Archie Manning, of the Manning family quarterback legacy, philanthropist, football analyst, award winner will be welcomed as Sport Marshal of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® by Sharen Gromling, Festival president.
When people think of Archie Manning, they think football. But Archie’s appeal transcends his athletic achievements. People far and wide have been inspired by his warm personality, his drive and sense of humor. He currently serves in public relations and consulting capacities for several local, regional, and national companies. For 25 years he hosted four Archie Manning Cystic Fibrosis benefit golf tournaments in Louisiana and Mississippi and is active in a wide variety of charitable and civic causes. Archie was born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was named an All-American Quarterback and his #18 is retired. He was voted Mississippi’s Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992 and was named Mississippi’s Most Popular Athlete of the Century. He was elected to the 50-Year All-South Team (1940-1990), named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana and he and his son Peyton were named among the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players. Archie was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is a member of other Halls of Fame including the Gator Bowl and Sugar Bowl and Louisiana and Mississippi Halls of Fame. He was named an American Spirit Medallion honoree by the World War II Museum and received the SEC’s Michael L. Slive Distinguished Service Award. In December 2022, Archie was recognized by the National College Football Awards Association for his contributions to college football. In 1971, Archie was the second player chosen in the NFL draft – the number one draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in Pro Bowls, and was named the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978. He concluded his 15-year career in 1985. He was the first player in Saints history to be inducted into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame and was in the first class of the Saints Ring of Honor. He was named to the All 50th Saints team, recognized as one of the top 50 players in franchise history. He was also drafted four times by major league baseball. His community activities include Louisiana Special Olympics, the New Orleans Area Boy Scout Council, the Salvation Army, United Way Speakers Bureau, Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee, New Orleans Sports Foundation, and is Chairman of the Board of the National Football Foundation. While in pro football, Archie received the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award, the Bart Starr Humanitarian Award, the Spirit of Good Sports Award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and the U.S. Jaycees named him one of 10 Outstanding Young Americans. In 2005 Archie received the Legends award from the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the Aspire award, a tribute to life’s coaches, from the Cal Ripken Foundation. Archie was honored by the United States Sports Academy with the 2006 Distinguished Service Award. He was selected Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council. Also, he received the Silver Buffalo, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award. Archie received the Reds Bagnell Award from the Maxwell Football Club, was the 51st winner of the Bert Bell Award, and was honored at the Super Bowl in New Orleans with the Pat Summerall Award. He was honored by the American Football Coaches Association and received the Distinguished American award from the Walter Camp Foundation. Archie and his wife Olivia were recipients of the National Pathfinder Award for their work in post-Hurricane Katrina. Archie received one of the highest honors in football, the Gold Medal Award, presented by the National Football Foundation. This award has gone to seven Presidents, Admirals and Generals, corporate CEOs, and other distinguished Americans. Archie and Olivia reside in New Orleans and have three sons, Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. They are the proud grandparents of four boys and five girls. Cooper was an all-state high school athlete and his football career at Ole Miss ended with a spinal cord injury. He is Senior Managing Director at the hotel/real estate firm, AJ Capital Partners. He is also the host of “The 2 Cooper Manning Hour (minus 58 minutes)” on Fox Sports. Cooper’s son, Arch, was rated the #1 high school player in the country in 2022. He is currently a quarterback at the University of Texas. Peyton is a former All-American at Tennessee where his #16 is retired. He and Archie are the only father/son duo in the College Football Hall of Fame. He was the first player chosen in the 1998 NFL Draft and spent 18 years in pro football. He was named one of the top 10 pro football quarterbacks of all time. Peyton was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and named the NFL MVP five times. He retired as the NFL all-time leader in yardage, touchdown passes and wins. He quarterbacked the Colts and the Broncos to Super Bowl championships. Peyton was the NFL Man of the Year in 2006. Indianapolis unveiled a statue of Peyton in front of Lucas Oil Stadium and retired his #18. He has hosted the ESPYs and received the Lincoln Award from the White House. He was named one of the top 100 players in college and pro football. Tiger Woods and Peyton teamed up to win The Match, raising $20 million for COVID-19 relief. He was recently elected to the NFL Hall of Fame. Eli was also an All-American at Ole Miss and has had his #10 retired. He won the Maxwell Award as the top player in college football. He was the first player chosen in the 2004 NFL draft. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and led the Giants to world championships in Super Bowl XLII (42) and XLVI (46) and was named MVP of both games. He was named the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Eli won the 2020 Bart Starr Character and Leadership Award and the “Good Guy” award, selected by the Pro Football Writers of America. Eli retired after 16 years with the Giants and his #10 was retired by Ole Miss and New York. Archie, Cooper, Peyton and Eli were inducted into the inaugural class of the National High School Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Archie and Peyton wrote a book entitled “Manning: A Father, His Sons and A Football Legacy”. Peyton and Eli also wrote a children’s book entitled “Family Huddle”. Archie and his boys have operated the Manning Passing Academy, a summer camp for high school quarterbacks and receivers, for 27 years. Archie is an owner of Manning’s, a sports-themed restaurant on Fulton Street in New Orleans. In honor of the Mannings’ college football accomplishments, the Sugar Bowl has created the Manning Award to go to the nation’s best college quarterback. The Manning family was named the second most inspiring family in America by Town & Country Magazine. They were featured in a highly rated documentary on ESPN entitled “The Book of Manning. Manning will be a speaker at the Partlow Sports Breakfast in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr, Athletic and Events Center on the Shenandoah University campus on Saturday, May 4 at 8 a.m. That afternoon he will be riding in the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade, which will step off at 1:30 p.m. ![]() Chase Ford, Millbrook High School Chase Ford is a senior at Millbrook High School, where he has distinguished himself as a student-athlete. He boasts a three-year tenure on the Varsity basketball team and has been a member of the varsity baseball team for four years, starting in the outfield for three of those seasons. He has received 1st team All-Northwestern District and receipt of All-Region 4D honors for his contributions to the basketball team. On the baseball diamond, Ford has been a consistent three-year starter in the outfield, earning recognition with All-District and All-Area Honors during his sophomore year, followed by another standout season in which he was named 1st team All Northwestern District and received All-Region 4D honors as a junior. Additionally, Chase Ford maintains an exceptional academic record, boasting a 4.0 GPA. His dedication and talent have been recognized by Bridgewater College, where he has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the collegiate level. ![]() McKenna Newcome, James Wood High School McKenna Newcome