It’s time to celebrate the first of many great Panthers. The inaugural class of the Starr’s Mill High School Hall of Fame is set to be inducted this weekend.
The group of five inductees will be honored at the varsity football game on Friday, September 15.
The inaugural class is Clint Barbour (football and wrestling), Manny Bashakes (athletics contributor), Mike Earwood (football coach), Sam Martin (football), and Mary Chaudoin Mullins (volleyball).
Along with wrestling, Barbour (Class of 2000) was a member of the school’s first football team, helping lead them to the state playoffs as a senior. He was also the first Panther football player to play in college, suiting up for Georgia Southern.
Manny Bashakes has been an instrumental part of Panther athletics for more than 20 years as a volunteer, helping with field maintenance and lawn equipment.
Mike Earwood was the first head football coach and first athletic director for Starr’s Mill, taking the job in 1997. He set the tone for Panther athletics, leading the football team for 13 years. Overall, he compiled a 216-114-1 record over 38 years as a coach.
Sam Martin (Class of 2008) was a three-sport athlete at Starr’s Mill, including four years on the varsity soccer team. As a senior punter on the football team, Martin caught the interest of colleges, going on to play at Appalachian State. He was drafted in 2013 by the Detroit Lions, and he is now in his 11th season in the NFL as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
Mary Chaudoin Mullins (Class of 2008) was a star of the volleyball team, pushing the Panthers to the region crown all four years. She was named GHSA Player of the Year as a senior before going on to play at Indiana University. She helped lead the Hoosiers to the NCAA Sweet 16 as a junior, and she earned the Director’s Award as a senior, the top award given to Indiana student-athletes.
The football game against LaGrange kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
Posted 9/14/2023
