Stillman Valley High School is proud to announce the SVHS Athletic/Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2026, honoring individuals and teams whose accomplishments, leadership, service, and contributions have made a lasting impact on Cardinal athletics and activities.
The Class of 2026 includes Coach Bobby Mellon; student-athletes Michelle Fager Rogers and Dan Godfread; Friends of Athletics James and Russ Elliot; the 2002-2003 Scholastic Bowl Team; and the 1989-1990 Chess Team.
The 2026 inductees will be introduced on Friday, September 25, following the Homecoming Court and prior to the varsity football game, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Bobby Mellon — Coach
Since joining the Stillman Valley girls basketball program in 2010, Bobby Mellon has compiled a 252-105 varsity record while helping build one of the most successful eras in program history. Under his leadership, the Cardinals have captured five regional championships, two sectional championships, and a Big Northern Conference championship. Mellon has also been recognized five times as an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association District Coach of the Year.
Michelle Fager Rogers — Student-Athlete, Class of 1996
Michelle Fager Rogers was a three-sport athlete at Stillman Valley High School, competing in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. She was a member of two state-qualifying girls basketball teams and also qualified for the IHSA State Track Meet in the hurdles. Her accomplishments included recognition as Girls Track MVP and SVHS Female Athlete of the Year.
Dan Godfread — Student-Athlete, Class of 1985
Dan Godfread established himself as one of the most accomplished basketball players in SVHS history before continuing his career at the University of Evansville. Godfread finished his collegiate career with 1,386 points, 737 rebounds, and 226 blocked shots and earned First-Team All-Conference recognition.
His basketball career later took him to the professional level, including time in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets and seven years playing professionally in Europe. His international career included playing for Barcelona in the 1995-96 FIBA EuroLeague Championship game.
James & Russ Elliot — Friends of Athletics
James and Russ Elliot have been longtime supporters of Stillman Valley athletics, regularly attending Cardinal contests both home and away. Their consistent presence and encouragement have made them familiar faces across generations of SVHS teams and student-athletes.
Their dedication and continued support of Cardinal athletics exemplify the spirit of the Friends of Athletics category.
2002-2003 Scholastic Bowl Team — Team
The 2002-2003 Stillman Valley Scholastic Bowl Team put together an exceptional championship season, finishing 68-6 overall and 13-0 in Big Northern Conference play.
The Cardinals captured their fourth consecutive conference championship, fourth consecutive regional title, and second consecutive sectional championship before defeating Carlinville 172-142 to win the IHSA Class A State Championship.
The team also earned first-place finishes at the Winnebago Invitational, Sterling Invitational, and IHSSBCA Kickoff Invitational. Individual honors included First-Team All-Sectional and First-Team All-State recognition for Kelly Tourdot and A.J. Neuhausen, while Megan Miller earned IHSA Academic All-State recognition.
Coach Christine Beem was later inducted into the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
1989-1990 Chess Team — Team
The 1989-1990 Stillman Valley Chess Team made history by capturing the first IHSA State Championship in any sport or activity in Stillman Valley High School history.
The Cardinals finished the varsity season 8-0-1, went unbeaten at the IHSA State Finals, and finished with 957 points to secure the championship over Illinois Math and Science Academy.
The team also competed at the National Chess Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, finishing 17th out of 53 teams in its division. The championship continued a strong era for SVHS chess that also included a third-place IHSA state finish in 1987-1988.
Hall of Fame Recognition
The SVHS Athletic/Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be recognized as part of Stillman Valley High School’s Homecoming festivities on Friday, September 25. Inductees will be introduced following the Homecoming Court and prior to the varsity football game, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Stillman Valley High School looks forward to welcoming these inductees, their families, alumni, and members of the Cardinal community as we celebrate their accomplishments and lasting contributions to SVHS.