Hall of Fame prepares for 2021 induction

ODESSA – The Odessa High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee (consisting of 11 members) has been hard at work preparing for its 2021 induction of athletes, coaches and contributors. The committee has been meeting in Odessa, where most of its members live, although the group’s vice president and Odessa graduate Jon Heimbigner comes all the way from his home in Spokane. The group’s president is Larry Weber. One member of the committee, Terrie Weishaar, asked to be relieved of duty due to health issues and the fact that she is a snowbird these days. Travis Schuh, Odessa coach and high school math teacher, has taken her place.

The committee has selected nine individuals and two teams to be inducted this year on June 19, either at the Alumni Banquet (if it is held this year) or by means of a scaled down ceremony held in the gym lobby (as happened last year). The names of the inductees will be announced in mid-May. In its first five years of existence, the Hall of Fame has inducted 54 individuals and 12 teams. All of the inductees are honored with a plaque bearing their likeness and accomplishments, which is theirs to take home, as well as with a metal plate with the same information permanently mounted in a lighted display case specially constructed by Odessa alumnus Rob Hopp that is located in the gym lobby.

Although this year’s inductees have already been selected, members of the public are encouraged to nominate individuals or teams to the committee for future inclusion. Anyone with information, especially about the early days of Odessa athletics, is asked to please share it with Larry Weber at 509-988-0285 or Jon Heimbigner at 509-701-5741.

The committee appreciates the support of the Odessa School District, the school board, the Booster Club, the Alumni Association, The Odessa Record and the community at large for donating time and money to help meet the expenses of the Hall of Fame. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Hall of Fame can contact either of the two named above or mail it to Odessa Athletic Hall of Fame, c/o Leffel, Otis & Warwick, Box 482, Odessa WA 99159, Attn: Peggy DeWulf.