HOF inducts eight Raiders

Whether a star on their respective playing surface, a legendary coach or an administrator who bled green and white, it was a star-studded group of eight individuals officially inducted as the inaugural class of the South Ripley Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon.

The class was inducted as part of a program in the South Ripley High School Auditeria with many in attendance to celebrate and honor the occasion.

Seven of the eight inductees were present with that group including Steve Allen (1978), Sam Durham, Debbie Jett-Mack, Jeff Lauber (1975), Tom Linkmeyer (1980), Ashlee (Lauber) Miller (2001) and John Sexton. The final inductee, the late William “Gus” Moorhead, was represented by the Moorhead family who put on display the legendary green and white jacket donned by the “Ol Coach.”

Below are career highlights for each inductee which were apart of an official press release from South Ripley Athletics:

Steve Allen – Basketball and Track Star

A 1978 graduate, Steve Allen holds the school and ORVC record for the high jump and was a state qualifier in track. On the basketball court, Steve was South Ripley’s all-time leading scorer—a record he held for over 40 years—and led the Raiders to a sectional championship in 1978. He still ranks 2nd on the all-time scoring list. He went on to play basketball at Miami University (Ohio), where he won a MAC championship.

Sam Durham – Cross Country and Track Coaching Icon

Sam Durham served as South Ripley’s cross-country coach for 15 years and track coach for 23 years. Under his leadership, his teams won multiple ORVC and Ripley County titles, with the boys’ track team winning a sectional championship in 1992. Sam coached 22 record holders and 4 state qualifiers during his tenure and remains one of the most influential coaches in South Ripley history.

Deb Jett-Mack – Volleyball and Track Coaching Legend and Administrator

Debbie Jett-Mack served as South Ripley’s head volleyball coach for 29 years, guiding her teams to seven conference titles and two sectional championships. She also led the girls’ track team to nine conference championships and ten county titles during her 11-year tenure as head coach. Additionally, Deb served as South Ripley’s athletic director for 19 years, leaving a lasting legacy on the Raider athletic program. “South Ripley educates students today, to become responsible citizens of tomorrow.”

Jeff Lauber – Distance Running Champion

A 1975 graduate, Jeff Lauber dominated distance running at South Ripley, setting records in the 3200 meters and 2.5-mile runs. He was a three-time ORVC and Ripley County champion and became an NCAA Division III All-American in both cross country and the steeplechase while competing for Trine University.

Tom Linkmeyer – Multi-Sport Star and Baseball Pioneer

A 1980 South Ripley graduate, Tom Linkmeyer excelled in basketball, track, and baseball. He once scored 42 points in a single varsity basketball game and set a school record in the 400-meter dash. A standout baseball player, Tom was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1983 and later founded the Indiana Bulls Amateur Baseball Organization, now one of the premier youth baseball programs in the country.

Ashlee (Lauber) Miller – Multi-Sport Star and Educator

A 2001 South Ripley graduate, Ashlee (Lauber) Miller excelled in basketball, softball, and volleyball, earning 12 All-Conference and 12 All-Sectional honors during her career. She is the all-time leading scorer in girls’ basketball history and holds single-season records in softball for RBIs and hits. After her playing days, Ashlee returned to South Ripley as a teacher, counselor, and coach, earning accolades such as Ripley County Educator of the Year (2021) and runner-up for Indiana School Counselor of the Year (2022).

Gus Moorhead – Legendary Coach and Administrator

Known affectionately as “The Ol’ Coach,” Gus Moorhead dedicated 40 years to South Ripley as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He served as South Ripley’s first head basketball coach, amassing a career record of 253-117. During a four-year stretch at Versailles, his teams achieved a remarkable 112-14 record, winning four consecutive sectional titles. After stepping away from coaching, Gus became principal of South Ripley High School, leaving a lasting impact through his strong leadership and his deep appreciation for the educational value of athletic participation. He has been inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame (1980), Hanover College Athletic Hall of Fame (1995), and Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame (2002).

John Sexton – Special Contributor

A 1960 graduate of New Marion and a U.S. Army veteran, John Sexton has been a dedicated supporter of South Ripley athletics for over 53 years. Since 1968, John has attended every Raider basketball game, including regular season, Ripley County Tournament, and sectional games, until the COVID pandemic interrupted his streak. Known as the ultimate South Ripley supporter, John’s unwavering dedication and passion embody the spirit of the Raider Nation.

The 2026 class will include up to six new inductees, with up to four members being inducted in subsequent years, ensuring that the Hall of Fame continues to recognize excellence across generations.

Each year new inductees will be recognized at a varsity basketball game. Additionally, an official banquet will be held each spring, providing each inductee with the opportunity to celebrate this accomplishment with friends and family.

For further information on the nomination process and eligibility requirements, please contact South Ripley Athletic Director Jeff Gorrell at jgorrell@sripley.k12.in.us