LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It was a night dedicated to celebrating the athletes, coaches and contributors who helped shape Lima’s rich sports history.

The sixth annual Lima City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony took place at the UNOH Event Center, welcoming a new class of inductees representing Lima Senior, Central High School and South High School. The honorees were also recognized during halftime of Lima Senior’s home basketball game against Trotwood-Madison.

This year’s class featured a distinguished group of former standout athletes.

Among those inducted were Class of 1979 swimmer James Cory; Class of 1986 two-sport athlete Teal George (football and track); Class of 2018 track athlete Suerethia Henderson; Class of 1999 basketball standout Andre Horton; Class of 1988 wrestler Mike Hunter; and Class of 2016 football player Jaylin Thomas. Joining Thomas from the Class of 2016 was Lima Senior girls basketball standout Caterrion Thompson.

Two coaches were also enshrined. The late Leonard “Len” Crosley was honored for his leadership as Lima Senior’s head football coach and varsity wrestling coach. Emmanuel Curtis was recognized for guiding the Lady Spartans track and field teams from 2016 through 2022, in addition to 14 seasons coaching in the girls basketball program from 2004 to 2018.

Four teams were inducted into the Hall of Fame: the 2016 4x200-meter relay state championship team, the 1980 softball team, the 1989 football squad and the 1965 boys 200-yard freestyle relay swim team.

In the contributors category, brothers Wayne and Steve Brown were recognized for their lasting impact as coaches and athletic directors who helped shape Lima Senior athletics. They were joined by the late Dr. Gene “Mike” Wright, who served more than 20 years as the school’s team physician and was part of the 1996 Division I state championship football team.

Rounding out the class was the Howard family, whose legacy within Lima City Schools dates back to the 1930s.

It was an evening filled with pride, reflection and appreciation for the individuals and teams who helped build Lima’s longstanding athletic tradition.

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