has earned 4 varsity letters at James Wood High School in soccer. Prior to a medical condition this year, she has been the starting attacking center midfielder for the Colonels since freshman year accumulating 57 goals and 56 assists. As a Freshman, McKenna was named to the All-Region 2nd team. Sophomore year, she was named the Winchester Star Girls Soccer Player of the Year, District Player of the Year, Region Player of the Year, and 2nd Team All-State. As captain during her junior year, she was recognized as Winchester Star All-Area 1st Team, District Player of the year, Region Co-Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, Colonels team MVP and helped lead her team to both their district championship and first-ever. state tournament berth. As a junior, she also earned the title of James Wood’s All-Time Assist Leader. While the beginning of her senior season has been impacted by her medical diagnosis, she continues to lead/inspire her team as captain from the sidelines. Along with high school, McKenna has balanced playing travel soccer for the ECNL Loudoun Soccer Club in Leesburg, VA, where she accumulated accolades within her conference (National Selection Games in FL and NJ, All-Conference 1st and 2nd teams). She has worked hard to maintain her academic standing at the very top of her class with a current GPA of 4.4 as well as attending Mountain Vista Governor’s School. She is a member of Key Club & the National Honor Society. McKenna has signed her NCAA National Letter of Intent with Marshall University to play soccer in the fall. ![]() Emmanuel Lusca, John Handley High School Manno Lusca, a senior at John Handley High School, earned 9 varsity letters (3 Football, 3 Indoor Track, 3 Track). He was a three-year starter for the Judges on the gridiron. His senior year he led the Judges to the Class 4 Northwestern District Football Championship; winning the Barr-Lindon Crimson Apple along the way. The Winchester Star’s Offensive Player of the Year was second in the area with 1,344 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns and 108 points. He was named the Class 4 Northwestern District’s Offensive MVP and made First Team All-Region 4D and All-District as a linebacker and running back. As a track athlete, Manno competed in the 55m and 4x200 relay in Indoor Track and the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay in Outdoor Track winning multiple District, Region, and State honors. He is a member of the Black Student Union and the Varsity Club. Manno has a 3.3 GPA and has signed a letter of intent with Emory & Henry College to play football. ![]() Elisa Velasquez, Shenandoah University Elise Velasquez has played field hockey at Shenandoah University since 2020 appearing in 66 games and making 59 starts. Elise has been a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball, earning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Defensive Player of the Year for the last two seasons. Elise has been recognized by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) for her outstanding play as a Third-Team All-American. Elise has also earned NFHCA All-Region honors three times and Elise has also earned NFHCA academic honors on the National Academic Squad. The Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) has recognized Elise with All-State honors twice. Elise’s leadership is evident as she has been a team captain for the last three seasons and Velasquez and her team have compiled a 54-13 record over her time as a Hornet. Elise is an exercise science and business major at Shenandoah and has a 3.894 GPA and will be back for her Covid year working towards a master’s degree at Shenandoah. ![]() Jaclyn Grace Clark, Warren County High School Jaclyn Grace Clark has earned 7 varsity letters at Warren County High School in Soccer and Basketball. She has been a 4-year starter for the Varsity Basketball team, and a 3-year starter for the Varsity Soccer team. She has played AAU basketball for 8 years and Soccer for 6 years. She served as the Varsity Basketball Team Captain for 2 years and was named the Most Valuable Player for both her Junior & Senior Years. She was selected to Northwestern District 1st teams as both a Junior & Senior, Region 3B 2nd team as a Junior, and Region 3B 1st Team as a Senior. She was named the Warren County Soccer Defensive Player of the Year and earned All District and Regional Honors. Jaclyn earned the Northern Virginia Daily All Area Team in both Soccer and Basketball for multiple years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Warren County Athletics Student Council, and the Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Jaclyn has a GPA of 3.9 and has received an offer to play basketball at Randolph Macon College and has also been accepted to Virginia Tech and James Madison University. ![]() Aidan Vaught, Skyline High School Aidan Vaught has earned 5 varsity letters at Skyline High School (4 football/1 basketball). He will earn a 6th varsity letter for outdoor track at the end of the season. Aidan was a 4-year varsity starter in football and captain of the team his junior and senior years. Aidan’s freshman year, he was selected 1st team All-Area and All-District kick returner and 2nd team All-Region kick returner. Aidan’s sophomore year, he was selected 1st team All-Area running back, 1st team All-District running back and kick returner and 2nd team All-region running back. Aidan’s junior year, he was selected 1st team All-Area offensive all purpose and punt returner, 2nd Team All-Area defensive back,1st Team All District offensive all purpose, kick returner and punt returner, 2nd team All- district defensive back, 1st team All-Region offensive all purpose, kick returner and punt returner, 2nd team All-State kick returner and punt returner. Aidan’s senior year he was selected 1st Team All-Area running back, 2nd Team All-Area punt returner, 1st Team All-District running back and kick returner, 1st Team All-Region running back and 2nd Team All-Region punt returner. Aidan is the current record holder at Skyline High School for career rushing yards, kick return yards, punt return yards, career all-purpose yards, career touchdowns, and single game rushing yards. Aidan also holds several weightroom records at Skyline High School. Aidan was voted Offensive Player of the Year by his teammates his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Aidan rushed for 452 yards on 26 carries with 5 touchdowns in our win vs. Meridian High School (34-20) in October 2023. That ranks him as the 8th most rushing yards in VHSL history in a single game. Aidan has a 3.3 GPA. He plans to attend Ferrum College to continue his football and academic career majoring in Business Management. ![]() Will Booker, Clarke County High School Will Booker has earned 8 varsity letters at Clarke County High School (3 football/3 basketball/2 track) He has been a 3-year starter at the cornerback position and a 2-year starter at the running back/wingback position in football. In his 3 years playing varsity football, he has earned 1st Team Bull-Run District and 1st Team All Region 2B cornerback all 3 years. His junior year he received, 1st Team All Bull-Run and 1st Team and All Region 2B at the running back position. Will’s senior season he was awarded 1st Team All-State at cornerback in the Class 2 division. Will Booker was elected 1st Team Defense in the Winchester Star all 3 years of varsity football. In Basketball, Will has been a 3-year starter at the varsity level and earned 1st Team Bull-Run, 1st Team All Region, and 1st Team All Area in the Winchester Star his junior year. In his senior year he received, 2nd Team Bull-Run District and 1st Team All Region 2B. He ran track his sophomore year and placed 3rd in High Jump in Regionals his sophomore year and has placed top 3 in many invitationals in the 2022 season. He was also a part of the 4x1 team that year. He is now in his senior season for track and plans to earn even more medals in his events than he did his sophomore year. In the weight room, Will has earned the Iron Eagle award which is lifting over 1200 combined pounds within bench, squat and hang clean. Will has a GPA of 3.677 and plans to go to a college of his choice in the fall of 2024. ![]() Dylan McGraw, Sherando High School Dylan McGraw has accumulated a total of 11 varsity letters across Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track while at Sherando High School. For the last two years, Dylan has been designated as a Team Captain. He