CHSAA announces 2021 Hall of Fame Class
The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame has announced its 33rd Hall of Fame class. This five-member group embodies the core values of the Association along with its vision of seeking excellence in academics, activities, and athletics. Each of these individuals upholds the very essence of education-based activity participation.
The CHSAA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 includes one athletic administrator in Paul Cain (Grand Junction Central and Basalt), two legendary athletic coaches in T.R. Ellis (Olathe, Douglas County and Chaparral), and Gary Glover (Loveland), along with one amazing activity coach in Marti Benham (Cherry Creek). Rounding out this year’s class is one of Colorado’s best two-sport athletes, Darnell McDonald (Cherry Creek).
“I am really excited about the CHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2021; it encompasses the diversity and inclusivity that mirrors and shapes the priorities of high school activities and athletics as an Association,” CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said. “The selection committee continues to embrace the unique experiences and impact of not just our inductees, but of all who are nominated for this honor.”
The Hall of Fame selection committee includes Robert Marken (CHSCA), Stephanie Leasure (Doherty), Kevin McWain (Valley), Robert Framel (Kit Carson), Tracy Hill (CHSAA Hall of Fame Inductee), Adria Herscher (Overland), Dick Katte (Advisor), and Gerry Valerio (MaxPreps). The committee also includes two Student Leadership representatives: Keeley Haynes (Mountain Range) and Bryce Davis (Central).
“While there are so many deserving student athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, and teams who have been nominated for this honor, the five individuals selected for this year’s induction highlight the caliber of nominees the committee receives each year,” said CHSAA Assistant Commissioner Rashaan Davis, who oversees the Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2021 will be inducted during a ceremony on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center (13200 East 14th Place, Aurora 80011).
Biographies of the newest editions to the CHSAA Hall of Fame include:
Darnell McDonald (Cherry Creek) – One of the top prep athletes this state has ever produced, Darnell McDonald competed in football and baseball at Cherry Creek High School, where he led the Bruins to three consecutive titles in both sports in the late 1990’s. As a baseball player, McDonald played outfielder/pitcher and was a three-time All-Colorado selection by the Rocky Mountain News and a two-time All-Colorado Player of the Year. In football, McDonald finished his career with 6,121 rushing yards and 83 TD’s. His standout game came in the 1996 State Championship game against Arvada West (coached by Dave Logan), where he rushed for 333 yards and 5 TD’s.
Paul Cain (Grand Junction Central, Basalt) – Although his high school basketball career was notable, it has been his work as a school and district administrator that makes Paul a standout administrator Hall of Fame inductee. Paul has served as the voice of athletics and activities on the western slope. He has been instrumental in helping the CHSAA membership understand the challenges of participation from the western slope and mountain schools. He has served as a member of the CHSAA Board of Directors, and a nominated candidate for the presidency. Paul has also served as President of the Southwestern League, and as a CADA board member. Paul is currently the Mesa County School District 51 Athletic Director, a position he has held since 2008.
“Marti” Benham (Cherry Creek) – In the world of high school speech and debate, Marti Benham has established herself as one of Colorado’s best. Beyond hosting numerous invitational tournaments each year, Marti has also served as the chairperson for the CHSAA state speech and debate tournament and as the CHSAA Regional Director. With the help of other coaches, she helped create the Support and Equity Action Group (2020) to increase access to the activity for all students, coaches and community members through best practices around diversity, equity and inclusion topics. Since 2004, Marti has served as the Chairperson for the National Speech and Debate Association’s Colorado District. She has received the NFHS Section VI Speech, Debate, and Theater Educator of the Year (2020). Marti has also received her 5th Diamond as an NSDA coach (2017).
T.R. Ellis (Olathe, Douglas County, Chaparral) – For 34 years, Coach Ellis walked the volleyball sidelines as the head coach at Olathe, Douglas County and Chaparral. During that time, Ellis posted a 467-288 record and won state championships in 2010 and 2011, with the 2011 team going undefeated. Coach Ellis was named a league Coach of the Year seven times, the 5A Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2011, and the CCGS All-State coach in 1990, 1995, and 2006. While Ellis has a stellar coaching record, she will always be remembered for how she treated her players. The qualities now promoted nationally by the InsideOut initiative came naturally to Ellis, making her a favorite among game workers, players, and many others.
Gary Glover (Loveland) – One of the top gymnastics coaches in the Colorado, Gary Glover has built a resume that sets the bar for those who will follow. As both the boys and girls gymnastics coach at Loveland, for over 25 years, Gary compiled a 164-56 win/loss record with his boys teams and a 261-58 record with the girls team. With one state championship in boys gymnastics (1991) and five state championships on the girls side (1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, and 1999), Gary has cemented his outstanding coaching record. His accomplishments earned him awards ranging from the Denver Post/Rocky Mountain News All-Colorado coach to the NHSGCA National Coach of the Year. While Gary has coached numerous award-winning gymnasts (including numerous All-Conference, All-State, and All-American), it is his current contributions to his sport, post-retirement, that speak to his commitment to keeping gymnastics in Colorado in the forefront.
