Athletics Hall of Fame Welcomes a New Class

Glenelg Country School’s athletic department proudly inducted six exceptional Dragons into the Glenelg Country School Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024 on Friday, November 8, in the Upper School Athletic Center.

 
The class includes four amazing athletes, Molly Walker Harris ’01, Laura Walls ’04, Samantha Matthews ’08, and Reid Chaconas ’16, and two administrators and coaches, Ms. Claire Walker and Mr. Allen Poklemba. These new members join a group of athletes, teams, coaches, and supporters representing Dragon Athletics’ best.

 
The GCS Athletics Hall of Fame was created in 2017 to honor the school’s top athletes, teams, coaches, and those who dedicate significant time and effort to Dragon Athletics. The Hall of Fame induction represents the highest athletic honor GCS can bestow.

 
This year’s event opened with a cocktail reception in the Athletics Center lobby, where family, alums, faculty, and friends joined the inductees. Following the reception, the induction ceremony opened in the Upper School Gymnasium, with Matt Walsh, head of school, welcoming inductees and their guests back to campus. Then, Joey Sierzega, co-director of athletics, delivered the Athletics Hall of Fame address, ending with introductions and speeches from inductees and those receiving the honor on their behalf.

 
“So far, we have had the privilege of inducting three incredible groups, totaling 17 Dragons, into our Hall of Fame, and this year’s class is no different,” said Sierzega. “The Hall of Fame award symbolizes our appreciation for those who have best represented that mission, even, as in the case of our inductees tonight, before it was established. Our inductees have discovered within themselves and helped others discover passions and leadership skills that have unlocked years of excellence and devotion displayed through athletics. These remarkable Dragons have not only contributed to their individual athletic programs; they have also helped cultivate an environment at GCS where they and countless others could thrive in their athletic pursuits.”

 
The 2024 class of inductees join 15 members of the Athletics Hall of Fame, whose names are on display in the Athletics Center Lobby. The fourth class to enter represents 26 years of dedication and support that helped lay the foundation for GCS athletics and its status. This year’s inductees have exemplified the highest sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity standards.