Laura Coats (1983) – At ORHS – Built an exceptional all-around athletic and academic legacy at Oak Ridge High School. During her time at ORHS, she earned an impressive eight varsity letters, competing across three seasons each in basketball and volleyball, and two seasons in track and field. As a member of the highly successful track teams of the early 1980s, Laura distinguished herself as a 300-meter intermediate hurdler, earning All-County honors, while also contributing as a key member of the school’s sprint relay teams.  In volleyball, Laura was an All-Metro Conference selection and played a pivotal role in leading the Lady Pioneers to the District Finals during her senior season. On the basketball court, she was a starter during both her junior and senior years, providing leadership and consistency for the Lady Pioneers program. Her excellence across multiple sports and her impact on the ORHS athletic community were recognized in 1982, when she was voted Oak Ridge High School’s Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year.  Beyond athletics, Laura excelled academically and as a student leader. She was a member of the National Honor Society, actively involved in the Civitan Club, and served as Senior Class Vice President, reflecting her commitment to leadership and service.  Post ORHS - Continued her academic pursuits and went on to graduate from the College of William & Mary, further exemplifying the well-rounded excellence she demonstrated throughout her high school career.
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Leo Coleman (1982) - At ORHS – A distinguished athletic career at Oak Ridge High School as a standout soccer player. A three-year starter and three-year letterman, he earned First Team All-Conference honors in 1980, 1981, and 1982, and was named to the All-State team as a senior in 1982. Coleman played a key role in leading ORHS to Metro Championships in 1980—the first in school history—and again in 1982. His senior season was further highlighted by selection to the All Pizza Hut Team in 1982, capping an exceptional high school career marked by consistency, leadership, and competitive success.  Post ORHS - Following his graduation in 1982, Coleman continued his soccer career at Brevard College in North Carolina, where he was a two-year letterman. In 1984, he earned First-Team All-Conference (WCJCC) honors along with All-Region X recognition. During his collegiate career, his team qualified for the Junior College National Championship Tournament in 1983. After college, Coleman went on to compete at the semi-professional level, extending his impact in the sport beyond high school and college play.
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Charles ‘Charlie’ Dent (1967) - At ORHS – Arriving at Oak Ridge from Dreux Air Force Base in France during his 10th grade year, Charlie did not begin his athletic career until his junior year.  Being recruited off the baseball team after his junior year, Charlie became one of the outstanding defensive backs in the Metro Conference.  An All-Conference performer, he set the school record for a pick-6, going 86 yards for the winning touchdown against Evans.  His school and Metro conference record lasted 51 years until broken with a Pioneer 99-yard interception in 2017.  Charlie was 2-year letterman in baseball while earning All-Metro Conference honors in the outfield, while batting .302 his senior year.  The historical aspect of Charlie Dent’s athletic career was his being one of several Orlando high school athletes competing at a predominantly white school prior to the desegregation of Florida high school athletics in the fall of 1968.  Post ORHS – He accepted a baseball scholarship to attend Seminole Junior College, but just prior to the start of the baseball season the family moved to California as his dad was reassigned.  He then attended Antelope Valley Junior College in California, where he played baseball and football for two years before moving on to California State University at Northridge.  A knee injury his second year at Antelope Valley ended his athletic career.
 
 George Gardner (1984) - At ORHS – A one-year letterman in both track & field and cross country for the Pioneers, compiling one of the most accomplished single-season résumés in school history. In 1984, he earned All-American, All-State, All-Metro, and All-Central Florida honors while helping lead ORHS to Region, District, and Metro Championships. He was a key member of the nationally ranked #2 Four Mile Relay Team and part of the historic 1984 Florida Relays Championship squads in the Distance Medley Relay, Two Mile Relay, and Four Mile Relay—making ORHS the only school ever to win all three events at the Florida Relays in the same year. Individually, Gardner was the 1984 Metro, Region, and State Champion in the 880-yard run and a Metro and Region champion in the mile relay. He set multiple school records, including the 880-yard run (1:53.4), 1500 meters (3:59.5), mile split (4:23.5), and was part of record-setting relay teams in the Distance Medley Relay (10:26.99) and Four Mile Relay (17:49.37). In cross country, he earned All-Metro, All-County, All-District, and All-Region honors, ran a school-record 15:04 for three miles, and was a member of ORHS’s first-ever Metro and Region Championship teams in 1983, as well as a fourth-place State Championship team.  Post ORHS - Continued his athletic career at Florida State University, where he was awarded a track and field scholarship in 1984. He lettered as a freshman and anchored the Sprint Medley Relay to a Texas Relays Championship victory in record time, competing on one of the nation’s premier collegiate stages. Unfortunately, an injury cut short his freshman season and ultimately ended what was shaping up to be a standout collegiate and potentially national-level career.
 
