ATHLETIC
HALL OF FAME
Class of 2016
*Frank Ainsworth
1962
Larry Washington
1971
At ORHS - The first athletic star in Oak Ridge history, Frank was an All-Orange County Guard in 1961 and 1962. He became the first 1,000-point career scorer in Central Florida history as a senior, while leading the county in scoring with both his junior and senior seasons. At time of graduation he was the all-time leading scorer in Central Florida. Held all Oak Ridge High School basketball scoring records for over 25 years – along with holding the single game scoring record of 53 points for 53 years, eventually broken in 2014. Frank passed away in February 1964 in a tragic car accident. The “OR” placed in the center of the gym floor was done in his memory in the Spring 1964 and since been a staple in the ORHS Basketball.
Post HS - Played one year at Millersville State Teacher's College in Millersville, PA. Following his death, the college created the Frank Ainsworth Memorial Award to honor the team's outstanding performer.
At ORHS - Larry earned 5 varsity letters, 3 in football and 2 in track as he established himself as one of the all-time best in both sports. As a two-way performer, Larry played a key role in leading the 1969 football team to the school’s first ever winning season and then in 1970 to the Pioneers First Metro and District Championships. In football, he was a two time All Metro Conference performer, as a defensive back his junior year and then as a running back his senior season. He is the only Oak Ridge athlete ever to be named All-Metro both offensively and defensively. Larry was an All-Orange County performer in track competing in the sprints, relays and long jump. In addition to running on the District Champion Sprint Medley and Mile Relay teams, he long jumped 23-21/2 to set the school record. Although his record was broken eight years later, his 23-21/2 mark still stands as the best ever by a junior.
Post HS - He attended Seminole Community College where he earned All American honors while running on the National Championship 440 yd. Relay Team. His concluded his athletic career in 1977 playing for the Tampa Rangers in the Florida Semi-Pro League.
Clide Roberson
1972
At ORHS - All-Metro and All-State basketball player who teamed with Hall of Famer Curtis McClendon (2014) in leading the Pioneer basketball team to its finest season in school history in 1970-71.
Post HS- While serving four years in the Marine Corp from 1972-76, Clide earned All-Military honors while playing point guard in basketball and quarterback for the football team. He then moved on to Valencia and gained All American honors before accepting a scholarship to Florida Southern College where he lettered in Cross Country and Basketball. He led the Moccasins to the 1981-82 Division 2 National Basketball Championship.
Ed Herring
1978
At ORHS – Considered one of the all-time greatest Track & Field athletes in the history of Oak Ridge High School. In addition to being a three-year letterman, Ed was a two time All American and a two-time National Champion as a member of the 1976 #1 880-yard Relay Team and the 1977 #1 440-yard Relay Team. As a driving force in leading the Pioneers to national and state prominence, Ed was a major contributor to 11 major championships - three Metro, District and Region Championships (1976,77 & 78) along with the State Titles in 1977 and 78. A three year All Metro and All State performer, Ed is one of only two athletes in the history of Oak Ridge, the other being James Rolle, to be named All State for three consecutive years. In 1978, Ed was named the recipient of the Ray Judy Outstanding Performer Award. He remains the #2 all-time performer in the 100 yd., 220 yd. and 330 yd. dashes. He is still the record holder for the fastest 110 yd. relay leg at 9.5.
Post HS – Retired from the Army after 20 years.
Reggie Demps
1986
At ORHS – A three-year letterman in football and track who was an All-Metro and All-Central Florida running back his senior year. As the school record holder for the longest TD run in school history, 95 yards, Reggie became the first ever Pioneer to be named to the Citrus Bowl / FACA Super Seniors and play in the second annual Florida vs. Georgia All-Star Game. He scored the first touchdown in the game while leading Florida to the win. Still ranked in the top 10 listing for 100 yards at 9.8, Reggie led the 1984 & 85 team to the Metro and District Championships and the 1984 Region Championship. He was the 1985 recipient of the Dr. Robert Parsons Most Improved Performer Award.
Post HS – Upon graduation, Reggie signed a football scholarship with Clemson where he earned four letters while playing two bowl games.
