On Saturday, the Island Trees School District, as part of its Homecoming Weekend activities, held its second Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony. Forty-two former students and seven coaches were added to the Hall of Fame, which was first established in 1997 when 122 former athletes were inducted.

Island Trees Athletic Director Steve Connell described the event as a "team effort," where many people pitched in to make the evening a success. He especially thanked Superintendent of School Richard Segerdahl for his role in the establishment of the Hall of Fame and noted of Segerdahl's leadership, "If it is good for kids it'll get done." Connell thanked Joel Miller, who first came up with the idea of an athletic hall of fame six or seven years ago. Others who contributed to the success of the event included, the board of education, Connell's secretary, Annette Trimble who put together the journal, Head of Building and Grounds Steve Faltermayer, Head Custodian Harry Malone, and the students in Athletes Helping Athletes who served the meal.

Segerdahl also thanked all those who made the event such a success, noting that, "This has been a very exciting week for us." He explained that the Athletic Hall of Fame was created to honor those from the district who have made athletic history, those who have worked hard and excelled. An additional component of this year's ceremony was the addition of former coaches to the Athletic Hall of Fame, and Segerdahl commented on their contributions to the district and to the athletes who have gone through the district.

Segerdahl noted the tremendous time and effort put into the success of the event by Steve Connell and Joel Miller, who ran the Hall of Fame inductions.

In addition to the inductions, those gathered enjoyed viewing the Hall of Fame and the newest addition, the "Coaches Corner," featuring photos of the coaches inducted into the Hall of Fame and showcase featuring the sports of that particular season. In addition there are showcases featuring the championship teams in the various sports.

Each inductee was presented a plaque with their picture from when they attended Island Trees High School or when they were coaching, as well as the acknowledgement of their contributions. In bestowing the awards to the former coaches, Connell noted that it, "Brings us back to the foundation of Island Trees. They have dedicated thousands of hours to the youth of Island Trees."