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Elgin High School held the Elgin Athletic Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 31, and also recognized the inductees on Sept. 1 prior to the Wildcats’ home football game vs. Austin Akins High School.
The purpose of the Elgin Athletic Hall of Honor was to annually recognize individuals who have achieved an exemplary level of athletic performance and by their accomplishments have brought recognition to Washington or Elgin High Schools, as well as individuals who through their outstanding contributions, career or service have enhanced the Elgin Athletic Program.
The process starts in the spring of each year as the Hall of Honor selection committee is gathered and begins looking at potential nominees to be inducted. The selection committee is made up of former Elgin High School and Washington High School graduates. Individuals are nominated, followed by additional information gathering and then a vote to see who is inducted.
There were three individuals/ groups that were inducted and recognized on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 as Pamela Fowler, Shifton Baker and the 1973 boys’ mile relay state championship team consisting of Edwin Price, Shifton Baker, Charles Perkins and Weldon Vincent were all honored. Pamela Fowler, a class of 1978 graduate, was the first female from Elgin High School to win a gold medal at the state championships in track. Fowler would go on to finish out a strong high school career in 1978 as she was voted Most Talented Female in her senior class and earned the opportunity to run on the women’s track team at Prairie View A&M University. During her time at Prairie View, Fowler competed in cross country and ran the 400 meters for the Panthers.
Shifton Baker, a class of 1973 graduate, was the first individual from Elgin High School to win a gold medal at the state championships in track. While he clearly made his mark on the track, Baker was an all-around athlete who also played basketball and baseball. He was named to the all-district basketball team his senior year, was recognized as a straight-A student on the honor roll, represented Elgin at Boys State, and was voted Mr. Elgin High School in 1973.
The 1973 Boys Mile Relay State Championship Team consisting of Edwin Price, Shifton Baker, Charles Perkins and Weldon Vincent was the first relay team from Elgin High School to win a gold medal at the state championships in track. In high school, the achievements of the individuals on the 1973 mile relay team reached far beyond the track to the classroom, student organizations, and other sports. The group would have two individuals represent Elgin at Boys State, names atop the Elgin High Honor Roll, lettermen in football, basketball, and baseball, and two individuals voted most athletic male at Elgin High School.
