The WCHS Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes the following players and team:
Chris Manus was one of the best all-around players to ever suit up for a Colonel baseball team. In 1987, despite being only an eigth grader, Chris made an immediate impact for the Colonels as both a dominant pitcher and all-around player. That season, he led the team in wins on the mound while batting over .400, earning Rookie of the Year honors, a spot on the All-50th District Team, and Team MVP.
Chris continued that early success throughout his high school career. As a sophomore, he was named to both the 50th District First Team and the All-Region Team. He repeated those honors during both his junior and senior seasons and was also selected to the 13th Region All-Star Team both years.
Following high school, Chris accepted a baseball scholarship to Volunteer State Community College, where he threw a no-hitter and served as the number two pitcher on a team ranked in the top 20 nationally. He completed his collegiate career at Union College, leading the Bulldogs to the NAIA Regional Finals, just one win shy of reaching the NAIA World Series.
Throughout his career, Chris demonstrated consistency, competitiveness, and excellence.
Jonathan Blakley stands among the most accomplished players in Colonel football history. A three-year starter on both offense and defense, he led the team in rushing all three seasons. Known for his powerful, physical running style combined with speed and agility, Jonathan amassed 3,481 career rushing yards, which ranked second all-time at the time of his graduation. He added 30 receptions for 405 yards and scored 53 career touchdowns, placing him second in that category as well.
Jonathan also set a school playoff record by rushing for 223 yards in a single game against Lawrence County. A threat in all phases of the game, he was an outstanding punt and kick-off returner, finishing his career with 4,484 all-purpose yards—ranking him third in school history. Jonathan Blakley’s impact on the field and his lasting contributions to Colonel football have rightfully earned him a place in the Whitley County Athletic Hall of Fame.
Joseph Powers will be remembered as one of the best shooters in Colonel basketball history. A two-year starter in 1993-94 and 1994-95, Joseph was a dominant offensive force. His junior year he burst onto the scene and finished second in the state in made threes. His senior year, he finished first in the Commonwealth in made three-pointers with 111, an average of 4.1 per game. He was the tenth leading scorer statewide that season tossing in over 25 points a contest, while shooting 87.4% from the charity stripe, which was good enough for second statewide. His offensive ability helped Whitley score an average of 91.1 points a game, which led the state in scoring offense. He was a key reason the team finished with 22 wins, which at the time was the second most in school history.
Joseph finished his career a member of the 1,000-point club with 1195 total points. During his four-year high school career 1991-95, he helped Whitley amass 74 victories which at the time was the best four-year total in program history.
Joseph’s elite shooting ability and leadership earn him a well-deserved place in the Athletic Hall of Fame.
For a program rich in team and player success, Selinda Pickard Gross stands out. She was a three-year starter for the Lady Colonel basketball team and left an enduring legacy in program history. At the time, she had become the Lady Colonels’ all-time leading scorer with 1,156 points—a record that stood for 20 years. She also set a school record with 842 career rebounds, showcasing her all-around impact.
As a junior, Selinda averaged 14.5 points per game. Her outstanding play earned her All-State Honorable Mention, All-SEKC, and All Tri-County honors. She elevated her performance even further as a senior, averaging 21 points per game, shooting 59.3% from the field and earning prestigious accolades, including Courier Journal First Team All-State, Lexington Herald Second Team All-State, All-SEKC, and All Tri-County Team. Her remarkable high school career was capped with an invitation to try out for the Kentucky All-Star Team.
The 2005 Whitley County Lady Colonels Golf Team will long be remembered for their historic season. The regular season showcased what they were capable of doing. They played in some of the best tournaments across the state traveling to Glasgow, Muhlenburg County, Russell County, Central Hardin Dunbar, Henry Clay and Bowling Green. They also compiled a 13-1 record in 14 matches. They entered the post season battle tested and ready. They saved their best for last, out dueling seven-time defending region champion Russell County 347 to 349 to capture the program’s first region title, and only the third region title for any program in school history. They made their first state tournament appearance a memorable one, finishing ninth in the 20-team field. Team members: Courtney Bishop Pence, Becky Hill Lowe, Leanna Hinkle, Amy Hart Huddleston, Amanda Allen, Ashley Inman Heatherly, Kayla Peace Umbarger. Coaches: Scott Bishop, Junior Peace, and Pat Conlin.