Randy Heitizman (1972) – At ORHS - A standout multi-sport athlete at Oak Ridge High School, earning six varsity letters during his career. He lettered four times in track, notably competing for Oak Ridge as a ninth grader while attending Walker, and twice in football as a defensive back. In track, his senior year was highlighted by All-State honors, a state championship, and a school-record performance as a member of the mile relay team, while also contributing to the school record–setting sprint medley relay. He recorded a best split of 48.9 seconds in the 440-yard relay. That same season, he was named All-Metro and All-County as part of the mile relay championship team and served as team captain. As a junior, he earned All-Metro recognition as a member of the sprint medley relay championship team. In addition to his athletic achievements, Heitizman was honored with the 1972 Oak Ridge Sportsmanship Award and demonstrated strong leadership as the Lettermen Club President and Senior Class Sergeant-at-Arms during his senior year. Post ORHS – Following his graduation from Oak Ridge High School, he signed a track scholarship and continued his athletic career at Troy State University. He went on to earn three letters in track at Troy State, further cementing his success and consistency as a collegiate athlete.
 
Dr. Alex Jackson (Coach) – Coach Jackson built a highly successful and respected coaching career at Oak Ridge High School, marked by sustained excellence, player development, and postseason achievement. Originally hired as a science teacher and assistant football coach, Dr. Jackson transitioned into basketball when he was named JV Boys Basketball Head Coach from 2007 to 2009, compiling an impressive 30–7 record. In 2009–2010, he served as the lead varsity assistant coach under Coach Derek Heard, helping guide the ORHS varsity team to a District Championship, Regional Championship, and a State Runner-Up finish in Class 4A. Following that season, he was named Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach, a position he held from 2010 to 2016, averaging 23 regular-season wins per year. During his tenure, Oak Ridge captured Metro Championships in 2014 and 2016, District Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2016, and District Runner-Up finishes in 2014 and 2015, while advancing deep into the postseason with a State Runner-Up finish and Regional Championship in 2012, Regional Finals appearances in 2013 and 2015, and Regional Semifinals appearances in 2014 and 2016. His teams gained national recognition, playing on ESPN in 2014 against Monteverde Academy and earning City of Palms Classic invitations in 2014 and 2015. Under his leadership, Oak Ridge produced elite talent, including a McDonald’s All-American, Dairy Farmers 8A Player of the Year and Cady Lalane, the first Oak Ridge player ever drafted by the NBA (San Antonio Spurs) in 2015. Dr. Jackson finished his varsity head coaching career at ORHS with a 119–56 record (68% winning percentage), contributed to 252 total program wins across varsity, JV, and freshman levels, and helped more than 20 players advance to college basketball before retiring from coaching in 2016 to move into school administration.
 
Nyquan ‘Noonie’ Murray (2015) -  At ORHS -  A standout two-sport athlete at Oak Ridge High School, earning varsity letters in both football and basketball. On the basketball court, he was a three-year starter for the Pioneers and a consistent contributor, helping lead the program to a State Runner-Up finish in 2012. On the football field, Murray emerged as one of the premier wide receivers in Central Florida. His junior season marked a breakout year, as he recorded nine games with 100 or more receiving yards and led the team with 88 receptions for 1,523 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning All-Metro and All-Central Florida honors. As a senior, he continued to flourish, finishing the season with 75 catches for 1,355 yards and 16 touchdowns while helping Oak Ridge to a 9–2 record and its first district championship in 37 years in 2014. He again earned All-Metro and All-Central Florida recognition and was named to the Central Florida Super 60 Team.  Post ORHS- Following his graduation from Oak Ridge High School, Murray earned a football scholarship to Florida State University, where he went on to have an accomplished collegiate career. He earned All-ACC honors and finished with 127 receptions for 1,854 yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking 17th all-time in both receptions and receiving yards in FSU history. One of the highlights of his career came in the 2016 Orange Bowl against Michigan, when he caught a 92-yard touchdown pass—the longest touchdown reception in Orange Bowl history. Murray continued his football journey at the professional level, playing in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts, and in the XFL. He also competed in Indoor and Arena League football, where he earned First-Team All-League honors in both leagues.
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Tim Murray (1992) – At ORHS - was a standout multi-sport athlete at Oak Ridge High School, excelling in both football and track & field. In football, he was a three-year letterman and the Oak Ridge MVP Running Back, earning All-State Second Team honors in 1991 along with All-Metro and All–Central Florida recognition. He led the Metro Conference in rushing in 1991 with over 1,000 yards, establishing himself as one of the premier backs in the region. On the track, Murray was a four-year letterman and a consistent top performer, winning the Coach Ray Judy Outstanding Performer Award in 1990 and 1992 and the Coach Hughley Leonard Coach’s Achievement Award in 1989 and 1991. He earned All-Metro and All–Central Florida honors and set the Oak Ridge freshman record in the 400 meters (51.3 in 1989). By graduation, he ranked among the school’s all-time greats with a 48.7 400 meters (#5 all-time), 1:26.6 in the 600 meters (#6), a 47.9 split in the 4x400 relay (#7), and was part of the 4x400 relay team that ran 3:18.6 (#7). He was a key point scorer on Metro and District Championship teams in 1991 and 1992 and was named Oak Ridge Athlete of the Year in 1991.  He went on to win Orange County Male Track Athlete of the Year following his senior season.  Post ORHS -  Earned a track scholarship to Miami-Dade Community College.
 
