Eight inducted into Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Hall of Fame

Seven individuals and one organization were honored on Monday (Nov. 10) evening at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni & Friends Association annual Hall of Fame Banquet.

Held at the Holiday Inn, the event paid tribute to the lives of the long-time Club supporters, dedicated volunteers, and legendary alumni who have impacted the Club throughout its 86-year history.

The banquet began with the opening of the silent auction and the start of a formal sit-down dinner. Alumni & Friends President Marlin Fretheim started the program with a short video highlighting present-day activities, followed by a tribute slideshow honoring previous Hall of Fame inductees. The video also shared a brief history about the Club, including its founding in 1928 as the Fort Smith Boys Club to its transition to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club in 1999.

The 2014 Hall of Fame Induction began by honoring members of the former Ladies Auxiliary. The organization, which operated from 1933 to 1993, was recognized for 60 years of service to the Club. Its members aided in fundraising, hosted special events, and assisted with volunteer recruitment and public relations, long before the existence of the Friends & Alumni Association. Former President Debbie Gordon and other previous members accepted the honor on behalf of the group.

Three individuals were inducted as legacy members, entering the Hall of Fame posthumously.

Henry Armstrong was a business and civic leader who also served as a long-time Boys Club board member. Armstrong was a World War I veteran, U.S. marshal, and an American Legion commander.  He was active in the community, helping develop Lake Fort Smith and Creekmore Park. Armstrong held the office of President of the Boys Club Board of Directors for five years. His daughter, Missy Armstrong Roebuck, represented the family at the ceremony.

Arthur “Shifty” Davis was a former sparring partner to three heavy-weight boxing champions, including Jack Johnson, Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey. He served in  World War I and was and the first African-American staff member at the Fort Smith Boys Club. Shifty also served as trainer at Fort Smith High School. Billy Higgins accepted the medallion on behalf of the late Davis.

Herman Udouj served for several years as a member and president of the Boys Club Board of Directors. Founder of Riverside Furniture Company, he developed Fianna Hills, bred race horses, and was a leader in the business community. Udouj served in  World War II and was actively involved in Boys & Girls Club capital drives for the Goldtrap, Stephens and Jeffrey Units. His daughter, Ellen Echols, accepted the award on behalf of her father and the Udouj family.

Four alumni attended the event to be honored as inductees into the Hall of Fame.

Jim Atwell, frequented the Wheeler Club as a youth, being named Boy of the Year and national runner-up for the prize. He was a state champion basketball coach at school districts around the state, after attending college on a Boys Club scholarship.

Dr. Cole Goodman has been involved with the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs nearly his entire life. He attended as a youth, playing sports and later returning as a volunteer and team sponsor. He is a long-time member of the Board of Directors, having also served as President. Goodman practiced surgery for 30 years before assuming his role as President of Mercy. He has been active in the community serving as a Fort Smith City Director and as a medical missionary overseas.

Jim Hamilton, who attended the Fort Smith Boys Club as a child, went on to a championship sports career in high school and college, followed by a pro baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. After graduating, Hamilton became an educator, serving as a coach and school administrator.

Phil Hatcher played football at the Fort Smith Boys Club at an early age. He has served as a volunteer at the Club for more than 40 years coaching numerous sports. Hatcher was previously named Volunteer of the Year and presented the prestigious Lipton Award for his service. In addition to his efforts at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, Hatcher has also coached in Church League sports, at Girls, Inc. and retired after a career with Weldon, Williams, & Lick in Fort Smith.

During the program, each inductee spoke to the crowd about their fond memories of the Club and about their delight in being honored as members of the Hall of Fame.

"Growing up at the Boys Club had a lot to do with what I did as an adult," said Goodman. "It reinforced the values taught to me by my parents. There is no greater honor in my life than to join the names of the individuals in this book and become a part of this Hall of Fame."

Tickets for the banquet were $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Proceeds from the banquet benefit the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni and Friends Association. Established in 1991, the organization supports and promotes FSBGC and its membership through volunteerism and financial contributions. Since its inception, the organization has raised nearly $1 million for Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, which operates four units throughout the city and boasts membership of more than 3,300 youth.