YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College Athletics is excited to announce four new inductees into our Athletic Hall of Fame. Pete Herrmann (coach), C.J. Wilson (men's basketball), Jim Thomas (coach/contributor), and Lucero Robayo (women's soccer). Jim Thomas will be inducted on Saturday, February 8th. Pete Hermann, CJ Wilson, and Lucero Robayo will be inducted on Wednesday, February 19th. To register for the HOF Luncheon for our inductees, visit the links at the bottom of the article! 

Quote from Young Harris College Director of Athletics Aaron Bessey: 

"What an incredible Hall of Fame Class we have this year," said Director of Athletics Aaron Bessey. "Pete, CJ, Jim, and Lucero are all so incredibly deserving of their enshrinement and I'm grateful for their contributions to Young Harris Athletics. I can't wait for their formal inductions in February with many of their friends, family, teammates, and former players back for the occasion!" 

2024-25 YHC ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS:

Pete Herrmann, Young Harris College men's basketball head coach, (2010-2018)

Pete Herrmann spent eight seasons as the head coach of the Young Harris College men's basketball program. Pete was selected as the first coach in four decades for Young Harris, after the program was discontinued in 1969. Herrmann built the foundation during the 2010-11 season, as the Mountain Lions ended their first season in over 40 years with five wins. Pete Herrmann will be inducted into the Young Harris College Hall of Fame on Wednesday February 19, 2025. 

QUOTING HEAD COACH PETE HERRMANN: 

"The Young Harris College community was the heartbeat of our men's basketball program, from the energy of every student and teacher on campus to the unwavering support of the surrounding towns," said former head coach Pete Herrmann, who led the Mountain Lions for eight seasons. "In just my second season, we won 22 games, and I was honored as the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association's NCAA Division II Coach of the Year—a reflection of the community's belief in what we were building. With players like C.J. Wilson, who played a pivotal role in helping our program thrive, we made the Peach Belt Conference Tournament three times and earned a Peach Belt Conference title. Those accomplishments weren't just for the team—they were victories for the entire YHC family." 

In year two under Pete Herrmann's tutelage, the Young Harris basketball program was completely revived. The Mountain Lions finished with a 22-4 record, their last season as an independent program, before joining the Peach Belt Conference in 2012. Pete Herrmann was honored by the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association as their NCAA Division II Coach of the Year.  

With the Mountain Lions just joining the Peach Belt Conference after being independent their first two seasons back in action, they were expected to struggle in their first season. Herrmann and YHC debunked that theory immediately, as they ended the 2012-13 season with a 17-9 record and finished second in the West division. During the 2013-14 season, Young Harris ended with the same record, 17-9 overall, once again finishing second in the West division.  

In just four years, Pete Herrmann had already sparked a lasting legacy in the Enchanted Valley, but the success did not stop there. The Mountain Lions turned their attention to a larger goal, making the Peach Belt Conference tournament. The Mountain Lions made their debut in the Peach Belt Tournament during the 2014-15 season. With a record of 13-14, they pulled off an impressive upset over Georgia Regents University Augusta (now Augusta University) in the quarterfinals before being defeated in the semifinals. The 2015-16 season was similar for the Mountain Lions once more, as they had found sustained success as a program. Young Harris went 15-14 during the 2015-16 campaign and made its second consecutive trip to the PBC Tournament.  

The Mountain Lions could see the summit; all that was left to do was reach it. During the 2016-17 season, Herrmann led the Mountain Lions to a Peach Belt Conference title as they tied for first place in the Western Division; Young Harris finished the year 17-11 overall. Pete would spend one more season with Young Harris after immense success as the leader of the Young Harris College revived men's basketball program. During his eight-year tenure, Herrmann had an overall record of 114-102, and rebuilding the men's basketball program at YHC was another accomplishment added to his illustrious career as a collegiate basketball coach. Did we mention that he coached NBA All-Star and Olympian David Robinson? 

C.J. Wilson, Mountain Lions men's basketball guard, (2013-2017)

C.J. Wilson played under the command of head coach Pete Herrmann for four seasons, and during his playing career at YHC, he became a basketball legend on campus. Wilson was the rock for the Mountain Lions men's basketball program, as he was the field general for some of the most successful teams in program history. Wilson will be inducted into the YHC Hall of Fame alongside former head coach Pete Herrmann on Wednesday, February 19th. 

QUOTE FROM C.J. WILSON:
"My time at Young Harris was one of a kind. I learned a lot about myself; I grew up. Many early mornings, late nights, and memories made both on and off the floor." Continuing, "Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an incredible honor! Truly a blessing from God. I would not have made it without my coaches, teammates, family and friends. So, to those who played a part, big or small, thank you!" 

