No one told him why he was invited to the high school auditorium Saturday, or why he wasn’t allowed to leaf through the program of events for the evening. Former Athletic Director Frank Holst, who served 34 years in the Elmsford School District, later joked that plenty of persuasion was necessary for him just to leave the house.

When the reluctant Holst realized why his presence was requested, he was moved to tears. The Alexander Hamilton Athletics Hall of Fame Committee honored him for his service, celebrating a lifetime achievement. 

Holst was equally grateful.

“You all mean so much to me,” he told the crowd.

There was plenty of mutual adulation for him and all those honored during the Hall of Fame celebration on Sept. 9. The committee inducted two classes of athletes and teams, celebrating the Class of 2022 and 2023 for their achievements and the legacy they left in the district.

“For those of us who were fortunate enough to experience your success, we appreciate you for sharing your gifts with all of us in the Alexander Hamilton community,” said Richard Williams, the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The induction ceremony — the second in the district, which honored the Hall of Fame’s third and fourth classes — began with an introduction from committee member Wayne Bass. Williams was then followed by an address by Superintendent, Dr. Ronald Gonzalez, who credited the Red Raider greats for being positive mentors and role models.

“You understood the difference between talents and gifts,” Gonzalez said. “You used them together in the race marked out for you.”

The athletes’ successes were long and impressive. They were detailed by current Alexander Hamilton Athletic Director, Robert Pollok, who introduced all of the inductees with the exception of Holst, who was introduced by committee member Dr. Suzanne Phillips.

The new Hall of Fame members will soon be commemorated in the hallways outside the high school’s gymnasium, joining members of the 2020 and 2021 classes, whose plaques already adorn the walls.

Hall of Fame Class of 2022

Tre Bracey, Class of 2011: Track and field star who was a three-time state champ, excelling in sprint events and the long jump.

Daryl Evans, Class of 1986: This basketball star, a three-time Section 1 champion, finished his decorated career as a 1,000-point scorer. He was a two-time all-county and all-section pick and was awarded all-state as a senior.

George Finney, Class of 1991: Basketball star who was a two-time state champion, playing a key role on the 1988 and 1990 teams. He surpassed 1,000 career points.

Shereen Lightbourne, Class of 2009: Basketball star who topped the 1,000-point mark for her career, was twice named all-state and earned a Division I scholarship to play for Rider University.

Miguel Lluesma, Class of 1981: A football and track star who shined in both sports. He was all-state and all-county in football and a Section 1 champion in track. He ran track at Colgate.

1970 Varsity Boys Basketball team: The first unbeaten team at Alexander Hamilton High School finished 22-0. The team won a Section 1 Class C title and beat rival Woodlands in the Section 1 Class B/C Open championship.

1988 Varsity Boys Basketball team: The only unbeaten state champion in school history. The team finished 25-0 to defend its state championship in Class D. 

Hall of Fame Class of 2023

David Chambers, Class of 1979: The basketball star led his team to two straight state championship games. He was a two-time Section 1 champ and was named all-state twice.

Maia Hood, Class of 2013: The two-time all-state basketball player finished her career with over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She was a two-time Section 1 champion and also set the school record in the triple jump.

Kevin McLee, Class of 1972: The cross-country and track star set school records in the 1 mile, 2 mile, 3,000 steeplechase and 880 meters. He was a five-time Section 1 cross-country champ and won both cross-country and track state championships. He was also a winner at both the Loucks Games and Penn Relays.

Russell Robinson, Class of 1972: The all-county football and basketball player has the rare distinction of playing on an undefeated football team (1969) and basketball team (1970) during a decorated Red Raider career.

Anna Teschemaker, Class of 1999: This sprint star was a six-time Section 1 champ and a six-time state champion. She won individually in the 200 meters and twice in the 100 meters and was a cornerstone of three straight 4x100 relay state titles.

1990 Varsity Boys Basketball: After starting 4-3 against a challenging schedule, this team won 20 straight games to become the third basketball state champion in school history.

2013 Varsity Girls Basketball: This celebrated team competed against some of the regions biggest and best schools and the competition paid off. The Red Raiders won a Section 1 title and reached the state final four.