Springfield to add four to athletic hall of fame

Four members will be added to the Springfield City School District Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday: Amanda Jackson (2003 South graduate), Sam Heinzen (1998 North grad), Billy Glenn (’59 Springfield grad) and Gunter Polte (’56 Springfield grad).

A reception will be held at the Springfield High School media center at 6 p.m. on Friday, followed by an induction ceremony at 6:30. All the new members or their representatives will be introduced in the gymnasium prior to the boys varsity basketball game against visiting Springboro.

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Amanda Jackson: A four-year starter in basketball, she is South's all-time girls career scoring leader and was Miss Basketball of Clark County as a senior. Extended that success at Miami University, where she finished her career as the RedHawks' all-time scoring leader (1,979) and still ranks No. 2. Played professionally overseas for seven seasons, then returned to Springfield as a middle school basketball coach.

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Sam Heinzen: Comprised North's entire boys gymnastics team, twice winning a state title in vault and adding a title on floor exercise as a senior. Represented the Panthers at state for four years. Placed fifth (senior) and seventh (junior) in all-around at state. Also competed in gymnastics at Ohio State. A U.S. Air Force veteran.

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Billy Glenn: Outstanding three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field. All-Greater Ohio League running back for 9-1 team as a senior. Leading scorer on basketball team that won a district championship as a senior. Also ran on record-setting 440-yard state title relay. Key member of Wildcats teams that won successive boys state track titles in 1957-58. Attended Nebraska College and retired from GM. Deceased in 2013.

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Gunter Polte: Won a state singles tennis title as a junior and teamed with his brother Hans to place runner-up in doubles as a sophomore. Had one tennis loss in high school career, which prevented him from advancing to the state tournament as a senior. Long playing career after graduating and served on technical advisory boards for Dunlop, Head, Prince and Wilson tennis equipment manufacturers. Continues as a teaching pro, which he began in 1962.

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