Fame

Rich Daughtridge used his feet to collect one award and his head for another, each one signifying achievements in and out of athletics. He is as successful as a Hagerstown business person as he was on the soccer field dating back to his scholastic days at Smithsburg High School, followed by Virginia Military Insitute. A 1998 graduate of VMI, Daughtridge was recently named to the VMI Sports Hall of Fame for a decorated career in which he finished as the school's all-time leading scorer.

Most high school seniors are faced with the same exciting - and sometimes frightening - decision about where to attend college. Finances, curriculums, proximity to home and campus lifestyle all go into that decision. For an athlete, coaches, athletic facilities, program stability and prestige also figure heavily into that choice. For Pat Sweeney, that decision-making process was no different. Sweeney, a standout baseball player at Clear Spring in the mid-1990s, had plenty to think about during his senior year of high school.

Cokey Robertson coached many, many players during his 34 years as boys basketball coach at St. Maria Goretti. When asked about the all-time greats he had, Rodney Monroe obviously heads the list. But it doesn't take long for him to mention Phil Lane, a three-year starter at point guard. The 5-foot-11 Lane was the glue that kept everything together during his time, which ended with graduation in 1996. He was the catalyst behind three seasons of 20-plus wins, averaging 18 points a game in his junior year and 24 points and eight assists as a senior.

James G. Cochran of Cochran Auctioneers and Associates recently was selected into the Maryland Auctioneers Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the state association's winter conference in Ocean City, Md. Cochran, who has his main offices in Boonsboro, graduated from the Reppert School of Auctioneering in 1972, and along with his firm, is commemorating his 40th year in business.

Patrick James (Jim) Fahey, 85, passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at Julia Manor Health Care Center following a long and fulfilling life. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Earlene Grim Fahey; five children, Patricia Davis, David Fahey, Michael Fahey, Susan Moorhead and Jim Fahey; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and cousin, Tom Jobe. Jim was born Aug. 6, 1926, in Cumberland, Md., to the late Patrick and Regina Murray Fahey. He attended LaSalle High School in Cumberland, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball, and graduated in 1944.

Athletic standout and community leader Patrick James "Jim" Fahey died Thursday at age 85.   "I call him one of the greatest generation," said his son, James T. Fahey, owner of Hub City Builders. "I consider him my best friend. He was a great influence in my life. He was a great father and very devoted Catholic. " The elder Fahey died at Julia Manor Health Care Center following a long and fulfilling life, according to his obituary. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and also St. Ann Catholic Church, his son said.

Maryland's agricultural industry leaders will dine with state and national legislators  Thursday, Feb. 2, to celebrate the importance of Maryland's No. 1 industry, agriculture. More than 700 people are expected to attend the annual "Taste of Maryland Agriculture" gala at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, Md., sponsored by the Maryland Agriculture Council Inc. During the dinner, the council will award several grants for various agricultural projects throughout the state. The council's grants program offers funding to individuals or organizations for the promotion and education of agriculture.

From Richard Keller to Cokey Robertson, the first induction class to St. Maria Goretti Athletic Hall of Fame covers a lifetime, dating back to 1948 when the was school known as Saint Mary High School. Six individuals from that heritage were formally inducted at a luncheon ceremony on Saturday as Keller, Robertson were joined by Bill Wills, Rodney Monroe, Susie Garrott Brown and Jen Piccolomini as the first inductees to be enshrined. The history runs deep as Keller led Washington County in scoring with 338 points in 1948.

Jerry Resh played baseball with something to prove. “I don't like to lose,” said Resh, a 1991 graduate of Williamsport High School. “I've always been highly competitive, and if I know there's someone a little better out there, I set my mind on matching your level or beating you. “Relentless is a good word for me.” After playing four years on the Wildcats' varsity, Resh made his mark at McDaniel College, where he earned several honors...

Thanksgiving Day. Hard to believe we've reached this day on the calendar already, isn't it? To say that 2011 has flown by would be an understatement. It's been a blur. And with the holidays upon us, it certainly won't slow down between now and the start of 2012. So, the standard fare for a Thanksgiving column is to hit the pause button and reflect on the things for which we are thankful. I'd like to go a slightly different direction this year, instead looking ahead to things for which I will be thankful, should they ever come to fruition.