The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and the Louisiana High School Coaches Association (LHSCA) created the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame in 1978, and the first class of inductees was instated in 1979. Since then, more than 250 worthy individuals have been inducted into the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame.

Members of last year’s 2012 Hall of Fame inductee class were Claudia Ann Blanchard, William N. “Will” Clark, Jr., James W. Simmons, Jr., Edward J. “Skeets” Tuohy, Jr. (posthumously) and Otis Washington, Jr.

Many different athletic stages allow common people who have perseverance and superior skills the chance to elevate themselves to the next level and become sports legends. Here at the LHSAA, we choose to honor those athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and others who have made significant contributions both on and off the field by accepting them into our High School Hall of Fame. Nomination criteria are listed below.

Student-athletes are eligible for membership into the Hall of Fame a minimum of five years after their competition comes to an end.

Coaches or administrators must have at least 15 years combined experience at the high school level and must not be active in the capacity for which they are nominated.

Officials and others making outstanding contributions to an LHSAA member school’s athletic programs are eligible for Hall of Fame membership a minimum of 20 years after their service.

Nomination forms must be filled out by an LHSAA member school principal or coach and submitted to the LHSAA office by March 1 or any given year for a candidate to be considered for that year.

Anyone who is not selected to the Hall of Fame after a five-year period after initial nomination must be re-nominated to be eligible for consideration again.

The Louisiana High School Hall of Fame will induct its 2013 class on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame banquet can be purchased in advance by visiting the LHSAA’s website at www.LHSAA.org and choosing Hall of Fame under Affiliations then 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Ticket Order Form.

In addition, the Hall of Fame Committee continues to seek donations and sports memorabilia for display to enhance the display, which is located at the LHSAA’s headquarters at 12720 Old Hammond Hwy. in Baton Rouge.

It is through such generosity that the Louisiana high school athletic community is able to continue honoring the legacies of such astounding individuals that have made our sports so enjoyable and memorable.

If you would like more information about the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame or would like to make a donation, please visit us online at www.lhsaa.org and choose Hall of Fame under Affiliations.