Next month, Mathews High School will induct the first members into its newly established Hall of Fame. All we can say is … it’s about time.

MHS has had a long, proud athletic tradition since it first opened its doors in 1939. For such a tiny school, Mathews has had its impact felt far beyond the county’s borders. After all, there are not many high schools of its size that can boast having players compete in both the Super Bowl and the World Series.

Glance at the VHSL Record Book, and you’ll find countless references to individual state records being set by MHS athletes, as well as a number of state champion teams wearing the blue and gold. Mathews also has two members of the Virginia High School Hall of Fame—Keith Atherton (inducted in 1990) and Harry Ward (inducted in 2007).

Gloucester High School has had its Hall of Fame in place for nearly 15 years and it provides an excellent forum to single out the accomplishments of the athletes, coaches and cont...