concluded his high school cross country career with the second-fastest time ever for Sherando, earning All-State Honors with a 5th place finish at the 2023 VHSL Class 4 Cross Country State Championship. In addition, Dylan secured All-State Honors once again at the 2024 VHSL Class 4 Indoor Track State Championship, with a 6th place finish in the 1600m run and contributing to a new school record as the anchor of the 4x800m relay team, which also placed 6th. His performances have earned top-ranking positions on the Sherando All-Time Indoor Track list. He holds the #1 time for the 3200m run and the 2nd fastest time in the 1600m run. Dylan was named the 2023 NVDaily Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year and earned Winchester Star All-Area First Team Honors in 2022 and 2023. Dylan has a 3.3 GPA and has committed to University of Lynchburg and will compete in Cross Country, Indoor Track & Outdoor Track. ![]() Gaven Vaughn, Mountain View Christian Academy Gaven Vaughn has earned 8 varsity letters as a senior at Mountain View Christian Academy (1 cross country, 1 soccer, 3 baseball, and 3 basketball). He has been a captain of the basketball team the past 2 years, baseball last year, and soccer this year. In his sophomore year, he earned the Coach’s Award for baseball and was the Male Scholar-Athlete of the year. During his junior year, he achieved the Coach’s Award for cross country and Leadership Award for baseball. As a senior he earned the Winchester Star spotlight for soccer. Gaven has been a 3-year starter at shortstop for baseball and a 2-year starter for basketball. He has a 4.0 GPA and intends to join the Air Force this fall. ![]() Lillian Blevins, Legacy Christian Academy Lillian Blevins a standout senior at Legacy Christian Academy. Lillian was 4-year player on both varsity basketball and volleyball teams. She served as the basketball captain during her junior year. She has is a member of the National Honor Society. Lillian’s integrity and character earned her the esteemed Good Character Award and the honor of Homecoming Queen. In addition to her commitments at Legacy, Lillian channels her artistic passion through ballet at Rhythm Studio. Lillian has a 4.0 GPA. She has been awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship to Cedarville University, a testament to her academic achievements, leadership qualities, and potential for future success. Excellence, leadership, dedication, and compassion can be used to describe Chris Garber and Jimmy Omps for their years of contributions to the youth and sports of the Apple Blossom Region and beyond. Their outstanding athletic careers, from participant to leader, have made a difference. Sharen Gromling, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is truly honored to announce they will be inducted into the 4th Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame at the Partlow Insurance Sport Breakfast. The Breakfast will be held at the Tolley Dental Zone at James R. Wilkins Athletic & Events Center on the Shenandoah University campus, Saturday, May 4, at 8 a.m. Chris Garber Chris Garber graduated from Handley High School in 1975. Her amazing athletic career at Handley was highlighted by her winning the 1975 AA Girls State Tennis Championship. This made her Handley's first female State Champion. After high school, she attended Radford College, majoring in Health and Physical Education, and starring at the #1 Player position on the Radford Tennis Team for three consecutive years. Post graduation, Chris received a master’s degree in Sports Education from Eastern Kentucky University, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Shenandoah University. She then spent 34 years in Education as a teacher and/or administrator. Simultaneously, she was a highly successful basketball and tennis coach. During her stellar career, she won a AA State Girls Basketball Championship at Radford High School, a AA State Girls Tennis Championship at Radford High School, and two AA State Girls Tennis Championships at Handley High School. Chris served as the first female Athletic Director in Rockingham County at Broadway High School, and as the first female Athletic Director in Frederick County at Millbrook High School. Chris was inducted into the John Handley Hunter Maddox Hall of Fame as a player (the first female to be so honored) and into the Radford High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach. Chris offers the following quote to summarize her success: "John Handley High School afforded me the opportunity to strive and to achieve my professional aspirations with great mentors in Jimmy Omps and Nikki Isherwood. Two other individuals that have been huge influences in my career were Norman Lineburg at Radford High School, and my brother, Chip Garber. I have been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to have the opportunity to have coached some very talented high school athletes." Chris was the first female athlete inducted into the Hunter Maddex Hall of Fame. She was inducted into the Radford High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach. James Omps
James Michael "Jimmy" Omps was born August 4th, 1935, in a farmhouse on the Kernstown Civil War Battlefield in Kernstown, Virginia, now a southern section of the City of Winchester. His education began at John Handley High School in Winchester, graduating from there with the Class of 1953. After high school, Jimmy graduated from Shepherd College in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, graduated from the University of Virginia in 1969 with a master’s degree in Secondary Education, and, in 1989, he received his certification as a Certified Athletic Administrator from the NIAAA. Jimmy started his professional experience as a math teacher and a basketball and track coach at Martinsburg Junior High School from 1957-1959. In 1959, he began his long and storied association with his alma mater, John Handley High School, again teaching math and coaching basketball and track. In 1967, he became Handley's Head Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, and Physical Education Instructor, and in 1986, he became Handley's Director of Student Activities, a position he held until his retirement from the Winchester Public School system in 1995. Some interesting odds and ends from the life of Jimmy Omps would include the fact that he set the John Handley long jump record in 1953 at 20' 6-7/8"; the fact that he started as a Freshman on the Shepherd College basketball team and lettered all four years at Shepherd; the fact that he set the court record at the old National Guard Armory on Millwood Avenue in Winchester by scoring 68 points in a game on March 4th, 1954 (no 3-point shots in those days); and the fact that, from 1960 to 1966, he served as a medic with the Air National Guard in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Jimmy's Official Bio lists 26 bullet points regarding the highlights of his career in Athletic Administration. These would include being a Member of the Virginia High School League Executive Committee, being a Charter Member of the Virginia State High School Athletic Directors Association and being a Charter Member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Jimmy's Official Bio lists 33 bullet points regarding awards that he has won. These would include Who's Who among Young Men of America in 1957; All-Area Coach of the Year 1967-68, 1968-69 and 1969-70; Virginia Athletic Director of the Year 1977-78; Ancil Gray Service Award for outstanding service to John Handley Athletics, 1976; and National High School Coaches Association Athletic Director of the Year for Region 2, 1980-81 and 1987-88. The Hunter Maddex Gymnasium at John Handley High School became the Maddex-Omps Gymnasium in 2010 for the two remarkable coaches and athletic directors. Coach Omps was the first person to be inducted into the Hunter Maddex Hall of Fame twice. He was inducted as a player in 1992 and as a coach in 2016. Although he is still affectionately called "Jimmy" and even "J. O." in casual conversation around the Winchester area, when his former students and athletes, to this day, are addressing him face-to-face, he is invariably addressed as "Mr. Omps." This is, plainly and simply, what is called respect! Sharen Gromling, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is honored to welcome a man of courage, on and off the field, Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steeler and War Hero, as a guest at the 97th Festival.
