Hamilton Heights announces Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

The Hamilton Heights Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee announces its Class of 2026, featuring one exceptional team, three outstanding student-athletes, and the program’s first coach inductee. This year’s honorees include members and coaches of the 1975 Boys Basketball Team, Beth (Hoch) Sperry (’88), James Duncan (’91), Maria Mitchell (’21), and former Coach Chuck Reeves.

“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, Committee Chairman and HHHS Assistant Principal. “They represent our seventh Athletic Hall of Fame class.”

The Hamilton Heights Athletic Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, teams, and program contributors whose achievements and character have made a lasting impact on the school’s athletic legacy. Through this program, the stories and accomplishments of past Huskies are preserved and celebrated – creating a tradition of excellence for generations to come.

A special luncheon and induction ceremony will take place at noon on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Hamilton Heights High School, 25802 State Rod 19, Arcadia. Inductees will receive a commemorative metal display, and their names and photos will be permanently featured in the Athletic Hall of Fame located in the Athletic Center.

Tickets for the ceremony and luncheon are $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Mitch Street at mstreet@hhschuskies.org or call (317) 984-3551, ext. 1092. Tickets are also available at the high school’s main office during school hours.

2026 Inductees

1975 Boys Basketball Team

This team was the first boys basketball team to win a basketball sectional and the only team to win a sectional in a single class system. Team members include Scott Miller, Jon Hall, Doug Mitchell, Bill Burkhardt, Mike Hartley, Rick Aldred, Steve Padgett, Bob Thomas, Greg Knapp, Tom Ferguson, Mike Miller, and Kent Kaiser. Jim Petty (Head Coach), Mike Jenkins, and Bruce Hardy (Assistant Coaches).

Beth (Hoch) Sperry
Hamilton Heights High School, Class of 1988

Beth (Hoch) Sperry was a multisport athlete. She was a four-year varsity volleyball and basketball player. She was all-county and all-conference in 1986 and 1987. She was all-county and all-conference in 1986, 1987, and 1988, and she played on the 1986 sectional championship team. She went on to play volleyball at Ball State University.

James Duncan
Hamilton Heights High School, Class of 1991

James Duncan was a multisport athlete, where he participated in football, basketball, track and field, and one year of baseball. He was an all-county, all-conference, and all-state quarterback in the 1990 season. He was also all-county and all-conference in basketball. Likewise, he was also the county champion in the 300-meter hurdles. He went on to play football at the University of Evansville, where he was all-conference in 1994 and 1995.

Maria (Mitchell) St. John
Hamilton Heights High School, Class of 2021

Maria (Mitchell) St. John was a multisport athlete and earned 16 varsity letters throughout her high school career. She participated in cross-country, soccer, swimming, and track and field. In cross-country she was a two-time all-state state selection. She had four medals at the state track and field meet and her junior year was canceled due to COVID. She held and still holds records in both cross-country and track and field. She went on to run at Grand Valley State and finished her career at Lee University.

Chuck Reeves
Hamilton Heights High School Coach

Chuck Reeves retired from teaching at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. He coached football at Hamilton Heights for 43 years. He was also the head track and field coach for 20 years as well. He coached multiple other sports during his time at Hamilton Heights. He is the first coach to be inducted into the Hamilton Heights Athletic Hall of Fame.