Bobcat Hall of Fame Inductees

An event was held at Hot Springs County High School this past Thursday night to recognize the 2023 Class of Inductees to the Hot Springs School District Hall of Fame. Two individual athletes, a special contributor, and a team were recognized and inducted.

This year marks the 15th Class of Hall of Fame Inductees. Each Class of Inductees is recognized on the Wall of Fame, located in the commons area at the High School. The wall boasts some very classy name plaques, and an interactive digital screen, through which visitors may search the history of Bobcat sports.

Those inducted this year were:

Jake Schmidt - Male Athlete. Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year – 2004 (Basketball), Wyoming Mr. Basketball Player of the Year – 2004, All-Conference Basketball, All-State Basketball, Wyoming All-Star Team (vs Montana and South Dakota) – 2004, 128 career blocks and member of 2003 and 2004 State Championship teams.

Jon McDonald - Male Athlete. 4-Year Letterman (Wrestling), 4th Place – State Wrestling (1980), Runner-Up – State Wrestling (1981), Regional Champion – 105 lbs (1982), State Champion – 105 lbs (1982), Most Valuable Wrestler – 1981 and 1982, All-State Wrestling – 1981 and 1982 and Career Record of 95-19.

Joshua Rathbun - Special Contributor. In 2007, Hot Springs County High School asked all students to submit their best artwork/pictures of a Bobcat logo. Joshua Rathbun submitted the Bobcat logo that has been placed all over the school district, and is now a part of the high school and middle school gymnasiums.

1974 Boys Basketball Team - Team Sport. 1974 Class A State Champions. State Championship: Thermopolis – 57, Torrington – 46. Semifinals: Thermopolis – 72, Star Valley – 51. Quarterfinals: Thermopolis – 84, Buffalo – 54.

Beginning in 2023, Bobcat Hall of Fame classes will be inducted every other year. Eleven local citizens, school representatives and coaches make up the committee, which determines each class of inductees from nominations made by the community.

Nominations are now open for the next class of inductees. If you have a former athlete or team you would like to nominate, contact Mark Whitt at markw@rtconnect.net.