Boyle County Hall of Fame Welcomes Seven New Legends
Six athletes and one coach were inducted into the Boyle County High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, recognizing outstanding achievements across nine different sports. The 2026 class represents a legacy of dedication, skill, and championship success.
A Legacy of Gridiron Greatness: Larry French
Larry French, the celebrated football coach, joins the Hall of Fame after leading the Boyle County Rebels to back-to-back Class 4A state championships in 2009, and 2010. His teams were undefeated in both championship seasons, and he earned The Associated Press Coach of the Year award in 2009. French’s impact extends beyond Boyle County, boasting a remarkable career record of 381-19-1, ranking him third on the KHSAA football career wins list. His induction honors not only his success at Boyle but a lifetime dedicated to the sport.
Record-Breaking Golf and Soccer Stars
Lily Caroline McDonald Bourque (Class of 2015) left an indelible mark on Boyle County golf, setting a school record with an 18-hole round of 75 in 2014. She also achieved the lowest 18-hole (76) and 36-hole (158) state tournament scores in school history and was the first Boyle girl to receive a Division I scholarship offer, accepting one from Lipscomb University.
Alex Combs Bredar (Class of 2012) excelled in soccer, contributing to four consecutive 45th District and 12th Region championships. Her team remained undefeated in regional play throughout her career. Bredar continued her success at Centre College, earning all-conference honors three times and reaching the NCAA Division III Final Four in 2015, where she was named the school’s female athlete of the year.
Pioneering Athletes and Multi-Sport Talents
David Randolph (Class of 1964) is recognized as a pioneer of Boyle County basketball, playing on the school’s first team and earning MVP honors. He led the team in scoring and rebounding and set a single-game scoring record of 34 points, which stood for over a decade. Randolph also competed in baseball.
Aaron Raitiere (Class of 2000) distinguished himself as a swimmer, achieving a third-place finish in the boys 100-yard breaststroke at the state level as a senior. He consistently earned All-America consideration throughout his high school career. Beyond athletics, Raitiere has achieved significant success as a singer-songwriter, winning Grammy, Country Music Association, and Academy of Country Music awards.
Track and Field Excellence and Soccer Prowess
Nikki Coffey Shearer (Class of 2015) was a key member of Boyle County’s dominant track and field program, contributing to Class 2A state championships in the 3,200-meter relay in 2011, 2013, and 2014. She accumulated 11 regional track and field titles and two regional cross country titles, playing a vital role in multiple regional championship teams. She continued her athletic career at Lindsey Wilson College, earning all-conference honors in cross country.
Johnathon Stephens (Class of 2014) showcased exceptional soccer skills, earning All-State honors in 2013. He scored in 16 consecutive games and tied a national record with six hat tricks in a row, leading his team to a regional runner-up finish. Stephens also participated in track and field and later played soccer for Georgetown College.
The Growing Importance of Athletic Hall of Fame Recognition
The induction of these seven individuals highlights the enduring impact of high school athletics. Boyle County High School’s commitment to recognizing its athletic alumni, as evidenced by the open nominations currently being accepted [link to Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1295695815693244], fosters a sense of community and inspires future generations of athletes. The Hall of Fame serves as a tangible link to the school’s rich athletic history.
FAQ
Q: How are inductees selected for the Boyle County High School Athletic Hall of Fame?
A: Nominees are evaluated based on their accomplishments as players, coaches, or contributors at Boyle County High School. Relevant materials supporting their achievements are considered by a selection committee.
Q: Where can I find the Hall of Fame nomination form?
A: The nomination form is available online at [link to Hall of Fame Form: https://bchs.boyle.kyschools.us/extracurricular/athletics/hall-of-fame-form].
Q: What criteria are used to evaluate nominees?
A: Accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to Boyle County High School athletics are all considered.
Did you know? Larry French’s 381 career wins place him among the top high school football coaches in Kentucky history.
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