Crystal River High School brought back a long-dormant tradition this weekend, hosting the 2026 CRHS Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony after nearly two decades without the event. Principal Phill McLeod and new Athletic and Activities Director Mark Lee spearheaded the revival, with the late Coach L. Earl Bramlett becoming the first inductee of the reinstated honor. The celebration included a halftime recognition during Friday night’s football game and a formal induction ceremony Saturday evening in the Crystal River High School Cafetorium.
Coach Lee, who served as master of ceremonies, explained the significance of bringing the tradition back. “Bringing the Athletic Hall of Fame back to Crystal River High School means preserving our history, honoring those who built our Pirate tradition, and inspiring those who will carry it forward,” Lee said. The event drew community members eager to reconnect with the school’s storied athletic past and celebrate those who shaped it.
Coach Bramlett, who arrived at Crystal River High School in 1985, was honored posthumously as the evening’s first inductee. He passed away in 2024, following his wife Cathie Bramlett, who died in 2016. Both were described as integral figures in CRHS sports over the years. Inducting Coach Bramlett first set a tone of reverence and gratitude for the entire ceremony, according to guest columnist Thomas Kennedy, who attended both the Friday game and Saturday’s formal event.
The revival of the Athletic Hall of Fame reflects a broader effort to reconnect the Crystal River community with its Pirate athletic heritage. School leadership has indicated plans to continue the Hall of Fame tradition in the years ahead, ensuring future standout athletes, coaches, and teams receive formal recognition. For a school with deep roots in Citrus County sports, the return of this ceremony marks a meaningful step in preserving institutional memory and inspiring current students. More information about Crystal River High School athletics can be found through the Citrus County Chronicle and the Citrus County School District website.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
