Heights names Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The Hamilton Heights Undefeated Football Team of 1970. (Front row, from left) Mike Jenkins (assistant coach), Don Starrett (Manager), Dale Meyerrose, Don Morgan, Dale Thomas, Kent House, and Bob Atkins (manager). (Second row, from left) Larry Tully, Mike Tully, Bill Osborne, Mike Burkhardt, Rick Nevitt, Garry Cook, Don Leach, Ron Pearson, and Mr. Christenson. (Third row, from left) Phil Phifer (manager), Mike Moran, Dale Hinshaw, Bill Brown, Jim Simpson, Kevin Cruzan, Kelly Simpson, Dean Scherer, and Raymond Crail. (Back row, from left) Ted Huber (head coach), Tom Webb, Jeff Scherer, Jeff Waugh, Steve Johnson, Bob Buscher, Morris Southard, Ray Robert, Mitchell Russell, and Steve Nyikos (assistant coach). (Photo provided)

The Hamilton Heights Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee has announced its Class of 2024, which includes four incredible student athletes and one amazing team.

This year’s honorees include Tony Cook (’69), Hamilton Heights’ Undefeated Football Team (’70), Tracey (Money) Million (’88), Zack Bardonner (’98), and Austin Etherington (’11).

“On behalf of the committee we are very pleased to welcome these deserving Huskies to the Hamilton Heights Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Mitch Street, Hamilton Heights High School Hall of Fame Committee Chairman and Dean of Students. “They represent our 5th Athletic Hall of Fame Class.”

The Athletic Hall of Fame is designed to recognize and honor Hamilton Heights High School athletes, coaches, teams, and athletic program contributors for their achievements and/or contributions to the Hamilton Heights High School athletic program. The Athletic Hall of Fame program captures and shares the history and unique experiences of our former athletes, coaches, teams, and athletic contributors to create a legacy for all who have been and will be touched by the Hamilton Heights athletics program.

A special luncheon followed by the induction ceremony is set for noon on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Hamilton Heights High School, 25802 State Road 19, Arcadia. Inductees will be given a metal display, and their names and pictures proudly displayed in the Athletic Hall of Fame in the Athletic Center. Tickets for the ceremony and lunch are $10. Contact Mitch Street for more information and/or tickets at mstreet@hhschuskies.org or (317) 984-3551, ext. 1092. Tickets are also available at the high school main office during school hours.

2024 Inductees

Anthony “Tony” Cook
Hamilton Heights High School Class of 1969

Tony Cook was a multisport athlete who excelled in football, basketball and baseball at Hamilton Heights. He was named all-county in all three sports and was rewarded as the Hamilton County Outstanding Player of the Year in 1968. He led the county in football points scored his senior year and was also the first quarterback to pass for 1,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards. After graduation, he played football and baseball for four years and was a leader on the NAIA National runner-up team.

Anthony “Tony” Cook (Class of 1969, Hamilton Heights High School). (Photo provided)

1970 Undefeated Football Team

The Hamilton Heights football team scored a perfect 10-0 in the 1970 season. The team scored 329 points on the season (32.9 points per game average) and held their opponents to 63 points on the season. (6.3 points per game average). The 6.3 points allowed per game in the 1970 season set a school record that remains to this day. The team was coached by Indiana Football Hall of Fame Coach Ted Huber.

Tracey “Money” Million
Hamilton Heights High School Class of 1988

Tracey “Money” Million was a multisport athlete winning 12 varsity letters in her career (four each in volleyball, basketball, and softball). However, she was best known for her success on the softball diamond. She was all-county and all-conference in softball for three years. She was also the Hamilton County Player of the Year in 1986. In that season she led Hamilton Heights to their first ever softball sectional championship. She pitched in all three games to clinch the championship. She went on to pitch collegiately at Kentucky State University.

Tracey “Money” Million (Class of 1988, Hamilton Heights High School). (Photo provided)

Zack Bardonner
Hamilton Heights High School Class of 1998

Zack Bardonner had one of if not the most decorated track and field careers in Hamilton Heights history. As a sophomore, he was part of a school record breaking 4×100 meter relay team that placed ninth in the state at the state track and field meet. He returned to the state meet in 1998 where he also ran school record breaking times in the state meet in the 200-meter dash (where he placed second in the state meet) and the 400-meter dash (where he placed third in the state meet).

Zack Bardonner (Class of 1998, Hamilton Heights High School). (Photo provided)

Austin Etherington
Hamilton Heights High School Class of 2011

Austin Etherington was Hamilton Heights High School’s first Indiana All-Star for men’s basketball.  He was a two-time all-conference and all-county basketball player. He scored 1,073 points in 59 games averaging over 18 points a game throughout his career. Upon graduating from Hamilton Heights, he went on to play at Indiana University for three years before playing two additional years at Butler University to finish his career. He is also a member of the Hamilton County Basketball Hall of Fame.

Austin Etherington (Class of 2011, Hamilton Heights High School). (Photo provided)

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