Due to the threat of snow, the Knoxville High School Athletic Hall of Fame basketball games and induction were moved up to Thursday night; but the luncheon at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum went on at its planned time Friday afternoon, and proper tribute was paid to this year’s class of new members.

Ben Willetts, John Carle, Ann Davis Kuenstling and Derald Swisher were each recognized at the luncheon and had the opportunity to recount their lives and achievements since graduating from Knoxville.

Debbie McClung hosted this year’s event, and read the words of Hall of Fame member Bill Liike who wrote that the new members should enjoy these special moments.

“Congratulations to the 2019 inductees to the Hall of Fame; enjoy this occasion, to be recognized for your athletic accomplishments, see relatives and renew friendships…and meet the wonderful athletes, coaches and athletic directors who have represented Knoxville High School,” McClung said.

McClung was filling in for usual host Joe Cunningham; he’s in Texas attending his son’s graduation from Air Force training, and he wrote in with his regrets and his best wishes for the new members of the Hall.

It was also a bittersweet occasion for Doug Wilson; he was the driving force behind the creation of the Hall, and he will be leaving the organizing committee after this year. He says the opportunity to join the Hall has been meaningful for the many people which have been brought into it since its creation.