Photo by Regina Devinney
The Lord Botetourt Athletic Hall of Fame inducted five new members last weekend. The Class of ’25 had a ceremony at the school and was introduced to last Friday’s crowd at the home football game against William Fleming. They are Julie Conner, Dustin Hassell, Jade Lewis, Bobby Stewart and Chris Thompson.
Conner began her coaching career at Auburn High School, serving as the head junior varsity coach and varsity assistant from 2002 to 2008. During this time, Auburn’s volleyball program consistently ranked among the top in the district, region, and state.
In 2010, Julie joined the volleyball staff at Lord Botetourt High School as a varsity assistant coach, and in 2012 stepped into the role of head varsity coach, leading the program through a historic 12-season run that lasted through 2023. Under Conner’s leadership Lord Botetourt amassed an impressive overall record of 258-53, capturing eight Blue Ridge District Regular Season Championships, seven BRD Tournament Championships, three Region Championships and three Virginia High School League Class 3 State Championships
The team achieved undefeated seasons in 2017 (31-0) and 2019 (31-0), and went on an incredible 56-match win streak from 2018 to 2019. Julie was named District Coach of the Year seven times, Region Coach of the Year once and State Coach of the Year three times. During her tenure LB had 22 All-Region first team selections and 10 state first teamers.
Hassell distinguished himself as one of the top basketball players in the region, graduating in 2014. During his time as a student-athlete Dustin was recognized at every level of competition, including VHSCA First Team All-State, First Team All-West Region, First Team All-Conference 31 and First Team All-Blue Ridge District as well as a VHSCA All-Star Game participant.
A true impact player, Dustin brought leadership, intensity, and a high level of skill to every game, consistently elevating his team’s performance and setting the standard for excellence.
Lewis was a multiple sport athlete, known for her skills, determination, aggressive nature and competitive spirit at LBHS during 2009-2012. Throughout her career she received a list of individual accolades for both basketball and soccer and was a key member of the 2009 basketball team that made it to the state semifinals.
In basketball Jade was a two-time Blue Ridge District Player of the Year, scoring 1,129 points in her career. She was second team all-region in soccer.
Stewart had an exceptional wrestling and football career at LB from 1990 to 1994. As a two-sport athlete Bobby earned accolades and set a standard of excellence that still inspires athletes today.
On the LB mats he was a four-year starter and two-year captain with a career record of 124-28. He was the Knights Invitational Champion and named Outstanding Wrestler, the Salem Ironman Champion, Big Orange Classic Runner-Up, twice Blue Ridge District Champion, twice VHSL Region 3A Champion and four time VHSL State Qualifier, placing sixth as a junior and third as a senior. He was named Botetourt County Male Athlete of the Year and received the Lord Botetourt Cavalier Award as a senior.
In football Stewart was a three-year letterman playing offensive guard, outside linebacker, kicker and kickoff return. He was a team co-captain and helped lead LB to its first winning season in nine years in 1994.
Stewart continued his wrestling career at The Citadel where he was a four-time Southern Conference placer. He is currently the coach at James River High School where he has coached nine state champions since 2020. Bobby continues to develop youth wrestling through the Botetourt Training Center and Team Botetourt Wrestling Club.
Thompson established himself as one of the top football players in the state during his time at LB from 2011 to 2014. He was a two-time honoree on the Virginia Preps 3A All-State team as both a junior and a senior.
His senior year was particularly noteworthy, as he was named Blue Ridge District Offensive Player of the Year. That season, he amassed over 2,400 rushing yards, a performance that saw him lead the entire state in carries. For his career, he finished with 4,600 total yards.
Thompson continued his success at Emory & Henry College. In his freshman season he made an immediate impact, playing in all 10 games and leading the team with seven rushing touchdowns. In the following season he once again led the team in rushing with 579 yards on 108 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per rush.