Just as Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier, was about to wrap up his rookie season in 1968, a teammate called him over to the table the team reserved for fan mail. The former Notre Dame standout was surprised. He was not a high NFL draft pick or a well-known player and, in a few months with the team, had yet to receive any letters of support. When he opened the envelope, though, he realized that was still the case: In his hand was a notification that he had been drafted by the U.S. Army, which was immersed in the Vietnam War. He was due to report the next day. In combat the next year, he suffered grisly injuries that would reshape his life, but improbably, not nudge him off course. Bleier's military service was commemorated in the Pentagon’s Wounded Warrior corridor. The football player turned soldier turned injured veteran fought his way back to a professional football career that spanned more than a decade and included winning 4 Super Bowls alongside running mate Franco Harris and QB Terry Bradshaw. He was also the recipient of the George Halas Award in 1975, which is awarded to a player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. At the time of his retirement, he was the Steelers’ fourth all-time leading rusher. In turn, he has used that story to inspire countless others not to yield in the most difficult circumstances, and he has donated time and energy to helping veterans like him reacclimate to the jarringly different lives they faced when they returned home. Rocky is a member of the Congressional Committee for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and the Purple Heart Foundation. He is an active board member of the Warriors to Citizens Foundation, which is devoted to helping soldiers, police, fire, EMTs and their families recover from the psychological harm caused by career induced stress. Rocky also serves on the board of The National Flag Foundation that was founded to honor and respect our nation’s greatest symbol, the Flag of the United States of America. Rocky started the Rocky Bleier Golf Tournament to support Veterans Village in Appleton, Wisconsin. Rocky was born in Appleton, Wisconsin and currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA, with his wife Jan. Rocky will be attending Festival events, including the Coronation, presented by Morgan Orthodontics. He will then ride through Winchester’s historic streets in the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade, May 3, at 5:30 p.m. and the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. Rocky will be a guest speaker at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on the campus of Shenandoah University. Winchester, VA – Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® President, Sharen Gromling, is pleased to announce the area’s top high school and college student-athletes. Students are chosen each year to represent their school during the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast which takes place during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® on Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, at 8:00 am inside the Tolley Dental Zone at James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University. The 2023 outstanding local student-athletes include: Andrew Link - James Wood High School Andrew has earned both his academic and varsity letters at James Wood. He has earned two for football, two for basketball and will earn his fourth letter this season in track and field. Honors include being Team Captain for basketball and track. Andrew earned All-State Honors in 2021 for both the 110 meter and 300 meter hurdles and in 2022 for 300 meter hurdles. He earned a district championship in the 300m hurdles in 2021 and 2022 and in the 110m hurdles in 2022. He also earned a regional championship for 300m hurdles in 2022 and 55m hurdles in 2023. He is 3rd all-time at James Wood in both the 55m and 300m hurdles. Andrew earned the “Most Outstanding Sprinter/Hurdler” award by his coaches in 2021 and 2022. He has been a two-year starter for basketball and earned the “Coaches Award” for basketball in 2023. He played Tight End, Wide Receiver, and Linebacker for varsity football. Andrew was also awarded “Senior Player of the Game” for football in 2022 and earned the Sportsmanship award. Andrew is an Eagle Scout and member of the National Honor Society. Andrew has a 4.15 GPA and plans to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy where he will continue running track. Jamie Mae Kelly – Skyline High School Jamie Mae Kelly is from Front Royal, Virginia and attends Skyline High School. Over her four-year high school career, Jamie has earned 12 varsity letters (4 volleyball/4 basketball/4 softball). In volleyball, Jamie was Team Captain her junior and senior seasons. During her junior season she was Second Team All-District. Her senior season Jamie was First Team All-District, Second Team All-Region, and First Team NV Daily All-Area team while also being voted Skyline Volleyball MVP. As a three-time team MVP basketball player, Jamie was Second Team All-District as a freshman, First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region in both her sophomore and junior seasons, before exploding into First Team All-District and First-Team All-Region her senior season. Jamie was on the Strasburg Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team during both her junior and senior years, as well as First Team NV Daily All-Area team both her junior and season seasons. Jamie reached a career milestone this past season when she scored her 1000th career point and leaves the Hawks as their second all-time leading scorer. Currently in her senior softball season, Jamie Kelly earned both Second Team All-District and Second Team All-Region her sophomore and junior seasons and was awarded First-Team NV Daily All-Area as a junior shortstop/pitcher. Jamie has a 3.52 GPA and has signed to play collegiate softball for Potomac State College next season. Sara Waller – Warren County High School Sara has earned 11 Varsity letters for Warren County High School, playing 4 years of Varsity Volleyball and Softball, and 3 years of Varsity Basketball. Sara has been named 2nd team All-District and 2nd team All-Region for her sophomore and junior years in Softball and junior year in basketball. Sara has been a 4-year starter and 2-year team captain on the varsity volleyball team where she earned 2nd team All-District and All-Region honors as a sophomore and 1st team All-District and All-Region honors as a junior. During the 2022 season, Sara helped lead her team to a Region 3B Championship and State Semi-Final appearance. During this run, Sara was named 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Region along with Region 3B Player of the Year and 1st team All-State for Class 3. Sara was also named the 2022 Northern Virginia Daily Player of the Year. Sara is ranked 5th in her graduating class with a 4.19 GPA. She is the Senior Class Vice-President, the National Honor Society Historian, and the Vice President of Hospitality for the Warren County High School DECA program which competes at the National level. Sara intends to continue her volleyball career in college while studying Marine Biology. Emma Ahrens – Sherando High School Emma Ahrens has earned 10 varsity letters at Sherando (4 cross country/2 indoor track/3 outdoor track/1 band). She is a five-time state qualifier, and two time state medalist in cross country and the indoor 3200m. She is also a national qualifier in the indoor 3200m and 5000m. Emma earned Winchester Star and Northern Virginia Daily honors in each of her seasons between freshman and senior year. She also plays two instruments in multiple bands at Sherando and is active in Student Council and National Honors Society. Emma has a 4.25 GPA and has committed to run cross country and track for Concordia University Wisconsin in the fall. Christopher LeBlanc- Clarke County High School Christopher LeBlanc has earned 6 Varsity letters, 4 from Soccer and 2 from football. Due to covid his freshman year he was a 3-year starter at the midfield/attacking positions from his sophomore year to senior. In his sophomore season from 2020-21 he earned 1st team All-District, and Region. His junior season from 2021-22 he won the Class 2 state championship and earned 1st team