Randolph, Talavera, Patton join Hall of Fame
Harmon Hawks honor three distinguished athletic alumni
The J.C. Harmon High School Hall of Fame added three new members Friday night — Ricky Randolph, Daniel Talavera, and America Patton.
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Ricky Randolph graduated from Harmon in the class of 1978 and was an all-around athlete, competing in football, wrestling, and track. Ricky was twice named to the all-league football team as a linebacker and won the Art Lawrence award, named in honor of the legendary Rosedale High School football coach.
Randolph placed second at the state wrestling tournament and finished third in the mile at the state track meet. He was on the relay team that still holds Harmon's medley relay record, set in 1976. After Harmon, he continued to run track at KCKCC.
Randolph credited the encouragement from football and track coach Eugene Jones for bringing out the best in him, and his message to today's young athletes is, "Work hard, stay focused, and stay out of trouble."
Daniel Talavera, a member of the class of 1991, was a star on the diamond for the Hawks, playing second base and hitting in the leadoff spot. His outstanding play earned him a place on the KBCA first-team all-state squad — the only baseball player in Harmon history to earn that honor.
Talavera recalled having "the time of my life" at Harmon and how he and his teammates grew up in the same neighborhood, going to school and playing ball together from an early age. He credited coaches Barry Davies and Jeff Dorris with preaching the teamwork and effort needed to become better.
He went on to earn business degrees from KCKCC and Washburn University.
In his nomination of Talavera, longtime Harmon teacher and coach Davies said, "Daniel came to practice every day with the idea that he would leave practice as a better ballplayer than when he arrived.
Teacher and musician America Patton was a standout in the defensive backfield for Harmon football, graduating in the class of 2000. Patton was twice named to the All-Kansas first team as a free safety and was selected the All-Kansas defensive player of the year. He was also part of several league and regional championship relay teams, twice winning fifth place in the 4x100-meters at state.
"Family," Patton said when asked his favorite memory of Harmon. "Here at Harmon's a family atmosphere. From the coaches to the teachers, they keep us grounded."
He had a long list of Harmon teachers and coaches that inspired him, and he encouraged today's Hawks that, "Whatever you put into the classroom, and whatever you put into the football or basketball athletics, you will get that back in return. So work hard before you play hard."
Patton continued to play football at Coffeyville Community College and McPherson College, earning degrees at both. He played semi-pro football with the Kansas City Bulldogs, and earned master's degrees from UMKC and Emporia State.
In addition to his work as an educator, Patton has released a jazz album and been the subject of a documentary, "America Patton: The Man, The Mentor, The Musician." Patton has also been passionately involved with the preservation of the Quindaro area and the Underground Railway Museum.
Future nominations to the J.C. Harmon Hall of Fame can be made at https://tinyurl.com/HarmonHOF.
Randolph took second at state in wrestling and third in the mile. That is a very interesting combination. That speaks to being a really, really good all around athlete. I love it.