Jefferson High School (JHS) celebrated the induction of six new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at Cougar Stadium. Now in its second year, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose athletic achievements, coaching excellence, and community service have left a lasting mark on JHS and the Cougar family. It is with pride and gratitude that JHS introduces the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees:
Mr. Roy Banjoman – Athlete
A 1982 graduate, Roy Banjoman excelled in football, basketball, and track before earning a basketball scholarship to Bluefield State College. He went on to serve Jefferson County Schools for nearly four decades, including more than 25 years as athletic director at Harpers Ferry Middle School. Over the years, he also coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball for the Tigers for a combined 30 seasons and later served as head track and field coach and assistant basketball coach for the Cougars. His lifelong dedication to student-athletes and sportsmanship defines Cougar pride.
Mr. Chris Erichsen – Athlete
A standout from the Class of 1973, Chris Erichsen helped lead Jefferson High School’s early basketball success with a 22–2 record and a state playoff appearance his senior year. He earned All-State and WV Player of the Year honors before playing at Penn State, and later professionally in the U.S. and Europe. His legacy as one of the first basketball greats at JHS continues to inspire.
Mr. John Lowery, Jr. – Athlete
Class of 1988 graduate John Lowery, Jr. was a powerhouse on the baseball field, earning All-State honors and multiple state Player of the Year awards. After starring at the University of Minnesota and competing in the San Francisco Giants organization, he returned to JHS to teach and coach, leading the Cougars to a 2009 state championship.
Mr. Jeff Reynolds – Athlete
Jeff Reynolds, Class of 1978, helped launch Jefferson High School’s baseball tradition, batting over .400 and earning All-State honors before starring at Potomac State College. Drafted by the New York Yankees in 1980, he became the first Cougar to play professional baseball, setting a high standard for future generations. In recognition of that achievement, JHS Baseball retired his #14.
Ms. Cheryl Roberts – Coach
A 1976 JHS graduate who earned varsity letters in basketball, softball, and band, Cheryl Roberts made national headlines as the first woman to coach an NCAA men’s basketball team. As an assistant at the University of the District of Columbia, she helped lead the Firebirds to an NCAA Division II National Championship and was featured in The New York Times for her role in closing the gender gap in sports. She later returned to JHS to lead the girls' basketball program to its first state tournament appearance and was named Coach of the Year multiple times. Her leadership and mentorship continue to shape Cougar athletics.
Mr. Bob Rizzo – Coach
Coach Bob Rizzo began his career at the former Harpers Ferry High School, coaching varsity basketball and baseball. He went on to become Jefferson High School’s first varsity boys’ basketball coach when the school opened in 1972. He also coached football, baseball, and cross country, earning state Coach of the Year honors in 1999 and helping modernize the program by establishing the home course at Sam Michaels Park. Coach Rizzo was instrumental in forming the West Virginia High School Athletic Coaches Association and served as its regional president for several years. His impact on JHS athletics spans generations.
The induction ceremony concluded with heartfelt recognition of the inductees’ achievements and their enduring influence on Jefferson High School. To learn more about the Hall of Fame and nomination process, visit Jefferson High School Athletics.