Atlanta Athletics Hall of Fame to induct three

HALL OF FAME

Three outstanding former Atlanta Rabbit athletes have been selected to enter the Hall of Fame (HOF) as members of the Class of 2024.

Two football players who had extended careers before and after World War II were selected. They are Richard “Bull” Johnson and Duncan Thompson who both turned down chances to play in the NFL for high school coaching positions.

The Lady Rabb chosen is Melissa Waddell who was a three-sport star at Atlanta High and enjoyed a college sports career before 25 years in the coaching ranks. She recently returned to Atlanta as the Lady Rabb Volleyball Coach.

The induction ceremony will be on Friday, October 11, prior to the 7 p.m. Rabbit- Sabine game kickoff.

A reception for family and friends of the three will be held in the High School Cafeteria from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. prior to the game. Black granite plaques honoring each new member will be up on the left wall as you enter Rabbit Stadium.

Articles on each inductee will appear in the Journal- Sun issues of Sept. 18, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2.

The HOF carries on the great Rabbit Pride and Athletic traditions of its Athletes. A number of Booker T. Washington High School sports figures have been inducted.

Thus far, since its inception in 2018 the Hall has honored athletes going back as far as 1912 in our sports history.

The HOF is funded through donations from Atlanta Alums and sports fans. Checks can be made out to Atlanta Athletics HOF and mailed to P.O. Box 637 Atlanta, Tx 75551. Donations can also be made online through a link on the Atlanta ISD website.