Rivals Unite for Athletic Hall of Fame

Bridgewater and Emery, communities with a shared history of athletic achievement, are launching their joint Bridgewater-Emery Athletics Hall of Fame. The inaugural induction banquet is set to take place on Saturday, August 29th, at the Emery Auditorium. This significant event will include a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by a banquet and the induction ceremony at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are priced at $40.

The first class of inductees will honor notable figures such as Brian Aamlid, Harold Koch, John Rinehart, Lee Ibis, Terry Janssen, Steve Arend, and Heather Wollman. Additionally, two championship teams, Bridgewater's 1961 boys basketball and Emery's 1950 boys basketball, will be recognized. The hall of fame aims to preserve the rich athletic heritage of both communities and the consolidated Bridgewater-Emery school, which formed in 2010.

Spearheaded by a dedicated 12-person committee, the hall of fame project quickly moved from concept to reality in just a few months. Brad Bartscher, a founding committee member, expressed his excitement about bringing the communities together, overcoming their past rivalry. Future inductees will be selected based on established bylaws, including athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters, with eligibility requiring athletes to be at least 10 years post-high school graduation.