McCracken County Schools announced their inaugural class of the McCracken County High School Hall of Fame and Hall of Heritage. The Class of 2026 includes seven individuals and one championship team whose accomplishments, leadership and lasting influence have brought distinction to their schools and community.
The McCracken County High School Hall of Fame recognizes excellence connected to McCracken County High School, while the Hall of Heritage honors the proud legacies of Heath, Reidland and Lone Oak high schools.
Last Friday, inductees were recognized with a ceremony at the high school as well as honored pregame before the Mustangs’ win over Union County.
Jasmine Bennett
Jasmine Bennett, a 2015 graduate of McCracken County High School, distinguished herself as an exceptional student-athlete, leader and role model.
A four-year varsity volleyball starter, Bennett finished her high school career with more than 1,600 kills and 187 blocks, including a school single-game record of 29 kills. She was named All-District and All-Region all four years, Region 1 Player of the Year in 2014, a Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association All-State selection for three consecutive years and a member of the 2014 KHSAA All-Tournament Team.
Bennett graduated as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA and earned KHSAA Academic All-State honors for three consecutive years. At the University of Louisville, she helped the Cardinals win two Atlantic Coast Conference Championships and make three NCAA Tournament appearances. She earned Second-Team All-ACC honors, was selected to the 2017 USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team and ranked third nationally in kill percentage in 2018.
Bennett graduated magna cum laude from Louisville and has continued her tradition of leadership through her coaching and professional career.
Geno Miller
Coach Geno Miller has left an enduring legacy on McCracken County High School athletics through his leadership, success and commitment to developing student-athletes.
A Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach, Miller coached baseball at Lone Oak and McCracken County high schools, earning multiple Region Coach of the Year honors throughout his career.
Under his leadership, McCracken County baseball earned seven consecutive regional championships, made five state Final Four appearances and advanced to a state championship game. His work helped establish the foundation for the successful baseball program McCracken County enjoys today.
Beyond wins and championships, Miller emphasized character, grit, discipline, accountability and perseverance. His influence continues through his leadership as an athletic director and his commitment to McCracken County athletics.
Ron Ruggles
Ron Ruggles was a beloved and dedicated supporter of McCracken County athletics whose influence extended far beyond the playing field.
For many years, Ruggles volunteered as a sports announcer at Heath High School and later McCracken County High School. He lent his voice and enthusiasm to numerous sports and became a familiar and welcomed presence at athletic events.
Known for his warmth, generosity and ability to connect with others, Ruggles made athletes, coaches and fans feel welcome and valued. His unwavering support for student-athletes made him a cherished member of the McCracken County athletic family.
Bailey Vick
Bailey Vick, a 2016 graduate of McCracken County High School, was an exceptional softball player whose achievements inspired local student-athletes to believe that competing at the highest levels of college athletics was within their reach.
A six-year varsity softball player, Vick helped lead McCracken County to two district championships, a 2014 KHSAA State Runner-Up finish and the 2015 KHSAA State Championship. She was a three-time KHSAA Academic All-State selection, a two-time All-District selection, a Second-Team All-State honoree and an East-West All-Star Game selection.
A 4.0 student, AP Scholar and Governor’s Scholar, Vick demonstrated that academic and athletic excellence could go hand in hand.
At the University of Kentucky, Vick earned SEC All-Freshman Team, SEC All-Defensive Team, NFCA All-Southeast Region, CoSIDA Academic All-District and Academic All-America recognition. As a senior in 2020, she was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, led Kentucky with a .582 batting average and earned SEC Player of the Week and D1 Softball National Player of the Week honors.
Vick was later inducted into the University of Kentucky Softball Hall of Fame. Her success continues to inspire generations of McCracken County athletes to dream bigger.
HALL OF HERITAGE INDUCTEES
Kenny Perry
Kenny Perry, a graduate of Lone Oak High School, is one of the most accomplished professional golfers to come from Western Kentucky.
After competing on the Lone Oak High School golf team, Perry continued his career at Western Kentucky University before turning professional in 1982.
Perry earned 27 professional victories, including 14 PGA Tour wins and 10 PGA Tour Champions victories. He reached a career-high World Golf Ranking of No. 4 in 2009 and established himself as one of golf’s most consistent competitors.
Perry finished runner-up at the 1996 PGA Championship, tied for second at the 2009 Masters Tournament, tied for third at the 2003 U.S. Open and tied for eighth at the 2003 Open Championship. He also represented the United States in multiple Ryder Cups and was part of the victorious 2008 team at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
His accomplishments have been recognized with some of golf’s highest honors, including the prestigious Payne Stewart Award in 2009. After joining the PGA Tour Champions, Perry was named Rookie of the Year in 2011, won the Charles Schwab Cup in 2013 and was honored as Champions Tour Player of the Year.
From his beginnings at Lone Oak High School to becoming one of the most successful professional golfers of his generation, Perry has represented McCracken County, Kentucky and the game of golf with exceptional skill, sportsmanship and distinction.