Deborah Perry (1978) – At ORHS – Earned six varsity letters, competing three years each in basketball and volleyball. In basketball, she served as Co-Captain during her junior year (1976–77) and Team Captain as a senior (1977–78), contributing to winning seasons as a shooting guard in her sophomore and junior years before expanding her role as a point guard, shooting guard, and small forward her senior season. That year, she was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Lake Howell Holiday Basketball Tournament and scored 27 points in the final tournament game with strong support from her teammates. In volleyball, she was part of the Metro Conference Championship team in 1975–76, helped lead a winning season in 1976–77, and served as Co-Captain in 1977–78. Her endurance and determination were highlighted in a memorable double-overtime win against Winter Park, where she played the entire game—an effort credited to grit, teamwork, and timely coaching. Post ORHS - Perry broke barriers and built an extraordinary officiating career, becoming the first woman to officiate high school boys’ basketball. Over 21 years, she officiated across every level of the game, from preschool and middle school to high school, women’s junior college, NCAA Divisions II and III, Division I, and the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. After taking a leave in 2006, she returned to officiating in 2017 and has remained highly active in the profession. With over twenty years of experience officiating Women’s Division I and junior college basketball, she was selected to officiate the first round of the NCAA Women’s Division I March Madness Tournament, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for six consecutive years. She later became a conference tournament official for major conferences including the Atlantic 10, Big East, Atlantic Coast, and Trans America Athletic Conference, and officiated regular-season games across the ACC, Atlantic 10, Big East, MEAC, SEC, Sun Belt, TAAC, and Conference USA. Additionally, she worked Women’s Junior College tournaments in Mid-Florida, Panhandle, and Suncoast, being selected for eight state tournaments and ten conference tournaments, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence, perseverance, and leadership in the sport.
 
Molly Robe (1975) – At ORHS - Robe enjoyed an exceptional high school swimming career marked by consistent excellence and leadership during her time as a Lady Pioneer. She lettered all three years of High School and competed at both the Metro and State championships each season in individual events and relays. At the Metro level, she won the 200 Freestyle in 1973 and finished second in the 100 Butterfly in both 1974 and 1975. At the State meet, she placed third in the 100 Butterfly in 1974. Molly served as Team Captain in 1975 and earned the ORHS Outstanding Swimming Award all three years, in addition to being named ORHS Outstanding Athlete during the 1973–1974 school year. Her success extended beyond the state level, as she qualified for Nationals in 1974 in the 200 Butterfly, ranking 52nd in the United States while competing against athletes from four other countries. That same year, she was voted Top Female Individual Athlete by the Orlando Amateur Athletic Association and went on to earn High School All-American honors as part of the 400 Freestyle Relay team that won a State title and finished third nationally. Post ORHS - She continued her swimming career at Daytona Beach Community College from 1976 to 1978, where she earned All-American honors and served as Team Captain during the 1976–1977 season. After taking two years away from collegiate competition, she returned to the sport as a walk-on at New Mexico State University during the 1980–1981 season. Through determination and performance, she earned a spot on the Freestyle Relay team that competed and won at the Air Force Academy, an achievement that led to her being awarded a scholarship for the following season.
 
