WARR ACRES – Four individuals from Putnam City West were announced recently as the new inductees into the Putnam City District Athletics Hall-of-Fame.

Gladys Griffin, a 1984 graduate, helped the Lady Patriots to two state championships in three years (1981 and 1983). Griffin pitched two one-hitters in the 1983 state tournament for the title. Signed by Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma), Griffin was a 4-time All-American for the Bronchos, setting career records in six categories. Griffin threw three perfect games, 12 no-hitters and 12 one-hitters in college. She was inducted into the UCO Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.

Carrie Heightley, now Schimmels, excelled in both softball and basketball at West, graduating in 1985. She earned All-City honors twice in basketball Heightley also earned All-State in both basketball and softball as a senior. As a junior, she helped lead West to a state title in 1983. Heightley played college softball at Texas A&M. The Aggies won the 1987 NCAA National Championship. Heightley earned All-Region honors twice. In 1988, Heightley led the team in hits, runs batted in, triples and total bases.

Ben Rutz, a 1992 graduate, was a two-sport star with the Patriots, earning All-City and All-State honors in both baseball and football. Rutz holds school records in passing yards, completions, touchdown passes and completion percentage for his high school career. Rutz played collegiately at Nebraska, Northeastern A&M and Kansas, where he earned the starting quarterback job with the Jayhawks.

Tim Sydnes, a 1995 graduate, was a three-sport star at West. Sydnes was a kicker for the football team, earning All-City and All-State honors twice. He kicked a then-state record 63-yard field goal as a senior. Sydnes also played basketball, earning All-City mention as a senior. In the spring, Sydnes was an All-State soccer player as a senior. He started for four seasons at Oklahoma State as the Cowboys’ kicker.

The induction ceremony and dinner will be August 26 at Victory Church (4300 N. MacArthur Blvd.). For ticket information, contact the Putnam City District Athletics Office at 405-495-5200.