As a freshman (2013-14), Wilson did not start any games, but he played in 26 of them. In a limited role (685 minutes), you could still see Wilson's ability when he stepped on the court. C.J. averaged 11.3 PPG, had a .410 FG percentage, went 86-94 from the charity stripe, racked up 107 assists, and collected 85 rebounds as a 5-11 guard. The team was successful, finishing the season 17-9 overall, but this would be Wilson's last season as a backup in any capacity. 

During his sophomore campaign (2014-15), Young Harris made the Peach Belt Conference Tournament and recorded a win. Wilson started in all 27 games and spent 1,022 minutes on the court. C.J. averaged 18.5 PPG, recorded 107 rebounds, 119 assists, and 50 steals. Wilson put up his best three-point shooting percentage of his career, with a .383 percent from beyond the arc. The 2015-16 season brought even more success for C.J. and the Mountain Lions. That season, YHC finished with an overall record of 15-14 and made their second straight Peach Belt Conference Tournament appearance. Wilson started in all 29 games played, averaging a career high 23.5 PPG, career high in rebounds (148), 62 steals, and 11 blocks. C.J. scored the most points of his collegiate career during his junior season, with a whopping 681 points.  

In C.J. Wilson's final season in the Enchanted Valley, Young Harris finished 17-11 overall and tied for 1st place in the PBC Western Division. Earning the Peach Belt Conference regular season title, Wilson played a vital role. Once again, starting 28 games, C.J. posted a career-high in FG percentage (.453), grabbed 102 boards, a career-high 175 assists, three blocks, and 41 steals over the course of the season. C.J. Wilson solidified his legacy as a Young Harris College basketball legend through his outstanding play over four years in the Enchanted Valley. In totality, Wilson played 110 games (84 starts), 3,822 minutes (34.7 M/G), 636 FG made, 442 rebounds grabbed, 573 assists, 190 steals, 18 blocks, and a mind-boggling 1,978 points.  

Jim Thomas, men's soccer head coach and men's tennis coach, (25 years)

Jim Thomas has been a valued member of the YHC community since 1987. During his tenure, he coached the YHC men's tennis team for seven years and led the men's soccer program for 18 years. He continues to share his love of sports by teaching tennis lessons and working at soccer camps. Over the years, he has also taught more than 30 courses in sport, recreation, and human performance. Jim Thomas will be inducted into the Young Harris College Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 8, 2025. 

QUOTE FROM JIM THOMAS: 

"Being selected for the Young Harris College Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor. YHC has been such a significant part of my life for many years. I take great pride in having played a role in Young Harris Athletics and in witnessing the remarkable growth and progress of the program." 

Young Harris College honors Jim Thomas for his exceptional contributions to its athletics program with an induction into the YHC Hall of Fame. Thomas served as the head coach of the men's soccer team from 1987-1992 before returning as the Young Harris College men's soccer head coach from 1994 to 2004, building the program into a powerhouse at the junior college level before transitioning into NCAA competition as a member of the advisory board. 

Jim Thomas led the Mountain Lions men's soccer program at Young Harris College to remarkable heights over his 17-season tenure, finishing with an outstanding career record of 213-82-12. A four-time Region 17 Regular Season Champion and the 1997 Region 17 Soccer Coach of the Year, Thomas established a tradition of excellence that saw his teams rank in the top four in the Southeast for 12 consecutive years and achieve national rankings in the top 15 for five straight seasons. His leadership brought home a State Tournament Championship in 1997 and produced 67 All-Region players, seven All-South honorees, and five Academic All-Americans. Under his guidance, three players earned Region MVP honors, four players led the region in scoring, and two players led the nation in scoring, while three goalkeepers were named the best in the region; solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in Young Harris College athletics.

In addition to his success with men's soccer, Jim Thomas made a significant impact as the head coach of Young Harris College tennis over seven seasons, compiling a career record of 111-49. In 1993, he guided the team to the NJCAA National Tennis Tournament in Corpus Christi, Texas, where they finished 12th in the nation in Division II. His tenure also produced two Academic All-Americans, reflecting his commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom. Demonstrating a remarkable versatility in collegiate coaching. Beyond athletics, his contributions as a professor of sport, recreation, and human performance for over three decades have impacted countless students. 

The long list of achievements of Young Harris College legend Jim Thomas do not stop there, as he was also the YHC Athletic Director from 1987 to 1992. Jim Thomas's contributions to Young Harris College extended far beyond coaching, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the athletic department's foundation and growth. He spearheaded the addition of women's softball and men's baseball programs, conceived and chaired the college's first Athletic Committee, and significantly increased the athletic scholarship budget. Thomas also created the first Athletic Handbook, developed the inaugural mission statement for YHC Athletics, and established the first athletic training room by hiring the college's first athletic trainer. His visionary leadership was instrumental in planning and developing all of the current athletic competition and practice fields, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to benefit the Mountain Lions' programs today.

