CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 07: Dalvin Cook #4 of the Florida State Seminoles runs with the ball against Jayron Kearse #1 of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Nine remarkable individuals will soon join the Lee County School District's 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame. The group includes six outstanding athletes, two successful coaches, and a groundbreaking contributor who helped shape local sports.
At Lehigh Senior, Bernard Edwards Jr. was unstoppable on the court. His 1,864 points remains the school's all-time basketball scoring record. Nobody has even come close.
Fort Myers High gave us track phenom Krissy Gear. She grabbed six state titles before helping Arkansas secure the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championship. Behind home plate, Mariner's Michael Zunino shined for four straight years, landing first-team honors each season. His performance later earned him a spot in the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.
Football brought its own superstars. Jayron Kearse ran the offense as Cypress Lake's quarterback before heading to South Fort Myers. At Dunbar, Markihe Anderson was a multi-sport standout before donning orange and blue with the Gators. North Fort Myers graduate George McNeill showed his mastery on the golf course, taking the 1992 golf title.
Two coaches made their mark. Martin Cardenas created a soccer dynasty at Mariner, racking up 500 wins and 15 district titles. Frank Turco's baseball expertise led Estero to 12 district championships from 2001 to 2014.
Margaret Sirianni paved the way by launching girls' golf in Lee County. She went further - bringing school choice and International Baccalaureate programs to district students.
Since kicking off with 36 charter members in 2011, the hall has kept growing. Previous classes include stars like Noel Devine and Kyle Waldrop, plus coaching legends like Robert Pringle.
The Double Tree Hotel will welcome this year's inductees on April 10th. These nine newcomers add another proud chapter to the hall's legacy.
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