Michelle Spear
1987
At ORHS - Lettered in 2 sports at Oak Ridge - Volleyball and Track. 6-time Metro Champion, 8-time District Champion, 5-time Region Champion and State Champion in the Long Jump as a Senior in 1987. Helped Oak Ridge win a team State Title in 1985; with runner-up finishes in 1986 and 1987. Was a Nationally ranked long jumper all 4 years of high school – ending her prep career earning All-American honors, while winning an Indoor National Championship in the Long Jump in 1987. She was inducted in to the Oak Ridge Girls Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1987, along with having her jersey retired by the Lady Pioneers. She competed/played under Oak Ridge Hall of Fame coaches Bill Stamper (2012) and Gina McFerren (2014).
Post HS – Received a track scholarship to Florida State University.
Wendy Smith
1993
At ORHS - Excelled in 2 sports at Oak Ridge, earning 6 varsity letters in Softball and Volleyball. In Volleyball, she holds nearly every all-time record in school history. She was a 2-time All-County team member, winning Orange County Player of the Year honors twice in her career. A 2-time Oak Ridge MVP. 2-time Orlando Sentinel Player of the week during her career. She was named a FACA All-Star as a senior and took home District Player of the Year honors. Lead the volleyball team to a Metro Title and its first ever District Championship as a junior. In softball, she was a FACA All-Star, All-Metro and Orange County and Oak Ridge MVP as a senior. Named Both Metro and Orange County Player of the Year in 1993. She was a member of the State Championship team in 1991 - as well as 3 District and 2 Regional titles.
Post HS - Went on to play Volleyball at Florida Community College of Jacksonville.
Ron Smith
Coach
Head Basketball Coach at ORHS for 12 years, 1986-1998, and JV Coach for 2 seasons prior. He is the all-time winningest Basketball Coach in school history with a record of 298-105. During his tenure the Pioneers won 4 Metro Conference Championships, 5 District titles, and 2 Regional titles. First basketball coach in school history to take a team to the State Championship game in 1989, finishing as the State Runner-Up. His 1989 team still holds the record for most wins in school history finishing the season at 34-2, with a 26-game winning streak during that season; Also a school record. During his career, he coached several All-Metro, District, Region and State players. 68% of his players went on to play college basketball. Served as a coach of the Central Florida Basketball Association Coaches All-Star Game. He also coached the second and third basketball All-Americans in ORHS history in Alonzo Harris and Willie Fisher - whom were inductees in the Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class in 2013. Coach Smith was inducted into the Metro Conference Hall of Fame in 1995.
*Ray Judy
Contributor
In his 35-year career in Education, 20 years was served as a Coach and Athletic Director at ORHS. He moved to Orlando in 1958 and came to OR in 1963 serving as basketball, football and baseball coach. After six years of coaching, he was named Athletic Director in 1969 and held that position until his retirement in 1983. For his many years of service at ORHS and the rest of the athletic community, he was honored as one of the original members of the Metro Conference Hall of Fame. He was a charter member of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administration in 1978, along with the Most Outstanding Performer Track award being named in his honor. Recipient of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s Professional Service Award in 1979. In May of 1981, ORHS dedicated the Ray Judy Base Field in his honor. He was also inducted into the Gibson County (TN) Sports Hall of Fame in 1995, for his outstanding basketball career at both Dyer High School and Union University.
*Dr. Robert Parsons
Contributor
Dr. Parsons served as lead team doctor for 12 years, 1971 to 1983. In addition to giving athletic physicals to Oak Ridge students, he also gave physicals to the Walker Junior HS athletes and served as their team doctor in the 1969 and 1970 football seasons. In addition to being on the sideline during the varsity home football games, Dr. Parsons traveled with the team and worked the sidelines during the away games. He made it a habit to come by football practice at least once a week to check on the health of the players and provide any care that was needed. During the football season there were times he would miss a football game or two due to his hunting trips to Montana, Canada or wherever. His son Shep, a 1974 grad, was the varsity punter in 1972 and 1973 seasons. Dr. Parsons and his wife, Elizabeth had two other sons, Robert, Jr. and Judd, and a daughter, Betsy, who also attended Oak Ridge. In 1979, the athletic department established and dedicated the Dr. Robert Parsons Most Improved Track Athlete Award to honor the former track athlete at Tulane University for his unselfish support of Oak Ridge athletics. Dr. Parsons retired from his medical practice in the late ‘90’s. He passed away on July 28, 2002 after a great round of golf that morning and swimming with his grandchildren later that afternoon.
* Deceased