CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Deer Park Hall of Fame Committee has selected honorees for the Class of 2024. The Deer Park Hall of Fame inducted its first members in 1991, and features not only athletes, but also musicians, actors, philanthropists and scholars.
Inductees can be admitted under the category of Athlete, Staff Member/Administrator/ Coach, or Distinguished Alumnus/Alumnae. This year, the committee selected four new members of the Hall of Fame to represent the Class of 2023. They are:
- Don Brandner (Class of 1971)
- Doug Gilmore (Class of 1969)
- Jimmy Madison (Class of 1965)
- Scott Schweiger (Class of 1974)
- Dennis Smith (Class of 1974)
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Don Brandner
As a member of the Class of 1971, Don was an outstanding wrestler who became a fierce competitor once he entered the circle. Throughout his career, he wrestled in the 171 lbs. weight class and gained continual success throughout high school. Don’s secret weapon was wrestling his teammate, Rick Applegate, who was a heavyweight. This strategy paid off substantially his senior year. He started his quest with a 30-3 record which led him to 1st place finishes in the EHL and Sectional meets. At Districts, Don earned a spot at the State tournament after securing a 3rd place finish. Don also secured a spot in the Deer Park High School wrestling history books when he finished 5th at the State meet. All this success earned Don first honors from the EHL, Cincinnati Enquirer All City, All District and All Regional, as well as third team All State. Don was considered the “Most Outstanding Senior Athlete”.
Doug Gilmore
Doug was a three-sport athlete for the Class of 1969. He lettered all four years in football, basketball, and baseball. Doug’s talents contributed to the Deer Park basketball team winning the EHL all four years of his career. In addition to his athletic ability, Doug was voted Senior Class President. This leadership quality continued in college and beyond, as Doug worked in construction and then started his own construction company. He shared his talents and showed his continued dedication to Deer Park Schools by building the current dugouts at Hank Estes field.
Jimmy Madison
Jimmy is a distinguished Alum from the Class of 1965. Defined as a Deer Park treasure, Jimmy is a legendary jazz drummer who has had tremendous success throughout his career. Considered a child prodigy, Jimmy began playing drums at the age of 4 and was playing professionally at the age of 12. He shared his talents in high school as a member of the Gray-Scarlets, under the direction of Frank Meisner. He left Cincinnati at the age of 19 to continue following his dream of playing music in New York. Over the course of his career, he created an 18-piece Big Band with award winning musicians across New York, toured Europe with James Brown, and has worked with a plethora of 20th Century musical greats. He was once called “the best kept secret in Jazz.” We are honored to share his secret with the entire Deer Park community. Accepting the award on his behalf is Allen Sheff.
Scott Schweiger
As a member of the class of 1974, Scott was a varsity swimmer all four years of high school. He swam the butterfly, the most difficult stroke in swimming. As a freshman, Scott won the EHL and Sectional meets in the 100-yard butterfly. His junior year, Scott placed 1st in the EHL and Sectional meets and placed 10th in the State finals. He also swam the 50-meter freestyle that year, placing 1st in the EHL and 2nd in the Sectionals. His success in the 100-meter butterfly continued in his senior year, as he placed 1st in the EHL and 2nd in the Sectional meet. Scott earned First Team All-League and First Team All-City in the 100-meter butterfly in 1971,1973, and 1974 by the Cincinnati Enquirer and Post. We are proud to welcome Scott Schweiger into the DP Hall of Fame as his friend, Daryl Thornton accepts the award on his behalf.
Dennis Smith
Denny is a distinguished Alum from the Class of 1974. He played four years of basketball and was named 2nd team All-League his senior year. He was also on the track team for three years. While these are worthy accomplishments, Denny’s gift is that he genuinely cares about Deer Park and the people who live here. He helps in big ways financially as well as small ways daily. Denny was a huge proponent of the football field turf and gave generously to get the fundraising off the ground. He vocally supported the school levy campaign and the Amity school renovation. Denny was one of the main fans who helped financially during the 2018 basketball team’s run to the State Title, supporting the team, coaching staff and cheerleaders. Denny serves as a mentor to numerous athletes, providing necessities as well as offering advice and guidance. He has made an impact on student athletes, helping them navigate high school and coaching them after graduation. All these acts are performed humbly and graciously. Denny has a servant’s heart and exemplifies what a Deer Park Wildcat should be!
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Deer Park Schools, in association with the Deer Park High School Hall of Fame, would like to congratulate these Deer Park Alumni on their tremendous contributions to our Wildcat community!
Nomination forms for the next Hall of Fame class can be found under the Hall of Fame section on the Deer Park Schools website HERE.
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