Chesterfield County celebrated its rich athletic history Thursday with the inaugural induction ceremony of the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame, where 10 local sports legends were honored for their contributions both on and off the field. The event, hosted at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education, recognized athletes whose careers have left a lasting mark on the community.

Ken Oxendine, a Thomas Dale High School football standout who later played for Virginia Tech and the Atlanta Falcons, emphasized the importance of giving back.

“The community helped to grow me, and that’s one of the things we need to understand: that we need to continue to pour into the community, pour into our schools, pour into the individuals who are trying to create the foundation and fundamentals for our growing students,” Oxendine said.

Now, through his Box Sports Group, he continues to invest in youth development and community growth.

The Class of 2024 included notable athletes such as NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, NFL linebacker James Farrior, golfer Lanny Wadkins and Olympic hurdler Kellie Wells-Brinkley. Each inductee was selected from a pool of over 40 nominees for their significant impact on Chesterfield sports. Their names are now displayed at the River City Sportsplex, solidifying their place in local sports history.

Four honorees were unable to attend, including Hamlin, who was preparing for a NASCAR Cup Series race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. In a video message, Hamlin reflected on his roots: “I love being from Chesterfield. It’s where me and my dad started our first business. It’s where I cut my teeth racing at Southside Speedway and it’s a place that means a lot to me.”

James Farrior echoed similar sentiments in his video remarks, offering advice to aspiring athletes: “My hope is to be a shining light for young, aspiring athletes.

Keep believing in your dreams. Reach for the moon and even if you miss, you’ll still be among the stars.”

Softball star Lacey Waldrop, now coaching at the University of Houston, expressed pride in the growth of fastpitch softball in the county. “This sport has allowed me to have a platform to encourage young women to pursue what they love and be strong and courageous in whatever they do,” she said. “I have to say a big thank you to my parents. They gave me the freedom to decide which sport I loved, and who knows how many weekends they spent at the field – giving their time so I could pursue something I thoroughly enjoyed and continue to enjoy today.”

Two inductees, Vic Williams and Dave Amsler, were inducted posthumously and represented by their families. Their contributions were fondly remembered, with both families expressing deep gratitude for the continued recognition of their legacies.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of four C-Fit Community Grants, sponsored by Alexander’s Landscaping, supporting local organizations such as the Virginia Down Syndrome Association and Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center.

Chesterfield’s investment in its sports community was further highlighted by a $2,000 grant to Sportable, a local adaptive sports organization.

“Community has been mentioned so many times tonight. I will tell you, for us it takes a community. It takes parents and caregivers and coaches and volunteers and funders and supporters and strategic partners,” said Hunter Leemon, CEO of Sportable. “You ever heard that phrase ‘It takes a village’? Well, that’s our village, and it takes that for everyone to find success in athletics. I’m so proud and so honored that Chesterfield is part of our village because they help to make our work possible.”