There’s nothing like coming home.

 

That’s what two of those formally named to Milton’s Wall of Fame did, flying down from the New York metropolitan area for their honor. For the third, Bell Memorial Park felt even more like home thanks to the in-person support of several of his players.

 

This all happened on a picturesque late Saturday morning in Milton, when and where dozens came out to celebrate sports and specifically three individuals who made their mark in different ways.

 

After a welcome from Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen, Councilmember Phil Cranmer recalled his time on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board when he was involved in the Wall of Fame selection process. While Milton isn’t the oldest or biggest community, it has an impressive track record of producing outstanding athletes, coaches, and contributors like those who are part of all six Wall of Fame classes, as Cranmer pointed out.

 

Turning to the 2024 honorees, he said, “All three of you are joining very good company. And all three of your very much deserve to be part of this exclusive club.”

 

Each of the inductees were introduced with bios before they personally addressed the dozens of people in attendance at Bell Park.

 

Lydia Cassada – a legendary lacrosse star at Milton High and with the Eagle Stix program before moving onto Northwestern University – recalled how she got into the sport at the suggestion of her middle school PE teacher, Tim Godby. Godby, himself a Wall of Fame member, founded Eagle Stix and is the longtime Milton High girls lacrosse coach.

 

The next honoree, Cole McNamee, grew up playing baseball at Bell Memorial Park. He pointed out that it looked very different back then, before its transformation to the park it is today. McNamee grew up, too, rising from Hopewell Baseball to become a standout pitcher and first baseman at Blessed Trinity High, Wake Forest University, and Georgia Tech.

 

The third and final inductee, Bob Rech, made his impact on the sidelines coaching football and baseball – including several athletes who attended Saturday’s ceremony. He made a point to thank his wife for indulging his passion for coaching and, with that, many nights and weekends away from home.

 

Congratulations Lydia, Cole, and Bob!

 

To see who else is on the Wall of Fame, you can physically visit Bell Memorial Park or virtually visit www.miltonga.gov/WallOfFame. On that webpage, you can also nominate someone to be part of Milton’s next Wall of Fame class (to be inducted in fall 2025).