Friday, October 28, 2011 will go down in history as a key date for . There are several reasons why.
To begin with, the ER Sports Hall of Fame inducted several legendary athletes into the hallowed organization at a program held in the school's cafeteria prior to the traditional homecoming game.
After the program, the homecoming court paraded in classic cars in pre-game ceremonies. The football team then played rival Wilson High School in a game in which the Eagles prevailed 28-21, with a host of prominent alumni watching from the stands.
And finally, in perhaps the most historically significant event of the night, the Eagles Stadium unveiled its first-ever stadium lights, under which the Eagles played their first night game at their home field, ending an 80-year blackout. During halftime ceremonies, the Queen and her court were crowned. All in all a very historic day for the school.
At the induction ceremonies, Curt Clinite (W-53), Steve Wahl (W-69) and Rhuben Williams (class of 2000) were enshrined into the Hall of Fame under the direction of chairman Gale Fullerton (S-62).
Among those present were many legendary athletes and coaches from the past. To name a few:
• Coach Chuck Williams (the “winningest “coach in ER history (from the 50s and 60s)
• All-City player in football and baseball, Steve Wahl, who later coached football at his alma mater.
• Sonia Most, a popular gym teacher, along with former coaches Mike Lomen and Mike Houlimar.
Among the athletic legends who attended the event were Bob Fisher, John Black, Denny Poplawski, Jim Cantore, Dean Balzarett ( one of the greatest ER athletes of all time), Bob Johnson, Rick Carey, John Pierce and Joe Conte.
