After 15 years of envisioning the possibility, the Sumner School District Athletic Department has found a way to recognize athletic achievements. Individuals and teams that reach the highest standards will be inducted into their respective high school’s Wall of Fame.

Friday marked Sumner High School’s first Wall of Fame individual induction ceremony, which honored John Anderson. The announcement came as a surprise to Anderson, who was unanimously selected in secret by the Wall of Fame selection committee, which he is a member of himself.

A plaque with his name and accomplishments was placed on the wall, and a replica was handed directly to him.

Anderson is a former educator, football coach and athletic director for Sumner High School. His many accomplishments include five league championships, two state championships, 1977 State Football Coach of the Year with a  114-52-6 record. Anderson served eight years as a WIAA executive board member and was inducted into the state Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Candidates for the wall are chosen by a committee. The standards are subjective and can include any individual or group that positively impacts a team, school or the community. Candidate criteria includes:

• The sport or activity being honored must be an activity that was performed at the stadium, which was built in 1959. Some of the eligible sports include track, football and soccer.

• Participation at any high school in the Sumner School District.

• Team and/or individual league, district or state championship participation.

Sumner’s Stadium Wall of Fame is located on the north wall of the entrance plaza. Current plaques represent league champions and two state champions. Additional plaques are being constructed.

The Wall of Fame is sponsored by Sara Johnson, superintendent of Sumner School District; Mark Baumgarten, director of facilities and capital projects; Robert Lindstrom, architect at BLRB Architects; and Brian Bradley, art director at BLRB Architects.