SHS Hall of Fame gets new members

The community honored Sisters High School's athletic heritage last week by inducting nine individuals and a team into the Outlaw Hall of Fame.

About 125 people attended the banquet Saturday, September 3, at the high school. It was partly a fundraiser for Sisters schools co-curricular activities, but mostly a salute to those who have shaped Outlaw athletic programs.

"Tonight is a chance to bring our school system and the public together," said Don Pollard, who joined Kris Kristovich to organize the second annual event.

Pollard added that those chosen helped create the Sisters "culture of excellence" both on and off the athletic field.

Inductees included Amy Cretsinger, a multi-sport champion who graduated in 2003; Bill Edwards, teacher and mentor from the 1940s through 1980s; Mary Flande, former teacher, coach, and district athletic director; Jonathan, Christian and David Green, who brought home state golf titles; Gene Harrison, a multi-sport champion who graduated in 1955; Jenny (Boswell) Melton, a 2006 grad who excelled in many sports; and Gordon Mouser, another multi-sport champ who graduated in 1958.

The 1999 Class 3A state football championship team also was inducted. Jacob Gurney, a member of the current Sisters football team, told those in attendance that the 1999 team "served as an inspiration to other Outlaw football teams."

Dusty Macauley, a member of the title team, said those players were so competitive that they wanted to win every play. Local residents played a part in the championship march, too.

"Everyone was always behind us," Macauley said. "I love coming back here. I have fond memories of this place."

Harrison recalled football players of the mid-1950s putting numbers on sweatshirts with markers because there wasn't enough money to buy regular uniforms. It didn't diminish the team's pride, he said while thanking everyone for being selected to the Outlaw Hall of Fame.

Chris Green had a somewhat ticklish assignment when he introduced his three sons for induction for their golfing exploits. Green said he didn't want to brag, but "there's probably no way I can avoid it."

And why not? Between them, the Green boys accounted for two state golf titles and three runner-up finishes during their years at SHS. The Greens were home-schooled until the family moved from Southern California to Sisters for the boys' high school years.

"Coming to Sisters was probably the greatest family decision we ever made," Jonathan Green said.

Inductee Jenny (Boswell) Melton was described by a former coach as the "heart and soul" of the girls track team. She was known as a hard worker who would train on her own in the morning before regular practice in the afternoon.

When she spoke, (Boswell) Melton gave a nod to fellow inductee Amy Cretsinger, whom she called "my mentor during my first year of high school."

Cretsinger was a cross-country and track standout at Sisters, going on to a successful track career at Weber State in Utah. She called induction into the Hall "a humbling honor."

Mouser was introduced by soccer coach Rob Jensen, who said Mouser excelled in football, basketball and track, but also was outstanding in the classroom and in theater productions.

Mouser, who walks with a cane, strolled to the podium and entertained the crowd with some humorous remarks before turning serious.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for an old guy like me to come back to visit the town I love so much," he said. "It was a good time here, and I loved every minute of it."

Mouser added he was accepting the induction on behalf of his former SHS teachers, saying, "They're the ones who really deserve it."

Mouser explained he's thankful for teachers having instilled in him a lifelong love of reading.

Edwards, who died in October 2006, was superintendent and SHS principal during his tenure from 1949 until 1956. He was remembered Saturday as a community leader as well as an outstanding school official. He also was a conservationist who helped form Friends of the Metolius.

The final inductee to be honored drew the night's only standing ovation. Mary Flande, a 20-year Sisters teacher and former athletic director, beamed at the reception.

Dennis Dempsey, who initially hired her as a teacher and coach, said Flande "was always there to do the little things for students and staff. Mary was always willing to help."

Flande emphasized that integrity, pride and teamwork were the qualities she wanted to help instill in Outlaw athletics. While others spoke of Sisters athletes' triumphs, Flande remembered some sad outcomes, too.

"I've seen tears," she said. "I've seen heartbreak. But through it all our kids competed with strength and with class."

Besides being treated to a walk down Sisters' athletic history, those attending the induction banquet also enjoyed a delicious dinner. The menu featured salmon in cream sauce with capers, tri-tip steak, green salad, homemade bread, rice pilaf, green beans and carrots, and a dizzying array of desserts.

An auction brought in more money for school programs, with tempting bid items such as seven nights at a Mexican resort. The festive evening also included vases of fresh flowers on white tablecloths, and photos of SHS athletes placed informally on each dining table.