Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony

Justin Hilliard (Class of 2015) distinguished himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in St. Xavier football history. A 5-star national recruit, Hilliard was ranked as the No. 1 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN and was a top-50 overall prospect across all major recruiting services.

During his standout junior and senior seasons, he amassed over 140 tackles, nine sacks, and seven pass breakups, helping lead the Bombers to a 10-3 record and a state semifinal appearance in 2014. That year, he was named the Division I Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press and was a finalist for the prestigious Dick Butkus Award, recognizing the nation's top high school linebacker.

He was also honored as a U.S. Army All-American. Hilliard went on to a highly respected career at Ohio State, where he appeared in 50 games despite overcoming multiple injuries, serving as a 2020 team captain, and earning Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honors. He recorded 84 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, and contributed significantly on special teams throughout his collegiate career — a model of perseverance, leadership, and elite athleticism.

Cole Jones stands as one of the finest two-sport athletes in St. Xavier history, leaving a lasting impact on both the football field and wrestling mat.

A three-year starter at linebacker for the Bombers, Cole amassed an impressive 265 career tackles and 15 sacks. His leadership and relentless play earned him recognition as Team Captain and Team MVP during his senior season, when he was also named 1st Team All-GCL and 1st Team All-District. As a junior, he was selected 2nd Team All-GCL, demonstrating consistent excellence and commitment throughout his career.

On the wrestling mat, Cole’s dominance was equally remarkable. Competing all four years for the Bombers, he captured the 2015 Ohio State Championship at 220 lbs. with an undefeated 41-0 record in his senior year. His accomplishments include being named 2015 GCL Wrestler of the Year, earning three-time All-GCL First Team honors, and placing fourth at the 2014 Ohio State Championships. He also received All-GCL Second Team honors in 2014.

Andy Klare exemplified athletic excellence during his time at St. Xavier High School, earning accolades across two sports: football and baseball.

In football, Andy was a standout player, serving as a two-way starter in 1986. He played as an offensive tackle and defensive nose tackle, earning St. Xavier Defensive Lineman of the Year and Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1986. He also garnered the St. Xavier Tim Banker Award the same year. Additionally, he was recognized on the 1st Team GCL for both offense and defense, named GCL Defensive Lineman of the Year, and selected for the 1st Team Southwest Ohio Football.

Following his high school career, Andy continued to excel in football at Boston College, where he was a four-year letterman from 1987 to 1991.

In baseball, he was a varsity starter in 1985 and 1986, playing as the starting catcher. His skill on the field earned him a spot on the 1st Team GCL in 1985 and the 1st Team Southwest Ohio in 1986.

Evan Stifel was a three-year letterman in both cross country and track and field at St. Xavier. He earned 3x First Team GCL and 3x First Team All-City honors in cross country and was the GCL Champion in the 3200 meters for track and field.

In his senior year, Evan maintained his high performance, earning 1st Team All-State honors in cross country. He was the Nike Cross Regional Individual Champion and helped lead his team to back-to-back Cross Country Championships.

In track, he was part of the state record-holding 4x800 relay team. He is 3rd in school history in the 3200 meters (9:07.96) and 5th in school history in the 5000 meters cross country (15:14).

Evan continued his athletic career at Belmont University for one year and then transferred to Ohio State University, where he lettered in both cross country and track and field for three years. He earned First Team All-Big Ten honors in cross country in 2016 and was named to the All-Great Lakes Region team the same year. He served as Ohio State University’s team captain from 2017 to 2019.

Craig Wales was a four-year standout for St. Xavier Swimming, helping lead the Bombers to three state titles (1994, 1995, 1997).

The 1997 State Meet High Point Scorer, he won the 100 butterfly, anchored the winning 400 freestyle relay, and earned seven career top-four state finishes. A 10-time All-American, First Team Enquirer All-Star, team captain, and St. X’s Most Valuable Swimmer as a senior.

Craig also excelled for M.E. Lyons YMCA, winning six national titles and contributing to five consecutive YMCA National Championships.

At Princeton University, he was a two-time All-Ivy honoree, 11-time EISL scorer, team captain, and recipient of the War Memorial Trophy, capping a career defined by excellence, leadership, and championship success.

Chris is the most accomplished bowler ever to come out of St. Xavier.

He was named the Enquirer Bowler of the Year and was on the All-City Team in 2010. That same year, he was chosen for the High School All-American Team.

He holds the records at St. X for career pin total (37,406), high single-season GCL average (228.3), and high single-season average for all events (221.8). Chris helped take the Bombers to state in 2007 (13th) and 2009 (7th).

During his playing days, the Bombers won the GCL title in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The Bombers also won three sectional championships and a district championship from 2007–2010.

He was named GCL Player of the Year twice, GCL 1st Team three years in a row, Enquirer All-City First Team in 2009 and 2010, as well as Bowler of the Year in 2010.

Chris went on to bowl at Ohio State, where he later served as head coach from 2015–2017, leading the Buckeyes to numerous championships.