The 2023 Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet unfolded with a sense of ease that comes when tradition and community meet in the same room. Held during Homecoming weekend at the American Legion, the evening blended school pride, reflection, and familiarity—an atmosphere where stories felt welcome and memories came easily.

Serving as emcee, Eric Glenn guided the program with ease and familiarity, striking a balance between honoring tradition and keeping the evening relaxed. The tone was set immediately when longtime Bison supporter Don Turbiville opened the night with a generous donation to the Hall of Fame, a gesture that reinforced the community investment behind the program.

Honoring the Class of 2023

The 2023 induction class reflected the full spectrum of Bison athletics—athletes, coaches, and leaders whose influence stretched well beyond their playing years:

• Billy Morrow – Wrestling standout known for grit, persistence, and setting the tone for team success from the opening match.

  • The first inductee of the night, Billy Morrow, was introduced by his former wrestling coach, Mark Rude, who traveled from Wyoming to be part of the evening. Rude shared early memories of noticing Morrow as a young wrestler—small in size, relentless in effort, and never intimidated by the challenge in front of him. He spoke about Morrow’s role as the first wrestler on the mat in duals, explaining how setting the tone mattered just as much as winning matches.

    When Morrow took the microphone, his remarks were quiet and thoughtful. He spent much of his time thanking people—family members, coaches, teammates, and community members who helped get him to practices and tournaments when transportation or schedules were a challenge. He mentioned individuals by name, emphasizing how many people played a role in his journey, and acknowledged teammates who trained alongside him despite obvious size differences, drawing appreciative smiles from the crowd.

• Jeff Graf – Multi-sport athlete and coach whose passion for competition and mentorship left a lasting mark on countless students.

  • Jeff Graf was introduced by Gary Glenn, who began by reading portions of Graf’s nomination letter before adding his own reflections. The introduction painted Graf as someone deeply woven into the fabric of Hot Springs athletics—not just as a standout athlete, but as someone who later returned to give back as a coach.

    Graf’s remarks blended humor with perspective. He reflected on growing up in Hot Springs, playing multiple sports, and being surrounded by mentors who set expectations early. He joked about wanting to be in the Hall of Fame before it even existed, then shifted to a more serious tone, speaking about how meaningful it was to be honored in a place where so many of his influences still lived. He took time to mention former teammates, coaches, and community members by name, turning his speech into a shared walk through memory rather than a solo reflection.

• Bill “Willie” Marks – Accomplished athlete remembered for versatility, natural talent, and a lifelong connection to sport and community.

  • Introduced by Carlos Cornay, Bill “Willie” Marks’ introduction focused on his versatility and natural athletic ability. Cornay described Marks as someone younger athletes looked up to, the kind of competitor whose presence elevated everyone around him.

    Marks’ speech centered heavily on family and roots. He shared stories of growing up near Oral, learning basketball on a hoop mounted to a grain bin—a detail that resonated with many in the room—and spoke fondly of how sports were woven into everyday life. He reflected on college choices, life after athletics, and how competition remained a constant, whether on a court, a track, or later in community recreation leagues. His remarks carried an easy humility, emphasizing enjoyment of the game over accolades.

• Dan Lennon (Posthumous) – Legendary coach whose early years in Hot Springs helped shape the program’s identity and competitive foundation.

  • The final induction of the night honored legendary coach Dan Lennon, represented by his son, Dick Lennon. Dick’s remarks brought a different tone to the room—one rooted in history and storytelling. He shared anecdotes about his father’s early coaching years in Hot Springs, including a particularly memorable trick play drawn up late in a game that caught a favored opponent completely off guard.

    His remarks served as a reminder of how foundational Lennon’s years in Hot Springs were to the identity of Bison athletics.

Moments That Stayed with the Room

Throughout the evening, speakers returned again and again to the same themes: family, humility, and perspective. Several inductees spoke openly about lessons learned over time—how priorities shift, how support systems matter, and how the game itself often teaches more than the scoreboard ever could.

Stories from earlier eras drew quiet smiles and laughter, especially when memories of makeshift facilities, long road trips, and creative coaching strategies were shared. One particularly memorable moment came as a story was told about an unexpected trick play from decades past, a reminder that ingenuity and trust have always been part of Bison football.

There was also humor woven throughout the night. Lighthearted nods to famously long Hall of Fame speeches drew knowing laughs from the crowd, while self-imposed time limits and playful bells kept things moving and reminded everyone not to take themselves too seriously.

Gratitude, Spoken and Unspoken

Throughout the evening, speakers repeatedly returned to the same ideas: perspective gained over time, gratitude for those who made sacrifices, and the realization that athletics shaped who they became long after the final whistle. Several inductees acknowledged moments when priorities shifted—family, faith, and community taking on deeper meaning with age.

There were moments of laughter, especially when speakers referenced famously long Hall of Fame speeches from years past, and moments of quiet reflection when loved ones were mentioned who could no longer be present. The balance of humor and sincerity gave the evening a natural rhythm that kept the room engaged.

A Tradition Still Growing

The 2023 banquet felt like both a celebration and a continuation. By honoring achievements while giving space to stories, the Hall of Fame once again fulfilled its purpose: preserving the past while strengthening the connection between generations.