WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Two former Airport High School athletes who made a name in their respective sports were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
This year’s inductees, Ray Stackley and Raymond Hallman, participated in several sports during their time at Airport High, including football and track. They join other athletes and coaches who have been honored since the first Hall of Fame class in 2004, among them standouts like Jimmy Stuckey, a defensive end at Airport who played for Clemson and the San Francisco 49ers; and Duce Staley, a wide receiver at Airport who played for the University of South Carolina, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
This year's inductees are:
- Stackley (Class of 1969) was a three-year starter in football and played on the All-Area Team, and Second Team, All-State. He was a two-year starter in basketball and was starting point guard on the state tournament team in 1968. Stackley also ran track and in 1968 was the state 100-yard dash champion, a record that still stands today. He was the first SC High School League State Champion in Airport’s history, and in 1969, played on the State Championship team, and scored in three separate events. Stackley later served as an assistant football coach in several districts before being named athletic director and head football coach at Goose Creek’s Stratford High School in 1985. He led his teams to several state playoffs, final four, and state championships, and was named Region Coach of the Year 15 times, Lower State Coach of the Year seven times, and State Coach of the Year three times. Stackley was inducted into the SC Football Coaches Hall of Fame, the SC Strength Coaches Hall of Fame, SC Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame, SC Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and SC Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Stratford’s football stadium was named Ray Stackley Field in 2006.
- Hallman (Class of 1982) earned two letters in football and two letters in wrestling He was presented with the War Eagle award for “above and beyond hustle,” and received the Eagle Claw Award in 1981, which is given only to players who earned a War Eagle – the “Best of the Best.” While playing football at Airport, Raymond was ranked second during his junior-year season and third during his senior year. His career rankings were sixth and ninth. Hallman also participated in weightlifting, golf and track. Raymond, who received the Most Athletic Senior Superlative, also was active in Student Council, Inter-School Council, the Pep Club, and served on the Prom Committee. Raymond received the Principal’s Award in 1982. Hallman was later vice president of Columbia Flooring and received the Employer of the Year Award. Hallman will be inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously.
The induction ceremony was November 1.