Beginning January 24th, Milesplit Arkansas will feature one inductee in the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame every week leading up to the 2025 ceremony.
[From the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame]: "The Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame, which began honoring athletes in 1995, is dedicated to recognizing Arkansans whose performances and contributions have distinguished them in the world of track and field. Its stated mission is to 'honor and recognize persons who have made significant contributions to the sports of track and field and cross country in the state of Arkansas; and recognize and encourage Arkansas high school track athletes who have excelled in performance and /or academics."
Ballots for this year's Hall of Fame were due on February 4th. Questions concerning the ATFHOF can be directed to their website here and tickets for the 2025 banquet can be purchased here.
Today's Hall of Fame Friday features an individual who has been inducted into four separate athletic hall of fames, multi-sport collegiate athlete Charles Lemley from Russellville!
Charles Lemley, Class of 2017
Russellville High School and University of Central Arkansas
[Bio from ATFHOF]
- 1962 State AA Jr. Pole Vault Champion
- 1964 and 1965 State AA HS Pole Vault Champion
- 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 AIC Pole Vault Champion
- 1968 - NAIA 6th Indoor, 7th Outdoor
- 1968 - Co-Captain SCA Track Team
- Russellville High School Athletic Hall of Fame - 1965
- UCA Sports Hall of Fame - 2004
- Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame (Umpire)
- Eight letters: Track-3; Basketball (All Conference)-2; Football-2; Swimming and Diving-1tters
- Third in State Diving - 1965
- Eight Letters: Track & Field - 4; Swimming and Diving - 4
- Volunteer Assistant Track coach at Sylvan Hills
- Head Cross Country and Track coach at Batesville HS 1972-1975
- Batesville won Conference Championships 1972, 1974, 1975
- Started Batesville Cross Country program in 1971; won state championship in 1973
- Named Conference Track Coach of the Year 1974