Shawnee Public Schools honored two former football players, local first responders, and outstanding students Friday during Hall of Fame Night at Jim Thorpe Stadium.
Jim Ford and Tracy Dilliner, both members of the Shawnee High School Class of 1978, were inducted into the Shawnee football Hall of Fame during the celebration.
“Hall of Fame Night is about recognizing the people who helped build the tradition of Shawnee football and the legacy we want our current Wolves to carry forward,” Shawnee Public Schools Athletic Director Dax Leone said. “Jim and Tracy represent the kind of commitment, character and dedication that make being a Shawnee Wolf special.”
Ford was a two-year starter at tackle and earned All-District Offensive Tackle and All-State Honorable Mention honors as a senior. He continued his football career at the University of Central Oklahoma, earning three varsity letters and starting at guard. He was a member of UCO’s 1979 team that advanced to the NAIA Division I National Championship game.
Dilliner was a starting offensive guard for Shawnee during his junior and senior seasons. He earned All-District honors and was named Offensive Player of the Year in 1977. After graduating, he entered the workforce and later founded Select Janitor Supply in Shawnee in 1989. The company served Central Oklahoma for nearly three decades before Dilliner retired in 2016.
The game also featured First Responder Night, with honorary captains representing the Shawnee Police Department, Lt. Russell Conner, and Shawnee Fire Department’s Major Tyler Farley and Lt. Nick Auld, recognized for their service to the community.
Students were also at the center of the evening. Will Rogers Elementary students led the Wolves onto the field before kickoff, and 10 students were recognized for demonstrating growth, determination, leadership, kindness, and a commitment to excellence.
“While we are proud to honor our alumni and the traditions that have shaped Shawnee, nights like this are ultimately about our students,” Superintendent Dr. Jason James said. “They are the reason we do what we do. Seeing our students lead the Wolves onto the field, be recognized for their character and celebrate alongside our seniors is a powerful reminder of the people and leaders we are helping develop.”
Will Rogers students recognized included Kobe Cloud and Lily Carver, first grade; Josiah Marizu and Runa Erim, second grade; Koda Hester and Carsyn Murphy, third grade; Raiden Cummings and Harper Grimes, fourth grade; and George Seebeck and Amellia Sehuame, fifth grade.
Shawnee High School seniors participating in athletics and activities were also recognized during pregame festivities, highlighting their contributions to the school and the community.
The evening brought together generations of Shawnee students, alumni, and community members in a celebration of athletic tradition, service, and student achievement.