Jim Thomas's time at Young Harris College (currently a sports and recreation studies professor) is defined by a deep commitment to his players and the program. His impact went far beyond the soccer field and tennis courts, shaping athletes not just in their sport, but in their personal growth and future success via the classroom. His legacy is built on years of hard work, passion for coaching, and a genuine care for the students/athletes he mentored, creating a lasting imprint on both the athletic department and the community at YHC. 

Lucero Robayo, women's soccer player, (2016-2018)

Lucero Robayo came to the Enchanted Valley prior to the 2016 season, reigning from Bogatá, Colombia, and transferring from Iowa Central Community College. Lucero will be inducted into the Young Harris College Hall of Fame on Wednesday, February 19th. 

QUOTE FROM LUCERO ROBAYO: 

"God, discipline, and passion for soccer have been my airplane to cross borders—from a little town in Colombia called Chocontá to a wonderful college in the USA called Young Harris. A place that has taught me that dreaming while awake and acting on those dreams turns them into reality, just as great efforts bring great rewards. Therefore, engraving my name and that of an entire country in Young Harris's Hall of Fame makes me feel honored and privileged, knowing I can leave my mark forever. Thank you, God, Young Harris, and my family. Family is always carried in the heart." 

Robayo and the Mountain Lions women's soccer team enjoyed immediate success in 2016, finishing the season with an overall record of 9-4-3 overall. The team posted strong wins, including a 13-0 victory over Georgia Southwestern and an 8-0 win over Francis Marion. Their strong conference play helped them finish well in the PBC standings, but their season ended with a 2-0 loss to Armstrong State in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Lucero played in 16 games, with 14 starts, scored nine goals, recorded five assists, and finished the year with 23 points. She scored two game-winning goals and posted a .205 shooting percentage.  

The Young Harris College women's soccer team finished the 2017 season with a 9-6-1 overall record. They also achieved a 6-3-1 mark in Peach Belt Conference (PBC) play. While they did not secure any championships that year, they made a strong showing, finishing just outside the PBC tournament finals. Their season featured notable wins, including a 9-0 victory over Georgia Southwestern, but they faced tough competition in the postseason, falling in the Quarterfinals, to Flagler College in OT. Robayo once again scored nine goals, racked up five assists, and finished with 23 points. The kicker? Lucero only played in 13 games with 11 starts. She picked up two game-winning goals along the way, recording 54 shots (31 SOG), for a SOG% of 0.574. 

In Lucero Robayo's final season in the Enchanted Valley, the Mountain Lions did not have their best regular season, but advanced further than ever before. The Young Harris College women's soccer team finished 6-9-1 overall and 4-6 in Peach Belt Conference play. While they didn't win a conference title that year, they did make a significant mark by advancing to the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament for the first time in program history. A 3-2 PKs win over Flagler in the PBC Quarterfinals, with a penalty kick goal by Robayo, advanced YHC to the semifinals. The Mountain Lions pushed Georgia College to OT but fell just short. Lucero played in all 16 games, with 16 starts, for a total of 1,470 minutes spent on the pitch. Robayo scored two goals and racked up seven assists for 11 points.  

During her three-year span of time spent in Young Harris, Georgia, Lucero Robayo left a lasting impression. Robayo played in 45 games with 41 starts, scored 20 goals, recorded 17 assists, for a total of 57 points. She rattled off 129 shots, with 69 shots on goal, and a .535 SOG percentage. She also totaled five game-winning goals and played 3,769 minutes for the Young Harris College women's soccer team. Lucero Robayo enjoyed an illustrious career at Young Harris College, earning numerous accolades for her performances on the field. She was named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region Third Team twice and was a key player on the All-Peach Belt Conference First Team. Robayo was also selected for the preseason All-Peach Belt Conference Team and earned spots on the Peach Belt Conference All-Academic Women's Soccer Team, showcasing her excellence both athletically and academically.  

The Young Harris College 2024-25 Hall of Fame inductions are set for Saturday, February 8, 2025, and Wednesday, February 19, 2025, during home basketball games at The Harp Recreation and Commencement Center in Young Harris. February 8 will honor Jim Thomas as he officially joins the YHC Hall of Fame, with the Mountain Lions hosting UNC Pembroke. On February 19, Pete Herrmann, C.J. Wilson, and Lucero Robayo will be inducted as Young Harris takes on King University. Both events are open to everyone, so come join us to celebrate these YHC legends and cheer on Mountain Lions basketball.

Hall of Fame Luncheon Registration: Tickets are $40 each. Help us celebrate the 2024-2025 YHC Athletics HOF Class! 
Jim Thomas- Saturday, February 8th. Visit the link HERE to register for the Hall of Fame Luncheon in Suber Banquet Hall at 11:30am. 

Pete Hermann, CJ Wilson, and Lucero Robayo- Wednesday, February 19th. Visit the link HERE to register for the Hall of Fame Luncheon in Suber Banquet Hall at 11:30am.