2025 Marianna High School Hall of Fame Inductees

By: Shelia Mader

The Marianna High School Hall of Fame Board proudly announces the fifth class of inductees, ten exceptional graduates whose accomplishments reflect the values, spirit, and tradition of Marianna High School.

This year’s board members include April Alday, Wiley Barnes, Roger Clay, Clint Cox, Gerald Gause, Royce Reagan, John Donaldson, and Tami Smith. The board also recognizes the lasting contributions of the late Frank Rooks, an original member whose dedication helped shape the Hall of Fame into what it is today.

Tyrone Adkins – Class of 1985

A standout member of the MHS Band, Tyrone played trumpet and earned All-County and All-State honors. He served as Drum Major for both the MHS Band and the Florida State University Chiefs. Tyrone now lives in Wellington, Florida, where he works in software sales.

 Bendele Ali – Class of 1994

Bendele was a three-sport athlete at MHS, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He earned a four-year football scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he led the SEC in sacks in 1998, was named Unsung Hero, and earned All-American honors. He went on to play three years of professional football in the Canadian Football League. His proudest moments include earning his college scholarship, leading the SEC in sacks, and achieving his dream of playing pro football.

Clint Cox – Class of 1978

Clint made his mark as a multi-sport athlete at MHS, competing in football, basketball, and tennis. A two-year varsity wide receiver, he recorded 38 receptions and two touchdowns in his high school career. He also earned All-Big Bend honors in tennis and was active in Key Club and FCA. Clint attended Chipola College, FAMU, and FSU, earning a B.S. in Criminology in 1984. Married to his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Pineda, since 1986, Clint spent 40 years in state service before retiring in 2022. A voice familiar to many, he has been a Deep South Sports commentator for nearly 50 years and has broadcast Marianna Bulldog athletics for 36 seasons. He previously wrote for the Jackson County Floridan and served as Sports Editor for the Jackson County Times.

Anthony Dubose – Class of 1991

Anthony was a standout baseball player who helped lead MHS to the state Final Four. He hit three home runs during the district playoffs, earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, and led the team with a .424 batting average his senior year. He also served as yearbook editor and was named Male Athlete of the Year. At the University of Alabama, Anthony played centerfield for the 1994 SEC Championship team. Now, an insurance professional of 25 years, he and his wife of 27 years stay busy raising their children and coaching local recreation teams.

Greg Guy – Class of 1991

As MHS’s quarterback and punter, Greg threw for over 1,100 yards his senior season, earning First-Team All-Big Bend, AAA Quarterback of the Year, and Tallahassee Democrat Player of the Week honors. A multi-sport athlete, he played basketball, baseball, and swam for MHS. After high school, Greg played football at Marion Institute and Chipola College before earning his degree from Florida State University in 1985. He coached at Godby High School, helping lead the team to a 3A state championship in 1986, and later worked as a graduate assistant at FSU under Bobby Bowden and Mickey Andrews. Greg went on to serve as head football coach and athletic director at both Cottondale High and Marianna High. He now lives in Panama City.

Ted Howell – Class of 1998

Ted was the 1997 state cross-country champion in the three-mile run and runner-up in the one-mile. A valedictorian and Academic All-State Team member, Ted was active in Interact Club and National Honor Society while competing in cross-country, soccer, and wrestling. He graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in engineering (2002) and law (2005). For more than 20 years, Ted has practiced law in Bay County. He and his wife, MHS alum Heather Stephenson Howell, have two children, Vivian and Judson.

Leon Eugene Nobles, Jr. – Class of 1963

Known as “Mr. FFA,” Leon Nobles devoted his career to teaching agriculture and leading the FFA program at Marianna High. His teams consistently excelled, winning district and state championships and representing MHS at the national level. Former students describe him as a demanding but inspiring teacher who instilled pride, discipline, and excellence in every class he taught.

Jill Mathis Rasmus – Class of 2007

Jill was a three-sport athlete, competing in softball, volleyball, and weightlifting. She was named MHS Softball Player of the Year in 2007 and went on to play softball on scholarship at Gulf Coast State College and Southern Miss University. Jill and her husband, Cory Rasmus, have three children, Kinley (12), Kylar (11), and Kreed (8). A dedicated mom, she spends her days on the move between practices and games, proudly cheering on the next generation of athletes in her family.

Russell Register – Class of 1979

A talented vocalist and lifelong Bulldog supporter, Russell sang with the MHS Chorus and Interact Club and was part of the 1979 State Vocal Quartet champions. He later became the “Voice of the Bulldogs” on local radio and TV broadcasts. After earning his BSW from FAMU in 1984, Russell served 32 years in Florida state service and now works as Operations Manager for JTrans Public Transportation. He also helped coach the USA Special Olympics Basketball Team to a gold medal at the 2010 Athens Games. His plaque sums up his passion perfectly: “Touchdown Bulldogs!”

Dr. Wayne H. Smith – Class of 1956

An honor student and FFA leader, Dr. Smith carried his love of agriculture into a distinguished academic career. Joining the University of Florida’s School of Forestry in 1964, he later served as its fifth Director. He played a key role in developing Florida’s Best Management Practices for silviculture and pioneered advances in bioenergy that earned national and international recognition. His work led to collaborations with the U.S. Department of Energy, the United Nations, and even an audience with royalty. Dr. Smith continues to live in Gainesville and remains a strong advocate for agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The Marianna High School Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of alumni who have brought pride and distinction to the school and community.

Stay tuned for next year’s class of inductees. Nominations may be submitted to any member of the Hall of Fame Board.