Garrett College recently honored eight former athletes and coaches in its Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, highlighting careers marked by dedication, sportsmanship, and significant contributions to the college and beyond. The 2024 class was led by longtime Southern High School boys’ basketball coach Tom Bosley, who, along with five former baseball players, one men’s basketball standout, and the late women’s basketball coach Thea Garland, celebrated their legacies. Two 2017 inductees, Cat Whitfield and Mike Nagle, were also recognized after being unable to attend their initial induction ceremony.
Tom Bosley: A Coaching Legend
Tom Bosley, known for his success with Southern High School boys’ basketball, started his athletic journey as a player for Garrett College from 1972 to 1974. He later returned as head coach, leading the Lakers to a 51-35 record from 1982 to 1985. Afterward, he spent 27 years coaching at Southern High, amassing 424 victories, seven 20-win seasons, five area championships, and four state tournament appearances before retiring in 2023. His influence on players was profound, with four earning area Player of the Year honors under his guidance.
In 2022, Bosley was recognized as head coach for the East team at the McDonald’s All-American Game, an honor highlighting his impact on high school basketball.
Professional Careers in Baseball
Four former Lakers baseball players turned professional, each leaving a unique mark in their field. Mike Johnston, who played one season with the Lakers, went on to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the second known MLB player with Tourette syndrome. Reflecting on his time at Garrett, Johnston said, “The lessons I learned…were instrumental in shaping me into the man I am today.”
Tobi Stoner, another former Laker, played nine years in the minor leagues and briefly for the New York Mets. “Being inducted with such an accomplished class is an incredible honor,” Stoner remarked. Mark Deutsch, who was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, helped lead the Lakers to an impressive 53-14 record and continues to recall fond memories of Garrett College. Ron Kaufman also enjoyed success, pitching four seasons in the minors with notable statistics.
Tim Bishop, another standout, held the career home run record at Garrett before advancing to Flagler College, where he ranks fifth in all-time homers.
Honoring Basketball Excellence
The Hall of Fame also celebrated the achievements of basketball stars Mike Saturday and the late Thea Garland. Saturday, a men’s basketball player from the 1970s, at one time, held multiple records at Garrett, including for points and rebounds. Garland, honored posthumously, served as the head coach for the Lady Lakers, leading them to a region championship and a seventh-place national finish in 2008. Her team’s dedication to sportsmanship won them the Betty Jo Graber NJCAA Sportsmanship Award, an accomplishment accepted by her sister, Nina Garland, on her behalf.
A Special Night of Recognition
Garrett’s co-athletics Directors, Elizabeth Show and Eric Hallenbeck, pridefully reflected on the night. “Recognizing the achievements and contributions of our finest athletes and coaches…is what it’s all about,” Show said. Hallenbeck added, “The appreciation and love shown by the inductees and presenters demonstrated that Garrett College was, and still is, a special place for each of them.”
The Hall of Fame ceremony celebrated individual excellence and the profound sense of community and pride Garrett College instills in its athletes.
or a specific category with our 
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.