Athletics

Hall of Fame

Athletics

Hall of Fame

    • High School Track and Field Athletes

O’Neal is excited to announce the formation of The O’Neal School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Athletic Hall of Fame was created to honor and preserve the legacy of exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the school’s athletic program through outstanding performance, coaching, or dedicated service.
 
The Hall of Fame celebrates the rich tradition of O’Neal athletics. In addition to recognizing individual achievement, it inspires current and future student-athletes and strengthens school spirit and community pride through the acknowledgment of excellence and lasting impact.
 
Our inaugural class of ten (10) inductees will be honored at a ceremony during O’Neal’s Homecoming game on January 9, 2026, and will be included in a Hall of Fame Display in the Hannah Center Atrium. A new class of five (5) inductees will be recognized each year going forward.
 
We invite all members of the O’Neal community to submit one or more nominations between now and September 23rd for the inaugural class of inductees. When making your nomination decision please consider the criteria and selection process.
 
Please nominate your favorite O’Neal athlete or coach by using the official nomination form.
 
Please note, the inaugural nomination period will be open from September 4 – 23, 2025. All submissions must be completed by the September 23rd deadline using the official nomination form. Each alumni nominee must be an O’Neal graduate from 2017 or earlier (at least 8 years prior to nomination).
 
Please contact Laura Wrightson with any questions at lwrightson@onealschool.org or 910-692-6920 ext. 106.

Criteria and Selection Process

Criteria of Induction for Athletes:

  • Must be a graduate of The O’Neal School (at least 8 years prior to nomination)
  • Recognized for outstanding athletic achievements at The O’Neal School and beyond
  • Must have demonstrated positive character, ethical standards and contributed to school community
  • Rare exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., due to death)

Selection Process for Athletes:

  • Athletic Achievements at The O’Neal School
  • Individual and team accomplishments (records, championships, etc.)
  • Statistical achievements and school records
  • Demonstrated leadership on their team(s)
  • Athletic Achievements Beyond High School
  • Participation in college athletics (varsity level, scholarship recipient, team captain, etc.)
  • Athletic honors or recognition received post-graduation
  • Contributions to the sport or continued engagement in athletics beyond O’Neal
  • Impact on The O’Neal School Athletics
  • Demonstrated commitment to the growth and success of the athletic program
  • Role model and ambassador for O’Neal School Athletics during and after enrollment
  • Legacy and Influence
  • Long-term influence on the culture, standards, and visibility of O’Neal athletics
  • Contribution to building team spirit, mentorship, or engagement with future generations
  • Character and Ethical Standards
  • Embodied the core values of sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity
  • Maintained exemplary conduct on and off the field

Criteria of Induction for Coach/Legacy Contributors:

Coaches and individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school’s athletic program through leadership, service, and commitment.
  • Minimum of 5 years of coaching experience at O’Neal (for coaching nominees)
  • Recognized for contributions through coaching achievements, mentorship, volunteer service, or philanthropic support
  • Demonstrated loyalty, leadership, sportsmanship and character
  • Shown exceptional generosity of time, talent, or resources
  • Rare exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., due to death)

Selection Process for Coaches/Legacy Contributors:

  • Coaching Achievements
  • Measured by wins, championships, player development, and leadership in program growth
  • Impact on O’Neal Athletics
  • Recognized for significant and lasting contributions to the school’s athletic success and culture
  • Dedication, Loyalty and Service
  • Demonstrated long-term commitment to the growth and well-being of the athletic program through time, service, or support
  • Leadership, Character, and Ethical Standards
  • Exemplified strong character, integrity, mentorship, and leadership on and off the field
  • Legacy and Influence
  • Created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and support O’Neal’s athletic community

By-Laws

Charter

The O’Neal School Athletic Hall of Fame exists to honor and preserve the legacy of exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the school’s athletic program through outstanding performance, coaching, or dedicated service.
In addition to recognizing individual achievement, the Hall of Fame celebrates the rich tradition of O’Neal athletics, inspires current and future student-athletes, and strengthens school spirit and community pride through the acknowledgment of excellence and lasting impact.

Categories of Induction

Athlete

  • Must be a graduate of The O’Neal School
  • Must have graduated at least 8 years prior to nomination
  • Recognized for outstanding athletic achievements at The O’Neal School and beyond
  • Must have demonstrated positive character, ethical standards and contributed to school community
  • Rare exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., due to death)

Coach/Legacy Contributor

Coaches and individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school’s athletic program through leadership, service, and commitment.
Criteria:
  • Minimum of 5 years of coaching experience at The O’Neal School (for coaching nominees)
  • Recognized for contributions through coaching achievements, mentorship, volunteer service, or philanthropic support
  • Demonstrated loyalty, leadership, sportsmanship and character
  • Shown exceptional generosity of time, talent, or resources
  • Rare exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., due to death)

Selection Committee

Chair and Board Representative:
  • Jared Lina ‘97
Ex-officio Members:
  • Athletic Director (Lance Stucky)
  • Assistant Director of Development (Laura Wrightson)
Voting Members (6 total):
  • 2 from Class of 1970s/1980s
  • 2 from Class of 1990/2000s
  • 2 from Class of 2010/2020s
Members rotate annually

Selection Process

Nominations must be submitted through the official nomination form
  • Athletes
    • Athletic Achievements at The O’Neal School
      • Individual and team accomplishments (records, championships, etc.)
      • Statistical achievements and school records
      • Demonstrated leadership on their team(s)
    • Athletic Achievements Beyond High School
      • Participation in college athletics (varsity level, scholarship recipient, team captain, etc.)
      • Athletic honors or recognition received post graduation
      • Contributions to the sport or continued engagement in athletics beyond The O’Neal School
    • Impact on The O’Neal School Athletics
      • Demonstrated commitment to the growth and success of the athletic program
      • Role model and ambassador for O’Neal School Athletics during and after enrollment
    • Legacy and Influence
      • Long-term influence on the culture, standards, and visibility of O’Neal athletics
      • Contribution to building team spirit, mentorship, or engagement with future generations
    • Character and Ethical Standards
      • Embodied the core values of sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity
      • Maintained exemplary conduct on and off the field
  • Coaches/Legacy Contributors
    • Coaching Achievements
      • Measured by wins, championships, player development, and leadership in program growth
    • Impact on O’Neal Athletics
      • Recognized for significant and lasting contributions to the school’s athletic success and culture
    • Dedication, Loyalty and Service
      • Demonstrated long-term commitment to the growth and well-being of the athletic program through time, service, or support
    • Leadership, Character, and Ethical Standards
      • Exemplified strong character, integrity, mentorship, and leadership on and off the field
    • Legacy and Influence
      • Created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and support O’Neal’s athletic community

Induction Class

Inaugural Class (2026)
  • 8 Athletes (at least one male and one female required)
  • 2 Coach/Legacy Contributors
Annual Induction Class (after year one)
  • 4 Athletes (at least one male and one female required)
  • 1 Coach/Legacy Contributor

Induction Class

  • Induction Ceremony held annually at The Hannah Center Gymnasium during Homecoming Weekend
  • Hall of Fame Display in The Hannah Center Atrium
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.