Washington County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2003
The six members of the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame who were inducted in the hall's 17th class in 2003:
John W. Bowers
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Bowers attended Williamsport High School, where he starred in football, basketball and baseball. In 1975, he passed for over 2,000 yards in football and pitched a two-hitter as Williamsport won the state baseball title.
“Earning a Masters degree in education in 1981, he became a college football coach, a profession he pursued at numerous schools just over 18 seasons. At the time of induction, he was a physical education teacher in the Ohio public schools and a head football coach.”
Walter 'Buddy' Orndorff Jr.
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Orndorff, who starred as a three-sport athlete at Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Md., in the late 1960s, was inducted on the strength of his unprecedented 10 Maryland girls track and field state championships in 14 years. Under his guidance, the Leopards won eight consecutive titles in Class 1A, a feat of domination equaled by only one other program in the state.
“He attended Western Maryland College in Westminster, Md., where he starred all four years in football and baseball. He captained the baseball team his senior year.
“Orndorff also coached the Smithsburg football team for more than 16 years.”
John David Russell
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Russell became Shepherd College's first All-American basketball player under coach Bob Starkey, who later coached at South Hagerstown High School. Russell starred at St. Maria Goretti High School in the early 1970s and was a prolific player at Shepherd, shattering several offensive records that remained intact at the time of induction. He was inducted into the Shepherd College Hall of Fame in 1986. Signed by two NBA teams, Russell played in Europe for the World Cup team, when in 1977 a tragic automobile accident in France took his life.”
Robert 'Turtle' Smith
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Smith starred as a third baseman at the University of Maryland from 1959-63. He earned team captain honors as a senior, and won the coveted Berger Cup that year as the one athlete designated as making an outstanding contribution to athletics at Maryland.
“A native of Hagerstown, Smith earned his scholarship to Maryland after a stellar career at Hagerstown High School. Since his college career, he has continually supported the university in both athletics and scholarship capacities.
“The baseball office in the university's new complex (at the time of induction) on the Maryland campus was named for Smith upon its completion.”
Nelson L. 'Butch' Ward
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Ward was the president and tournament director of the Maryland Bass Federation until his death in 1999. He was named Bass Angler Man of the Year in 1987. He was nationally acclaimed for his stand on environmental issues that impacted all sportsmen, and renowned for his prowess as an angler and instructor.
“Ward organized several youth tournaments and was instrumental in promoting tournaments for the handicapped. In 2001, the first scholarships were awarded to youth through the Nelson L. Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund. Ward left a legacy of devotion to youth and dedication to the promotion of bass fishing for everyone.”
Joseph 'Bert' Yingling
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Yingling, of Hagerstown, was a major factor in the continuing development of golf in Washington County. He is credited as a founder of the Beaver Creek Country Club. He also was a primary board member for Black Rock Golf Course and a major promotor of junior golf programs throughout the county. He also was instrumental in developing interest in and giving direction to golf programs in several Washington County high schools.”
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Washington County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2003
