BH’s Sports Hall of Honor to induct ‘05 class

MONT BELVIEU— Four people who were named to the 2005 Class of the Barbers Hill Sports Hall of Honor will finally get their recognition this weekend.
An induction ceremony was scheduled for Oct. 1. However, because of Hurricane Rita the ceremony had been postponed. Carmina Goss, who serves on the Hall of Honor committee, said the ceremony would be held Jan. 21 at the high school auditorium. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The hall’s golf tournament, which was planned for Sept. 23 was also postponed. Goss said they were not sure when the tournament would be held but that they wanted to do it soon, before the spring tournament season begins.

Three former Barbers Hill athletes are among the inductees who have been selected as the Barbers Hill Sports Hall of Honor Class of 2005.
This year’s class includes James Clark, Ken Skidmore and Aarika Florus.
For his contributions to the Barbers Hill athletic program, James “Jimbo” Wooldridge has been named a Special Recognition Honoree.
Accomplishments made by the inductees include:
James Clark
Basketball: All-District 1968; All-State 1969; varsity starter for three years; he averaged 30.1 pts per game 1969; he had 54 pts. in a single game against Tarkington in 1969.
*Collegiate Basketball: U. S. Coast Guard Academy 1970; Sam Houston State University 1971.
*Football: Member of 1968 Bi-District Championship Team; 3 varsity letters; All-District 1969; 14 pass receptions in single game BH vs. Hardin 1968 (State record).
*Tennis: District Doubles Champion & Regional Qualifier 1967, 1968 & 1969.
Ken Skidmore
*Football: District 23-AAA Sophomore of the Year 1990; 1st Team All-District 1991 & 1992; District MVP 1992; All-Region & All-State Teams 1992; Team Captain 1991 & 1992; he had 4,301 Career Passing Yards; 38 Career Touchdown Passes and 18 Career Rushing Touchdowns.
*Collegiate Football: 1-year letterman University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette; 1995 Big West Conference All-Academic Team.
*Track: District Champion Discus 1991, 1992 1993; District Champion Shot Put 1992 & 1993; Regional Champion & State Meet Qualifier Discus 1992; Career Best Discus 162’4″ (BH School record).
*Collegiate Track: 2-year letterman University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette; 4th Place Sun Belt Conference Meet Discus 1994; 5th Place Sun Belt Conference Meet 1995.
Aarika Florus
*Basketball: Member of the 1997 State Championship Team; Member of the 1995 Regional Championship Team; All-District 1996, 1997, & 1998; District 22 AAA MVP 1997 & 1998; was named to the All-State Team 1997 & 1998; was the 1997 Conference AAA MVP State Tournament; TABC, TAHSC 1998 All-State & Texas Basketball Magazine All-State 1997 & 1998; Averaged 23.9 pts. & 10 rebounds per game 1998.
*Collegiate Basketball: 4-year letterman Rice University; 1999, 2000, 2001, & 2003 Western Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.
*Cross Country: 2-year varsity letterman; member of the 1994 Regional Champions & State Qualifiers.
*Track: Regional Qualifier High Jump 1996, 1997, & 1999
James Bradley “Jimbo” Wooldridge
A Special Recognition Honoree
*James Bradley “Jimbo” Wooldridge was one of those rare individuals who demonstrated by his actions his love for all human beings, especially children and young people. 
For many years he devoted a large portion of his time, talent, energy, and financial assistance to the youth of Barbers Hill, particularly to those involved in sports. Jimbo was always supportive of Barbers Hill athletes and his support encompassed several areas. 
He served as an assistant baseball coach/trainer/team doctor (with supplies he paid for himself). In addition, he was also there for the athletes to empathize when disappointments came, to motivate them to not give up, and to counsel if needed. 
For many years, the coveted Jimbo Wooldridge Sportsmanship Award was given to an athlete chosen by his teammates. Jimbo was also a role model for courage. 
As a young child he injured one of his knees and walked with a pronounced limp. Yet he overcame his handicap and won a track scholarship to college, played semi-pro baseball, became a successful husband, father, businessman, church deacon, a member of the Hall of Fame of the Lions Crippled Children’s Camp, and a friend to all. 
He will always be a cherished part of the history of Barbers Hill athletics.