The Louisiana High School Hall of Fame was established in 1978 as a joint venture between the LHSAA and the Louisiana High School Coaches Association, and the first class of honorees was inducted in 1979. This inaugural class included track-and-field sensation Don Troutman, Major League Baseball pitcher Vida Blue and Istrouma High School football coaches Ellis “Little Fuzzy” Brown and James “Big Fuzzy” Brown. Deserving individuals have been inducted each year since the inaugural class. Members of the 2011 inductee class include Alana Monique Beard, Daniel Lloyd Childress, Hollis Conway, Gayle Hatch, Dahrie Ann Koenig, Frances Deggans Lyles, and Donnie James Perron.

Fields, courts, tracks, mats and other athletic stages give ordinary people who have determination and talent the chance to propel themselves into sports history as legends. The LHSAA honors athletes, administrators, coaches, officials and other figures that have made contributions on and off the athletic stage by welcoming them into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Competitors are eligible for membership a minimum of five years after their competition ends. Individuals making outstanding contributions as coach or administrator must have a minimum of 15 years combined experience at the high school level and may no longer be active in the capacities for which they are nominated. Other individuals making outstanding or excellent contributions to an LHSAA member school’s athletic programs—including supporters and officials—are eligible after a minimum of 20 years of service.

Nomination forms for deserving individuals must be filled out by a principal or coach at an LHSAA member institution and submitted by mail to the LHSAA office. The LHSAA must receive nominations by March 1 of any given year for a candidate to be considered for that year. Nominees not selected for enshrinement after a five-year period must be renominated to be eligible for consideration.

The Louisiana High School Hall of Fame exhibit is now located in its own wing at the LHSAA’s new facility on Old Hammond Highway. The Hall of Fame Committee continues to seek monetary donations and sports memorabilia for display to further enhance the exhibit’s splendor. It is through such generosity that the Louisiana high school athletic community is able to continue honoring the legacies of such legendary individuals that have made our sports so enjoyable and memorable. If you or anyone you know would like to make a donation to the Louisiana High School Hall of Fame, visit us online at www.lhsaa.org to learn more.