The Harding Herald Staff would like to celebrate Black History Month by acknowledging notable black alumni who excelled in athletics that led them to be a part of Harding’s Hall of Fame. These alumni have brought great virtue to our school and should be celebrated this month for their outstanding athletic accomplishments during their career here at Harding.
Clarence Mendenhall, Class of 1925 - An All North Central H.S. League end & pitcher and the first African American to be elected to the Athletic HOF
Donice West, Class of 1976 - the first African American woman to be elected to the HOF
Jim Showers, Class of 1963 - One of Harding’s all time best athletes, an All-Ohio in both football and track, state champ in pole vault, and served in the US Army
Clarence Smith, Class of 1949 - 2nd team All-Ohio as a junior and senior while a football standout, along with being a track star
David Jones, Class of 1984 - part of the ‘83 State Champion track team and set the 100 meter record of 10.8 seconds
Frank Green, Class of 1953 - part of the ‘51 State Champion cross country team and had an Ohio best 2 mile time of 10:35
Zorba Ross, Class of 1983 - State Champion in long jump, 2nd in 400m, and 3rd in the 1600m relay, holds 4 records at Harding. Currently a principal at The Fair School in Crystal, MN
Da’Vell Winters, Class of 2007 - An All-Ohio in football, and an all-league standout in wrestling and baseball. Currently serves as Chief of Staff for Boise State University football.
Rischia Phinisee, Class of 2004 - star in track, volleyball, and basketball. Left Harding with records in the 100m and 200m. Has a successful career in facilities management and fashion modeling, she owns a boutique called “Fashionista Therapy” located at 16 W Poplar Avenue in the Short North (Columbus).
Thaddeaus Carter, Class of 2004 - 1st team All-Ohio and D1 Defensive POY, was a part of Harding’s Gear Up program
Lem Reynolds, Class of 1994 - captain and star football player, went on to play for University of Toledo. Currently an art teacher for MCS
Patrick Reece, Class of 2000 - all-time leading rusher (2783 yards), ‘98 and ‘99 OHC POY and All-Ohio, recently was a football coach in PA and local business owner
Robert Holmes, Class of 1992 - an all-OHC in football, baseball, and wrestling where he was sectional champion and state qualifier
Ralph Hill, Class of 1981 - a star in basketball and track, was a career military aviator, league champ in 4 events and left 3 records at Harding, in ‘81 he was 2nd in Ohio in the 110 hurdles
Derick Ross, Class of 2001 - standout in football and basketball, honorable mention All-Ohio in both sports
Let’s celebrate these outstanding athletic alumni and their accomplishments for Harding High School!
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