All-District, Region, and all Area by the Winchester Star. He also earned 2nd team All-State. For his current senior season, he is expected to perform well again and make a deep run into states. During his 2021-22 junior season in football, he earned 1st team All-District, Region, and Area by the Winchester Star for punting and kicking. His senior year from 2022-23 he earned 1st team All-District, Region, Area by the Winchester Star, and 2nd team state, for punting. He earned 2nd team All-District, Region, Area by the Winchester Star, and state for kicking. Chris was also a member of the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band from his 8th-10th grade years and was a section leader starting his freshman year. He has also been a member of DECA since his junior year. Christopher has a 3.889 GPA and has signed a letter of intent with Shenandoah University to play football. Emerson Fusco – Handley High School Emerson Fusco has earned 7 varsity letters at John Handley High School. He was a 3-year starter in Football as a Defensive Back and Running Back. He earned All-District and All-Region Honors his junior and senior years and was All-Area for the Winchester Star both seasons. On the hardwood for the Judges, Fusco was a 4-year starter. He was All-District and All-Region and was the Northwestern District Player of the Year his junior and senior years. Additionally, he was voted the Region 4C Player of the Year his senior season and garnered All-State Honors. He also scored the 2nd most points all time at Handley, scoring 43 points in a playoff game vs Sherando. He was also the Winchester Star Player of the Year his junior year (has not been released to date for 2022-23). He has a 3.4 GPA and will play college basketball next year. Nicholas Hayden- Millbrook High School Nicholas Hayden is a senior cross country/track and field athlete from Millbrook High School. Nicholas has earned state titles in the 800m outdoor and 1000m indoor races. He also has five district titles and two region titles between track and cross country. He holds Millbrook High School records in the 500m, 800m, 1000m, 5000m, and 4x400m relay. He was the 2022 Winchester Start Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Nicholas is a member of Millbrook’s Chapter of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. Nicholas has a 4.465 GPA and will attend and run track for Columbia University, majoring in Finance. Kailyn Allanson – Legacy Christian Academy Kailyn Allanson is a senior at Legacy Christian Academy. She has played Varsity Volleyball for 4 years and was a part of the 2022 National Championship team. Kailyn has a GPA of 3.18. She will attend Arizona State University to study Criminal Justice. Miles Moore – Shenandoah University Miles Moore from Richmond, Virginia graduated from Manchester High School. He is currently a senior at Shenandoah University and ran all 4 years for the Hornets while playing football 2 of those years. He has set numerous records at Shenandoah breaking the 100 meter dash, indoor 200 meters dash, outdoor 200 dash, 4x100m relay, and the 4x200m relay records. Miles is a 6-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) champion. He received USTFCCCA All-American in March for the Indoor 200 meters placing 8th at the NCAA Championships. Miles earned USTFCCCA All-Region, All-ODAC, and VaSID All-State. Miles intends to use final year of eligibility to run at Mount St. Mary University receiving his master’s degree in Sports Management. Ella Drury – Mountain View Christian Academy
Ella Drury has been a student of Mountain View Christian Academy for the last four years. She is a member of the graduating class of 2023 and is President of the Academy’s Student Government Association. During her high school career, she has been an SGO and National Honor Society member for two years and a member of Mountain View’s Drama department for all four. She played varsity volleyball her junior and senior year as a middle hitter. She is also a part of the Academy’s Chapel Worship team, where she sings and plays guitar. Ella has a GPA of 3.7. After high school Ella plans to stay in her hometown of beautiful Winchester, VA to work and save money until she feels secure enough to move to New York City, where she will begin a career in acting. Tickets to the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast are available at www.thebloom.com/events. ![]() Two-time Super Bowl Champion and Washington Redskins legend, Gary Clark, has been announced as a Special Sports Guest by Festival President, Sharen Gromling. In 1985, Clark was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins and went on to playing 11 seasons in the NFL. Clark is considered one of the toughest players in Redskins history, a tenacious blocker and consummate professional. He was the first wide receiver in NFL history to catch at least 50 passes in his rookie season. Clark was one of the top wide receivers in the National Football League at the time of his retirement, ranking 8th in receptions and 7th in receiving yards. Clark was a two-time Super Bowl Champion, two-time Redskins MVP, three-time All Pro, four-time Pro Bowler, and an eight-time All-Madden Team member. Clark’s “competitive fire, tenacity, and ability to make clutch, game-changing plays,” made him a favorite of legendary commentator, John Madden. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Clark, Ricky Sanders and Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Art Monk were nicknamed “The Posse” for being one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Clark’s NFL career totaled 699 receptions and 10,856 yards. He scored 65 touchdowns; 58 of those came with Washington. Gary Clark is recognized as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins list and was honored as an NFL Hall of Fame Nominee. Gary was inducted into the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2007 into the Washington Redskins Ring of Honor. Gary attended James Madison University (JMU) and was inducted into the JMU Hall of Fame in 1994. As a Duke, Clark held every significant JMU receiving record at the end of his college career. Clark was named Virginia Offensive Player in 1982 and Honorable All American in 1982 and 1983. He was the first player in JMU Football history to win a Super Bowl Championship and the first ever to have his #80 jersey retired by the University. Clark’s outstanding college career stood out when the United State Football League (USFL) was formed in 1984. Clark was the first ever draft pick for the Jacksonville Bulls and the first JMU player to be drafted as a first round pick by a professional team. His impact with the Bulls soon came to the attention of Washington Redskins. Gary C. Clark is the Founder of Gary Clark Incorporated and Co-Founder of T&G Real Estate Advisors and The MetaVerse Sports Group. A serial entrepreneur, Gary considers his five children, Gari, Aiden, Nathaniel, Gabriella and Gary 2.0, his greatest joy. Clark, a native Virginian from Radford, Pulaski County High School grad, JMU Football standout, and Washington Redskins legend will attend many festival events including the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah presented by Morgan Orthodontics and the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade. Gary will speak at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 6 at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on the campus of Shenandoah University Campus and then ride in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade. ![]() Winchester, VA – The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce the 2023 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame Inductees, Debby Sanders and James W. “Jim” Casey. Debby and the Casey family will be honored for their contribution to sports in the region at 8:00 a.m. during the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center, 1188 Ralph Shockey Drive. General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $125. Debby Sanders Debby retired from Frederick County Public Schools after 30 years as a Health and PE teacher, Department Chair, and Head Girls’ Basketball Coach. She coached Millbrook High School girls’ basketball team from 2004-2013 with 84 consecutive wins. The team titles include the following: State Champions 2010, 2011, 2012; Regional Champions 2010, 2011, 2012; District Champions 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Regional Runner-Up 2009; and State Semi-Finalists 2009. She was named State Coach of the Year from 2010 through 2012; Regional Coach of the Year from 2009 to 2012; and District Coach of the Year in 1997 and from 2009 through 2013. After coaching, Debby served as an assistant athletic director for one year and volunteered at numerous sporting events. She was inducted into the Millbrook Athletic Hall of Fame and started the Millbrook “Go Pink” Millbrook vs. Cancer annual events that help to raise money to support individuals and families in the community impacted by cancer. James W. “Jim” Casey
