The first Marshall County Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame class was inducted in 2009. On Thursday, the Class of 2022 became the 11th Hall of Fame class – joining teams, individuals, coaches and contributors inducted before them that all set a standard of excellence and deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements in sports and dedication to Marshall County Athletics.
This year’s inductees are as impressive as the 10 Hall of Fame classes that came before them.
Guest Speaker was Jay Shidler, former University of Kentucky basketball player and member of the 1978 National Championship team.
Each inductee was introduced by current Marshall County High School student-athletes.
1988-89 Lady Marshals Basketball Team
Under Head Coach Howard Beth and Assistant Coaches Lisa Jarrett and Terri Futrell, the 1988-89 team was a State Semi-Finalist. Team members are Marsha Case, Tammie Watkins, Kim Oliver, Kristie Walker, Shannon Gossum, Laurinda Drown, Rechelle Cadwell, Alicia Sells, Crissy Atkerson, Missy Lee, Kandi Wommack. Managers Wendy Darnell and Misty Smith. Statisticians Kathy Smith and Holley Woodruff.
Coach Doc Sanders
Coach Sanders played football at Murray State University and graduated in 1967. He was a teacher and coach at Henry County, Tenn. and Mayfield before coming to Marshall County in 1980 where he was head football coach for 10 years until becoming athletic director. In 1986, he led the Marshals to their first 4A district championship, placing them in the playoffs for the first time. He retired from Marshall County in 2001 then worked as an administrator at Henry County from 2004-2009.
James D. Gammel, PhD
A 1958 graduate of Benton High School, J.D. was a member of the 1958 Courier-Journal All-State Basketball Team and the 1958 First Region title team. He was the record holder for most points scored in Benton High School history with 1,291. He went on to play basketball at Mississippi State University.
Cody Forsythe
A 2009 graduate, Cody led the 2009 Marshals baseball team to the regional championship and quarterfinals of the state tournament. In 2008, Cody was a Kentucky Junior All-Star, First Region Junior All-Star, named to the First Region All-Tournament Team and First Region East/West All-Star Team. In his senior season, he was First Region MVP, Semi-state MVP, Second Team All-State and Kentucky Senior All-Star. After graduation he played for Southern Illinois University and was the career leader in games started (49) and innings pitched (346.2), fifth all-time in strikeouts (246), three-time MVC All-Conference and two-time MVC Pitcher of the Week. In 2013 he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and spent three years playing professionally in the minor leagues and in 2015, he was a member of the Premier 12 tournament.
Jessica Holder
Jessica is the all-time leading scorer in Marshall County history with 2,378 points. She set a Marshall County record for career free throw made (573) and was a four-time All-Purchase Team selection. A four-year starter for the Lady Marshals basketball team, Jessica led them to regional championships in 2006, 2008 and 2009. In the 2007-08 season, she averaged 24.7 points and 11 rebounds per game and shot 60 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. She earned All-State honors in her sophomore and junior seasons. She shot 37.9 percent from beyond the arc, tallied 313 career blocks, 1,230 rebounds and 152 steals. Jessica received numerous awards her senior season including KAB Region One Player of the Year, Kentucky All-State, Region One All-Tournament Team, Region One MVP and Fourth District All-Tournament Team.
Patrick Newcomb
A 2009 graduate, Patrick was a member of the 2007 State Champion golf team, 2008 State Runner-up team and won the Region One Tournament in 2008. He played golf for Murray State University and was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. While at Murray State, he helped lead the team to the 2010 OVC Championship and won eight individual titles. He won the individual title at the 2013 OVC Championship and was runner-up in 2012. Patrick was named OVC Golfer of the Year in 2012 and 2013. He is a two-time Kentucky State Amateur champion in 2011 and 2012. He won the Honduras Open in 2017 and has played professionally on the Peach Tour, the Sunshine Tour and the PGA Latinoamerica Tour.
Brandon Walker
Brandon was a distinguished athlete in both football and track and field at Marshall County. His track accomplishments included a State Championship in the high jump in 2007 with a jump of 6’6″ and is the school record holder in the long jump with a mark of 23’1″. He helped lead the 2007 football team to the state quarter finals of the 6A playoffs.
Scott Bacon
A 1984 graduate, Scott was the triple jump State Champion in his senior season with a jump of 44’10” and became the first-ever state champion in track and field in school history. He also finished fifth in the 100 meters and fifth in the 200 meters at the state meet that year. He is the current Marshall County record holder in the 100 meters. Scott was also an outstanding member of the Marshall County football team.
Nick Newcomb
Nick, a 2005 graduate of Marshall County and member of the golf team, went on to play for Murray State University. He was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. Nick helped lead the Racers to the 2010 OVC Championship and won three individual titles. He was OVC Tournament individual champion in 2008 and 2010 as well as OVC Golfer of the Year in 2010. Nick played in the USGA US Amateur Tournament in 2006 and began his professional career in the Peach Tour where he finished in the top ten on the money list. In 2011 he played Nationwide Tour events and is still playing professionally.
Tim Hawkins – Contributor
Tim served as president of the Marshall County Backboard Club for many years. Paralyzed in a shooting at his place of work in 1983, Tim did not let that stop him. He worked tirelessly in support of the Marshall County basketball program as well as all sports programs associated with the Marshall County school system. He graduated from North Marshall in 1974 and served on the Calvert City Council for 13 years.
The Krazy Ladies – Contributor
In 1980, a group of friends followed the Lady Marshals to the girls’ basketball state tournament and from that point on, the Krazy Ladies have been a steady and beloved fixture at Marshall County basketball games. The original group was Bonnie Rose, Kay English, Kathleen Wyatt and Peggy Draffen – all classmates at North Marshall and involved in PTA at Briensburg where their children attended school. Joyce Holt and Bernice McCoy later joined the group and while camping out in line for state tournament tickets, found another kindred spirit in Paula Bell. They are best known for their crazy costumes and hospitality, serving as volunteers for numerous events over the years.
Marshall County Athletic Foundation Chairman of the Board is Bill Morgan. Board members are Jason Darnall (President), Rick Leeper, Monti Collins, Steve Fisk, Dax Myhand, Dennis Foust Donna Perry, Beverly Solomon, Mike Johnson (Athletic Director), Brent Lovett, Jeff Stokes and Steve Smith.
