Vinton County Announces 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees and Ceremony

The Vinton County Local School District announced its 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Monday, naming two alumni athletes and one coach for induction. Dane Chandler, Class of 1989, Rylee Fee, Class of 2020, and Coach Jack O'Rourke comprise the three-member slate slated for recognition at the Jan. 9 ceremony. The district described the class as two highly decorated athletes and one legendary coach.

The induction will take place between the junior varsity and varsity boys basketball games when Vinton County faces Wellston, providing an occasion for alumni, students and residents to attend without a separate ticketed event. Holding the ceremony on a school-game day typically increases visibility for inductees and reinforces the link between current student-athletes and the county's athletic history.

For local families and former students, Hall of Fame inductions serve as formal recognition of individual contributions to school programs and community life. Celebrations like this also act as a civic touchstone, reminding voters and school officials of the role athletics play in student engagement, school identity and community pride. The district's public announcement and scheduling reflect an institutional effort to make recognition accessible and integrated with existing school activities.

Vinton County Local School District maintains a set of resources for residents interested in the Hall of Fame process. Printable nomination forms are available through the district, and an online archive documents inductees from 2003 through 2024. Those seeking additional information, questions about the ceremony, or guidance on how to submit a nomination can contact the district office at 307 West High Street, McArthur, OH 45651, or by phone at (740) 596-5218.

As the district prepares for the January ceremony, the event will offer more than individual accolades. It presents a moment for the community to gather, acknowledge past achievements and consider how local institutions preserve and celebrate contributions to school life. Residents who wish to attend the Wellston game and the induction should plan for a game-day schedule and can reach the district office for further details.