A native of Boyce and 32-year employee of James Wood High School, James “Jim” William Casey died at the age of 92 on Jan. 8, 2023. He is remembered and missed by scores of people in the area as he is inducted into the 2023 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame. Casey is survived by two of his three children – James M. and his daughter Ann. His son, John Casey, noted blacksmith and manager of the family farm, died at age 61 this past March. Coach Casey is also survived by his brother Jerry. Jim’s wife Eleanor MacDonald died in 2005. She, with Jim, founded and operated one of West Virginia’s most successful thoroughbred and racing operations. The operation was first named for Eleanor, and then after her death, for their horse farm Taylor Mountain. Jim graduated from Boyce Agricultural High School and the College of William and Mary where he ran track, played baseball, and was the varsity football manager. After two years in the military, Casey returned to begin his career at James Wood High School, where he was a teacher, coach, and athletic director. Retired athletic director at Handley High School, Jimmy Omps, said of Casey, “I remember watching Casey run the cinder track at Handley, the 100-yard dash in close to 10 seconds. He was very intelligent; he knew the rules.” Don Shirley, a retired principal at James Wood, agreed that his intelligence was a comfort to him and a sounding board. “He was good listener…I missed that greatly when he retired. He was one of the most loyal persons I can think of. He remembered everything, the kids, who did what in which game. Unbelievable!” Former JWHS student Danny Hoopes recalled that Casey was a great strategy coach; he was not vocal, but he was a confident man. Hoopes, who Coach Casey nicknamed Hoops, Jr. greeted him that way for years. Why Hoops, Jr? Hoops was told to figure it out himself. Seems Hoops was the 1945 Kentucky Derby winner. Casey’s son, a veterinarian like his grandfather, said, “He never really got upset about anything. He could take things in stride.” The 1954-55 school year marked the beginning of Casey’s run of success as head coach in three sports. In baseball, he never had a losing record; his football winning record included a 10-0 season in 1964, but he was at his best with basketball. After James Wood High School hired Casey as head coach, he had a record of 132-29, winning eight District titles. Casey’s post-educational career as horse owner and trainer featured more than 1,200 wins, including a record 35 West Virginia Breeders’ Classic victories as a trainer. Casey moved from Winchester to Charles Town, W.Va. in 2002 after acquiring 146 acres in Jefferson County. Like his grandfather, he was generous. There is the Dr. Joseph M. Casey scholarship at Clarke County High given to a student pursuing a degree in science or veterinarian medicine. The generosity and encouragement Casey and his wife Eleanor left to future generations are scholarships named the JAMES & ELEANOR CASEY ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS which are awarded yearly at James Wood High School, Millbrook High School, Sherando High School, Clarke County High School, Washington High, and Jefferson High Schools. The scholarships are used by an athlete to further their education and playing a college sport is not a requirement. As late as 2022 he won 24 races and was at the track every morning. On the morning of January 6, 2023 Casey fell at the track and suffered a broken leg. He won the race while in surgery and seemed to be on the mend when he died two days later. His wife Eleanor had died in similar circumstances, A loose horse caused her to fall and break her hip at age 74 in 2005. His son, James M. Casey, told the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred journal, “He enjoyed it--the people, the horses, the races. He went to the track every day until the very end.” Casey’s racing resume records over 1,200 wins, his horse, No Love for Juba, a homebred horse, won the West Virginia Futurity on Jan. 8, the day of his death. Late in the Game, came in second. Coach Casey’s son and daughter will accept their father’s induction into the 2023 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame. Join us at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on Shenandoah University Campus on Saturday morning, May 6, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. ![]() Eric Dickerson, Pro football Hall of Fame and record-breaking running back has been named Co-Sports Marshal by Sharen Gromling, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Dickerson was selected second overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. An immediate success, he established rookie records for most rushing attempts (390), most rushing yards gained (1,808) and most touchdowns rushing (18), including another two receiving touchdowns. His efforts earned him All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. In his second season, Dickerson continued his onslaught on the NFL record book becoming a member of the 2000 rushing yards club. Twelve times in 1984 he gained more than 100 yards rushing, breaking the record of 100-yard games in a season held by O.J. Simpson. His 2,105 total yards rushing beat Simpson’s 1973 NFL season record of 2,003 yards. No one has since rushed for more yards in a single NFL season. Dickerson retired from the NFL as the 2nd leading rusher of all-time and in 1999 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Dickerson was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He is widely considered as one of the greatest running backs of all time. Russ Potts, a Winchester sports enthusiast, while athletic director at SMU from 1978-1982, developed a friendship with Dickerson (SMU 1979-1982) that lasted through the years. Dickerson and Craig James, currently New England Patriots ESPN analyst, were running backs. SMU went 11-0 in the 1982 season. The duo of Dickerson and James became known as "The Pony Express", coined by Potts, referencing the SMU mascot, the Mustangs. Dickerson was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 2021 for SMU. Marcus Allen shared his positive 2015 Apple Blossom experience as Sport Marshal with Dickerson. Dickerson and his wife, Penny Sutton, graciously in turn, accepted the Festival invitation and will attend festival events on Friday, May 5, including the Coronation, presented by Morgan Orthodontics, and the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade. He will be a featured speaker on Saturday, May 6, at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on the campus of Shenandoah University. They will then ride in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Dickerson's appearance is sponsored by Omps Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events. ![]() His hometown community has called the play, and Nazeeh Johnson, local gridiron hero and 2023 Super Bowl Champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, has been named Co-Sports Marshal by Sharen Gromling, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Nazeeh Johnson triumphed as a 2023 Super Bowl Champion with the Kansas City Chiefs this past February. He achieved a goal of his youth! When he was five years old, after playing a few games of little league football, he went to his parents saying, “Dad, Mom! I’m going to play in the NFL!” His parents told him, as any parent would do, “Okay, son, just know that you can definitely do it, but it won’t be easy.” Since that moment, Nazeeh has worked his way to the top. Johnson has said, “I believe in living in the now and taking advantage of all my opportunities.” His