led Florida State to four NCAA softball tournament appearances. She also became the first player in Florida State’s program history to win back-to-back ACC Pitcher of the Year accolades.
Kellie Wells-Brinkley – A James River High School graduate, Wells-Brinkley won all-district, all-region, and all-state honors in track and field athlete. She went on to have a standout career at Hampton University, breaking the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference indoor record in the 100-meter hurdles. She was a bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics.
Vic Williams – Known as a local coaching legend by amassing 213 total wins and seven Central Region titles, Williams spent 27 years as a head football coach in the metro Richmond area. He guided Thomas Dale High School to the VHSL Group AAA, Division 6 state football championship in 2009.