Jim Schoeck (1981) – At ORHS – A well-rounded athletic and academic career during his time at Oak Ridge High School. From 1978–1981, he was a standout member of the boys’ basketball program, serving as team captain during the 1980–81 season and leading ORHS to its first-ever Metro Conference Championship. He earned two-time All-Metro Conference honors (1979–80, 1980–81), was selected All-District by the Orlando Sentinel, received Honorable Mention All-State recognition, and finished in the top three of MVP voting at the 1981 Metro vs. Five Star Conference All-Star Game. His individual accolades also included the Orlando Kiwanis Club Student-Athlete Award and ORHS Sophomore Athlete of the Year. In tournament play, he was named to the All-Tournament Teams at both the 1980 Evans Invitational Christmas Tournament and the 1980 Optimist Christmas Tournament. Beyond athletics, Schoeck was deeply involved academically and socially, serving as President of the National Honor Society, earning PTSA Student of the Year honors, and participating in Teen-Aiders and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Post ORHS - He continued his success at Rollins College, where he was a four-year letterman on the men’s basketball team from 1981–1985 and served as team captain during his senior season. He was recognized as Outstanding Senior in 1985 and was nominated for Sunshine State Conference Academic Athlete of the Year. Academically and socially, he distinguished himself as a Dean’s List student during the 1983 and 1984 academic years, wand as an active member of the Chi Psi Fraternity, reflecting his continued excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service.
 
Michael Warren (1998) - At ORHS - Enjoyed a highly accomplished athletic career both during and after his time at ORHS. Earned an impressive 11 varsity letters across weightlifting (4), football (4), and track (3). In weightlifting, Warren was named Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, earned Most Improved Lifter as a freshman, and went on to win Most Valuable Lifter honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He addition to receiving All-Metro and All-County honors, he earned All-State recognition in weightlifting all four years – finishing 6th as a freshman, 4th as a sophomore, and 2nd his junior and senior seasons. In track, he ran the leadoff leg on the record-setting freshman/sophomore 800-meter medley relay team. On the football field, Warren was a starting running back during his junior and senior seasons. He also excelled academically as a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Post ORHS - He continued his football career at Upper Iowa University before transferring to the University of West Alabama, where his collegiate career was ultimately cut short due to injuries. He later went on to play semi-professional football in Central Florida for five different teams, highlighted by winning a championship with the Orange County Falcons.
   
*Wilbert “Chip” Wells (1978) – At ORHS - At Oak Ridge High School, Wells earned two varsity letters competing for the Pioneers in track and field and established himself as one of the program’s most accomplished sprinters. Throughout his high school career, he earned All-Metro, District, Region, and State honors, reflecting consistent excellence at every competitive level. As a junior, Wells was a key member of the 440-yard relay team that achieved All-American status and captured a National Championship, marking one of the most significant accomplishments in school history. In his senior season, he claimed individual Metro, District, and Region championships in the 100-yard dash, showcasing his dominance as a short sprinter. That same year, he was also part of the 440-yard relay team that went on to win the State Championship. In recognition of his leadership, dedication, and impact on the program, Wells was awarded the prestigious Hughey Leonard Coach’s Achievement Award. His legacy at ORHS remains strong, as he still ranks among the top 10 performers in four different events in school history.  Post ORHS - Following his success at ORHS, Wells continued his track and field career at Seminole Community College, where he was a two-year letterman and earned Junior College All-American honors. His performances at the junior college level paved the way for his transfer to Florida State University, where he competed at the NCAA Division I level. In 1981, he became an NCAA All-American as a member of the 4x100-meter relay team and also qualified for the NCAA National Championships in the 100 meters that same year. He continued to excel in 1982, winning the Metro Conference Championship in the 100 meters and capturing an additional conference title as part of the 4x100-meter relay team, further solidifying his reputation as an elite sprinter at the collegiate level. In 2005 he was inducted into the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame.
 
Blake Young (2004) – At ORHS - A four-year Pioneer basketball standout, Young averaged an impressive 27.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, establishing himself as a dynamic and versatile scoring guard capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. His elite play earned widespread recognition, including Class 6A All-State honors, which led to his selection for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) All-Star Game. During the summer of his junior year, Young further showcased his talent on a national stage by competing at the prestigious Nike All-American Camp. He capped off his high school career with another notable achievement by being named Most Valuable Player at the Florida Senior Showcase, solidifying his reputation as one of the top guards in the state.  Post ORHS - Young continued his basketball career at Daytona Beach Community College, where he made an immediate impact. He was named to the league’s All-Freshman Team and earned selection to the Mid-Florida Conference First Team. His outstanding performance led to him being honored as the Mid-Florida Conference Player of the Year, and he played a pivotal role in guiding DBCC to the 2005 Mid-Florida Conference Championship. Young later transferred to Kansas State University, where he completed his collegiate career. Following college, he went on to play professional basketball in Germany, earning back-to-back MVP awards while averaging over 30 points per game. Today, Young remains deeply committed to the sport and his community, giving back by operating year-round basketball tournaments, leagues, and camps across Central Florida, positively impacting the next generation of athletes.