parents are Kisha and Brian Brown of Winchester. The rookie safety entered his first season with the Chiefs in 2022, being drafted in the 7th round (Pick #259). Johnson was waived on August 30, and the next day he was signed to the practice squad. On September 28, his name became part of the active roster. His running speed is described as explosive or like a rocket. In his first season, Johnson led the Chiefs in Special Teams tackles and played a crucial part in the longest punt return in NFL Super Bowl history, as the Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl LVII. Johnson’s football career began with youth tackle football, participating in leagues across Northern Virginia and locally in the Shenandoah Valley including Fairfax, Prince William, and Clarke County. The family ultimately made the Frederick County community their home. While playing youth football in Clarke County, Johnson was called “Z Bolt”, which eventually became “Bolt” or “Z”. While at James Wood Middle School and Millbrook High School, he ran track to develop more speed and played basketball to enhance his agility. Millbrook High School Pioneers was the next step to reaching his ultimate goal. Johnson graduated from Millbrook High School in 2016. Johnson was unranked coming out of high school but enrolled as a “preferred walked-on” with the Marshall Thundering Herd. In 2018 he earned his scholarship with Marshall. He started four seasons in 44 of 45 games. His had 302 tackles, six tackles with loss, one sack, seven interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and defended19 passes. His Herd Pro Day was incredibly productive and meaningful, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and jumping an impressive 42.5 inches. Johnson was named All-Conference USA for three seasons, and he received the Unsung Hero Award in his final year. This honor is awarded to Herd players who make significant contributions to team success and are least recognized. Nazeeh Johnson is described as humble and quiet. He prefers spending time with his family and loved ones. Family, football, video games, and community: these are what Nazeeh hold near and dear to his heart. And he is near to the hearts of those in his community. Winchester and fans across the region were focused on #13 and cheered him all the way to his final play on that Super Bowl Sunday 2023. Nazeeh and his wife, Kensley, will be attending festival events on Friday, May 5, including the Coronation, presented by Morgan Orthodontics, and the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade. He will be a featured speaker on Saturday, May 6 at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Convention Center on Shenandoah University Campus. They will then ride in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Johnson’s appearance is sponsored by Omps Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events. Winchester, VA – The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has named the 2022 inductees to the Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame. These four individuals will be recognized for their contribution to sports across the region at 8:00 am during the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday morning, April 30, 2022, at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center, 1188 Ralph Shockey Drive. General admission tickets are now for $45 and are available at www.thebloom.com. ![]() BOB BROWN “Horsefeathers!” This word belongs to Bob Brown. He often used it in coaching the many youth who played baseball with him and it is still a favorite word. It’s a good clean expletive that gets his point across as he works with Winchester Baseball’s Bambinos. The Bambino League is a nonprofit organization under tax classifications of baseball for recreation, sport, leisure, and athletics. The stated goal is described as the teaching of baseball fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship. Commonly known as Winchester Baseball, its internet homepage says: “the success of Winchester Baseball can be seen in the induction of its President Bob Brown in 2010; in 2015 Winchester Baseball became only the second league in Babe Ruth Southeast Regional history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.” Brown, like many of the best athletes of the area, started young, playing on Arlington, VA’s first little league team. He went on to be an All-State athlete in both baseball and basketball in high school. Parade Magazine picked him as an All-American in basketball and an All-Metropolitan second baseman. In 1956 the American Legion team on which he played won the Legion Championship. After high school, Bob went to Wake Forest on a baseball scholarship and participated in major league affiliated summer programs. Catching the eye of major league scouts, he was invited to try out for the Yankees, the Cardinals, the Braves, and signed with the Orioles after graduating. Brown’s background gave him all the fundamentals he needed to lead youngsters into the sport. But desiring a secure and reliable income, in 1972 Brown came to Winchester becoming the owner of Bauserman Oil Company. He missed daily interaction with baseball. He missed the camaraderie. He missed teaching others what he had learned of the sport. In 1988 he began his tenure with Winchester Baseball as a coach and became its president in 1993. His belief in the game and its positive effects on our youth is such that he continues to be the President of Winchester Baseball. Baseball, says Brown, “teaches baseball fundamentals, good sportsmanship and good citizenship.” Ivy Brown Tyson, Bob Brown’s sidekick, number one volunteer, and the mother of extraordinary athletic sons herself, described Coach Brown with three words: fierce, competitive, and loving. Ivy said, “He teaches them baseball but he also teaches them to be young men.” Ivy’s accolades of Bob ring true. He managed the first All Star team – Bambino League- in 1991. Following the 1991 World Series Play, Brown’s new aims were to hold district play and regular tournaments in Winchester. To this end, he developed a coach training program. Brown joined with Winchester Parks and Recreation to help develop a plan to make the facilities up-to-date and welcoming to out-of-town teams. With the help of many businesses and generous individuals giving time and materials and money the facilities were soon tournament level. Brown added to his list of awards both the Washington, D.C. Hall of Fame and the Home Plate Hall of Fame Club in 2007. This extraordinary effort of a state-of-the-art facility, along with his coaching, saw Bob Brown selected to the South East Regional Hall of Fame in 2010 and in 2011 the City of Winchester dedicated the baseball field as the Bob Brown Youth Complex. In addition, Brown’s teams were consistent winners of district, state, and regional championships. In 2011 Brown was the manager of the very first 10-year-old World Series team. They were second in the country! Bob Brown had a vision and he made it a reality. Thanks to Bob Brown, a multitude of young boys are now young men. ![]() SONNY CHAPMAN Charles Cecil Chapman, known as “Sonny,” was a champion in the eye of the community as the voice and chair of the Apple Blossom Sports Breakfast for some 20 years. His leadership in this capacity was a significant influence not only in Winchester and Frederick County but in the surrounding area. His impact on the culture of sports is evidenced as in his saying that “Apple Blossom is my favorite holiday” and following that, at every department chair meeting, he would announce “there will be a sports breakfast this year.” He would grin and tease the group by giving away no celebrity athlete attendees. Chapman’s co-chair for a number of years was Jim Gowdy, now an Apple Blossom Vice-President. Gowdy reminisces that Sonny shaped the Sports Breakfast with his organizational skills from securing a venue to preparing the budget. Gowdy said, “Sonny managed people…but his greatest challenge was to keep Russ Potts, co-founder of the event to a timetable.” For Sonny, it was all about sports and the breakfast was his way to show the importance of sports during his favorite holiday. His wife of 45 years, Carol, shared with pride some of the many civic activities in which Sonny was instrumental. Sonny, she said, was involved