At the Wolves’ home opener on September 5, 2025, Shawnee Public Schools proudly inducted five distinguished alumni and contributors into the Shawnee High School Hall of Fame. The honorees, Dennis James Brooks, Gary Frazier, Jay Seikel, Justin Bedwell, and the late Richard “Dick” Lindon Bowman, were recognized with a special ceremony at halftime of the Wolves football game.
Dennis James Brooks, a 1974 graduate, was a standout member of the undefeated 1973 Wolves football team that captured the State Championship. He earned All-District 3A-3 honors, was named Offensive Lineman of the Week several times, and received the Golden Helmet Award as the top offensive player against Edmond. Brooks went on to play at Northeastern Oklahoma State University and Central State University, starting two years as an offensive tackle and earning All-District recognition. After graduating with a degree in education, he spent several years as a teacher and coach at Noble, Oologah, and Burleson high schools. Today, he resides in Jenks, Oklahoma, where he owns Kid Strength, Inc.
Gary Frazier, a 2007 graduate, excelled in football, track, and wrestling during his time at Shawnee. A member of the 2003 State Championship football team, Frazier went on to earn All-District and All-Area honors in football, four consecutive All-State track honors, and state championships in the 110m hurdles, high jump, and 4x800 relay. He was also a State Champion wrestler and four-time finalist. Beyond athletics, Frazier has made a lasting impact in his community through his work with Community Renewal, YMCA, Salvation Army, and Bridges Out of Poverty. In 2020, he joined the Shawnee Police Department, where he continues to serve. He resides in Shawnee with his family.
Jay Seikel, a 1975 graduate, was also a member of the historic 1973 State Championship football team. As a senior wide receiver, he set the school record for most receptions in a single game, was named an All-Conference selection, and was chosen as an alternate All-State honoree. Following graduation, Seikel pursued a successful career as a state-licensed HVAC and plumbing contractor while also dedicating more than 30 years to officiating high school and college athletics, including All-State and State Championship contests. He and his wife, Carla, have lived in Tecumseh since 1981, where they raised their family and now enjoy being grandparents and great-grandparents.
Justin Bedwell, a 2006 graduate, made his mark early as the only sophomore starter on the 2003 State Championship football team. He went on to start every game in 2004 and 2005, leading the team in tackles and earning All-State honors. He was named First Team All-Big City in both 2005 and 2006 and received MVP honors at the Wrangler Bowl. Following high school, Bedwell served in the United States Army as a Combat Medic from 2006 to 2015. He deployed to Afghanistan and earned numerous commendations, including the Combat Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and seven Army Achievement Medals. After his military service, he has devoted his time to helping veterans access benefits and treatment programs. Bedwell now resides in Moore with his wife, Jenny, and their two children, Londyn and Cal, and owns Camouflage Roofing.
The late Richard “Dick” Lindon Bowman, this year’s posthumous inductee, grew up in Ponca City and was recruited by legendary Oklahoma football coach Bud Wilkinson. He was named to the All-Big 7 and All-Conference teams before serving in the United States Army from 1953 to 1954. Bowman earned his master’s degree in education while serving as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma. He began his coaching career as Co-Head Football Coach at Shawnee High School in 1957 and 1958 before serving as head coach at Ponca High School, Knox College, and Wabash College, and later as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy. Bowman passed away in 1983 and is remembered by his wife Mary, his children, his brother Chuck, and many grandchildren.
“These inductees represent the very best of Shawnee—excellence on the field, commitment to service, and dedication to community,” said Dax Leone, Shawnee Athletic Director. “We are proud to honor their achievements and add their names to the Hall of Fame.”
The Shawnee High School Hall of Fame continues to celebrate individuals whose accomplishments bring pride to the Wolves and serve as inspiration for future generations.