If you missed the 2024 Elko High School Hall of Fame induction, you can watch it here. This year, we celebrated 10 remarkable inductees with outstanding accomplishments.
The EHS Hall of Fame's purpose is to recognize and honor athletes, coaches, and contributors who have made a significant and positive impact on Elko High School and its athletic programs.
Bob Gallagher, an athletic administrator, initiated the original Elko High School Hall of Fame in the early 1990s. Initially, it only included athletes from 1976 to 2006. Athletes who were named first-team all-state (2A) or first-team all-league (3A) were automatically inducted. However, there was no formal ceremony or notification to the athletes or their families, and their photos, often taken from yearbooks, were displayed in the concession stand.
Over time, changes in leagues, classifications, additional sports programs, and postseason recognition revealed that many outstanding athletes did not meet the Hall of Fame criteria. Some sports, particularly spring sports and soccer, did not have all-league or all-state teams, leaving deserving athletes unrecognized. Additionally, athletes excelling in multiple sports but not making first-team all-league were excluded.
Given that the Hall of Fame's first class began with athletes from 1976, and Elko High School opened in 1896, it was clear that many deserving athletes from before 1976 were not included. Furthermore, the original Hall of Fame did not honor coaches, administrators, or contributors.
To address these issues and maintain the integrity of the honor, Athletic Director Lynette Davis formed a committee to revise and improve the Hall of Fame. The updated Hall of Fame is now more inclusive, recognizing athletes from before 1976, as well as coaches, administrators, and contributors.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony and subsequent introductions at athletic events are not intended as fund-raising events. To uphold the honor's integrity, inductees should not be charged for the dinner or asked to donate money. Inductees are chosen based on merit and service to Elko High School.
Our committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure fair and inclusive criteria for induction while preserving the honor's integrity.