in starting the Ken Thomas Golf Tournament, a Child-Parent Center raiser, gave much time and effort to Doo Dah Day (remember the song Camptown Races), a celebration for children and their families with a parade, race, games, and activities. Along with all these responsibilities, he was active with the Red Cross and the First Presbyterian Church in Winchester. There was a calmness about Sonny Chapman. Past-President Mike Stanfield related that Sonny, as O’Sullivan Transportation Manager and prior manager of Smith’s Transfer Corporation, served his community often through the Exchange Club of Winchester as president and as one of the original founders of the Exchange Club’s Child Parent Center. Chapman also served on the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Board. He patiently got the importance of sports out to the community. Chapman believed in sports. He saw them as a way to create camaraderie, team and community bonding, good physical fitness, and a sense of celebration. His influence on sports leaves a lasting legacy. ![]() BRENDA NEAL Brenda K. Neal has dedicated herself to students since 1978 when she graduated from Shepherd College with a degree in health, physical education, and driver’s education. Not stopping there, Brenda earned a Masters of Communication in Education, along with professional endorsements as a secondary principal and administrator. With meticulous planning and a strong belief in the importance of athletics and all types of sports, her curriculum vitae is not only impressive and scholarly but also emphasizes her philosophy that athletics builds social and cognitive skills. Starting her career in the Winchester Public Schools at Handley High School as a teacher of kinesiology for grades 9-12, she was also the basketball, softball, and volleyball coach. For her ability as a basketball coach, she garnered three Winchester Star Coach of the Year awards and her teams won six Northwestern District titles. That’s just basketball! Looking at volleyball, Neal coached the teams to six more Northwestern District titles, four Apple Capital Tournament championships. To her went three more Star Coach of the Year awards and the title of Virginia High School League All-Star Coach. Her ability was so recognized that she was named Director of the Virginia High School League’s All-Star Games from 1990-1998 and held a place on the National Federation of High Schools Volleyball Rules Committee. In 2004 Neal added to her sports responsibilities. After becoming the principal/lead teacher of Winchester Schools’ Alternative Learning Center, she rose to the position of Assistant Principal at John Handley High School where she organized what were known as “Study Circles” for students. These circles focused on diversity and building self-confidence for high achievement. She achieved this model along with all the regular assistant principal responsibilities of schedules and budgets and discipline. Her name was added to the Hunter Maddex Hall of Fame at Handley in 2004. During her years at Handley High, she left her mark with a variety of training skills to help other teachers and coaches: cognitive coaching, effective decision making, and the most important APL strategies which help teachers with student time-on-task and classroom management. Her excellence was also recognized as Neal is a featured cast member in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s video titled “Catch Them Being Good.” Leaving her legacy of excellence in Winchester, Brenda became the Director of Access at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg, WV in 2009. Blue Ridge CTC had once been part of Shepard College but had since been accredited as an independent institution. After several years as Director of Access, Neal was named as Associate Dean of Student where for the last nine years she supervised admission counselors, oversaw disability services, testing services, and student affairs. She retired in 2021. However, Blue Ridge still needs her service and expertise, and she is there still on a part time basis. Brenda said, “Oh, I work about 20 hours a week.” Retirement? Neal is a reader, a hiker, and a golfer and likes warmer climates after 43 plus years of giving herself to education. Why her dedication, particularly to athletics? Brenda answered this by saying that besides the health benefits, “athletics teaches finding a common goal, achieving as a team, and finding that you do not need to be in the spotlight alone. We all achieve best in teams.” ![]() JIMMY WIILKINS, JR. James R. Wilkins, Jr., athlete, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, is the living example of how many of us would like to be considered in our home towns. A past-president of Apple Blossom, 1977 and 1978, Jimmy continues to sit on the Executive Board. He brings knowledge, savvy business acumen, and Festival history to the table. Always open to a chat about all things Festival, Wilkins gives advice to Festival committees as a guide, mentor, and coach. An abbreviated overview of Wilkins life is best begun as an eighth grader at John Handley High School in Winchester. The year is 1959 and Coach Jimmy Omps noted there were only three athletic teams for males; football, basketball, and track and field. Coach Omps, himself, was a Handley graduate and knew intimately the grass football field, the “cracker box” basketball gym, and the 440-yard cinder track. Omps recognized in junior varsity Wilkins a competitive spirit and outstanding athletic ability. “Without a doubt,” said Omps, “he is one of the best all-round athletes ….” Omps noted that as a youngster, Jimmy had large hands and is proud that he has used those hands to bestow his financial gifts on his community. Jimmy, the outstanding athlete, made All-State teams in all three of Handley’s sports, was inducted into Handley’s Hunter Maddex Hall of Fame and received in 1966 the first Handley “Medal of Honor” for service to the school system. Wilkins’ fond memories of Handley High as the quarterback of the 1960s, are reflected in the football field being named the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Stadium in 2009. Returning home after college (with a cross-country record or two), he worked with his father in real estate and was President of Wilkins ShoeCenter, Inc. founded in 1947. Son, James R. “Ritchie” Wilkins III works with his father in the family businesses. Jimmy is married to Veronica “Roni” Flett. Wilkins serves on the Shenandoah Battlefield Preservation Foundation, the Bank of Clarke County Foundation, Winchester Equipment Corporation Board and Handley High Centennial Committee. Over the years, Wilkins has received many leadership, community service, retail, and realty awards. He also has fire department awards and forestry/tree farmer awards. He served on Winchester’s Common Council for two terms and served on various bank boards. A public event was dedicated to James R. Wilkins, Jr. by the French & Indian War Foundation. The topic was “Handley High School: The Jeffersonian Soul of Winchester.” Additionally, Jimmy has been dedicated to Shenandoah University where the Wilkins family has been known and celebrated since his father, James R. Wilkins, Jr., was instrumental in having the college move from Dayton, VA to Winchester. Now, the newest, largest, most impressive sports and event center in the region is opened: James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center. The huge 77,000 square foot facility, opened in 2017 will serve the university and the community. Wilkins was awarded the SU President’s Medal for service to the university in 2018. Marjorie Lewis, Chair of the SU Board of Trustees, told the audience at the naming ceremony for the center that Jimmy’s “got a huge love and commitment to sports.” She added that he was generous and wonderful, but it was not his money but rather his years of “time, dedication, and energy” which earned him the honor. And it is now one of the most used facilities for Festival events. |
About UsThe Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of springtime and the apple blossoms in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley through events and initiatives that enhance community spirit and showcases our local agricultural heritage. Archives
February 2025
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