Hall of Fame ceremony big success

The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies Oct. 1 at the Holiday Inn Airport and







Oct. 2 during halftime of the Miller-Ray football game at Buccaneer Stadium was a big success. All but one of our inductees showed up for the ceremonies. Anthony Hill (Class of 1964) could not make it because of serious illness in his family. However, he sent his friend and fellow Buc teammate James Spears to accept the award on his behalf. Dr. Kirk Hooper accepted for his father Bill Hooper (head football coach 1964-1969). The others: Coach Frank Bacy (Head Track Coach 1982-1996), Johnny Cotten (Class of 1956), Simon Clarich (Class of 1956), Marcos Flores (Class of 1992) and Michael Hernandez (Class of 1992) were all present. Legendary Buc Coach Pete Ragus was also present and said some words about Coach Hooper as part of the Oct. 1 ceremony. More than 125 were present for the induction ceremonies Thursday at the Holiday Inn Airport. Several Hall of Famers were present. On Friday, Oct. 1, the inductees visited Miller High School and the Pete Ragus Gymnasium were the Hall of Famers brass plaques are displayed. They also visited with the Miller football team and made inspiration speeches to the Bucs. Miller was a decided underdog and the team came out inspired. The young Bucs battled hard but came out on the short end of the score to arch rival Ray, 28-0. At halftime, the 2009 Class of the Buccaneers Athletics Hall of Fame was introduced to a crowd that included more than 2,500 Buc fans. They all received rousing applause. It was a very moving moment and tribute to the new Buc legends. We congratulate all of them and urge our Buc fans to make submission for the 2010 class. Go Bucs! And, please remember and never, never forget "Once a Buc, always a Buc!"