Sports serve as an avenue for simple individuals to become legendary figures whose contributions deserve to be noted for generations to come. The LHSAA honors athletes, coaches, officials or other figures whose on-field performances or off-field contributions have elevated them to success through the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1978 as a joint venture with 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.

Student-athletes, coaches, administrators and other individuals making notable contributions to Louisiana high school athletics in our state are eligible for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame after a set of qualifications are met.

Competitors are eligible for membership a minimum of five years after their competition ends. Individuals making outstanding contributions as a 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 main office. The LHSAA must receive nominations by March 1 of any given year to consider them for that year. Nominees not selected for enshrinement after a five-year period must be re-nominated to be eligible for consideration.

The Hall of Fame exhibit has been relocated into its own wing at the LHSAA’s new facility on Old Hammond Highway. LSU previously served as gracious hosts of the Hall of Fame, housing it in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for a number of years. 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 sports so enjoyable and memorable.

Kenny Henderson is executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).