Guthrie High School announces 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame class

Guthrie High School has announced its 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, honoring outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams whose legacies continue to inspire Bluejay pride. The induction will take place during Homecoming festivities on Friday, Sept. 26, highlighted by a day of celebration for alumni, students, and the community.

The day’s schedule includes the Alumni Assembly at 9 a.m. at Guthrie High School, the Homecoming Parade at 3 p.m., a Hall of Fame reception at 4:20 p.m. at Guthrie Brewing Company, and their introduction at halftime of the Bluejays’ homecoming football game.

This year’s class features three remarkable honorees:

Willie (Wilford) Young – Class of 1968

A four-year letterman in baseball at Guthrie High School, Willie Young carried his talents to Connors State University and later earned his degree from Central State University. For more than 30 years, he served as a teacher, coach, and umpire, impacting hundreds of young athletes with his encouragement and mentorship. His excellence was recognized with honors, including Assistant Baseball Coach of the Year and induction into the Sunbelt Baseball Hall of Fame. Beyond athletics, Willie’s life was defined by service, family, and community—a legacy that endures through those he inspired.

1994 Guthrie High School Boys Cross Country Team – OSSAA Class 4A State Champions
The 1994 Bluejays etched their place in history by capturing the OSSAA Class 4A Boys Cross Country State Championship under Coach Clay Tarter. The team featured standout runners Santon Jones, Jeremy Cleek, Michael Damron, Barry Mize, Garry Mize, Brian Cormish, and Reed Maxson. Their grit, discipline, and teamwork carried Guthrie to the top of Oklahoma distance running.

• Jeremy Cleek was a three-time All-Stater (1993–1995) and went on to run at Allen Community College.
• Santon Jones finished as state meet runner-up, excelled in basketball, and became a community leader who launched youth programs emphasizing integrity and service.
• Garry Mize competed in cross country and baseball at Southern Nazarene University, later became an Ironman competitor, and served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Coach Tarter’s mentorship was cited as a lasting influence, with team members crediting him for instilling values of perseverance and leadership.

Brandon “Bags” Bagwell – Class of 1995

An all-around standout on the baseball diamond, Brandon Bagwell earned First Team All-Conference, Big All-City, and All-State honors before continuing his career at the University of Central Oklahoma. With the Bronchos, he became one of the program’s all-time greats, still ranking in the Top 10 in multiple offensive categories. He helped UCO reach the national finals, delivering a memorable walk-off home run that secured their place in the championship game. Bagwell was later inducted into the UCO Baseball Hall of Fame. Today, he serves as an Operations Superintendent for Ovintiv Oil and Gas, crediting Guthrie coaches Willie Young, Pat Hughes, Terry Bennett, and Jon Chappell for shaping his athletic and personal journey.