Mason Hall of Fame welcomes seven new members

Mason High School will welcome seven members into its Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies Aug. 31 at the Manor House Banquet and Conference Center.

The 36th induction class will consist of: Jesse Cash (1986), Jeff Watson (‘87), Lori Balough (‘88), Jan Rude (‘92), Randy Andrews Jr. (‘97), Matt Swanson (‘00), and Rachael Minnich (2002).

A social reception and dinner will be held at 6 p.m. immediately followed by the induction ceremony.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by contacting the Mason High School Athletic Department.

Minnich and Rude headline the class.

Minnich was a two-time Fort Ancient Valley Conference player of the year and a two-time All-Ohio selection in soccer. She still holds Mason school records for career goals with 63 and goals in a season (28 in 2001). She scored 20 goals in 1999, which is third on the school’s all-time list. She had 18 assists in 2000, also a record that still stands.

In addition, Minnich was a second team All-FAVC pick in basketball in 2001. After finishing state runner-up in 1999, Mason won the state title in girls basketball in 2000.

Rude made Mason history when he became the first male swimmer from the school to qualify for the state meet in the 200 and 500 freestyle.

A three-sport athlete (cross-country, swimming and track), Rude held the school record in the 500 free for 15 years.

Cash was a two-time first team All-FAVC pick in baseball in 1985 and 1986 and also earned first team All-FAVC in basketball in 1986.

Watson was an All-FAVC linebacker in 1986 and was tabbed as one of the best catchers in Cincinnati in 1986.

Balough was first team All-FAVC in soccer in 1985, 186 and 1987 and was a member of the state qualifying 4x400 relay team in 1985.

Andrews had the highest batting average in Cincinnati in 1997, the year he was selected first team All-City. In addition, Andrews was a first team All-FAVC pick in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Swanson was a first team All-FAVC selection in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and All-City in football in 1999. In addition, he excelled in track and was part of the school record-holding 4x400 relay team.

About the Author