Charles Hughes - Class of 1952

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Charlie Hughes's family accepts an award on his  behalf.

Charles Marvin Hughes played for Sand Springs High School from 1949 though 1952, serving as Captain of the football team, and an All-State leftie pitcher for the baseball team.

The Sandite football team went 11-1-1 in 1951, winning the Regional Championship and making it to the State finals. In the Championship game they tied 20-20 with Ada, but Ada was awarded the State Title on penetrations.

He was awarded a baseball scholarship to Anderson University in Indiana, then signed with St. Louis Cardinals Farm Club before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955. During his service in the Army, Hughes continued his baseball career playing in Germany. He was well-known in the community as a successful businessman and for coaching and mentoring young people.

After shoulder injuries put an end to his baseball career, Hughes enrolled in cosmetology school and eventually owned the Scissors Family Hair Salon till his death in 2013. At its peak, Scissors had 10 locations. Hughes also served on the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology. 

Hughes was married to Diane Hughes in 1986 and had two children: Todd Slankard and Lisa Foster.

Bill Bigby - Class of 1951

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Bill Bigby's 1951 High School photo.

Bigby's wife accepts an award on his behalf. 

William Dan "Bill" Bigby played baseball, football, and basketball for Sand Springs High School from 1948 through 1951 and was named to the All-State Baseball team. 

Sandite Football went 3-6-1 in the 1950 season.
Sandite Basketball went 22-5 for their second-straight Verdigris Valley Conference Championship in the 1950-1951 season.

After graduating Sand Springs, Bigby attended the University of Oklahoma and married his high school sweet heart, Rosemary Wallace. He paused his education to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant, then graduated from the University of Tulsa.

Bigby served the City of Sand Springs as a councilman and Mayor while working for Saint Francis Hospital. He also coached future Sandites in both baseball and basketball. 

Bigby passed away on October 5, 2013. 

Eugene Palmer - Class of 1950

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Eugene Palmer's 1950 yearbook photo.

A member of the Palmer family accepts a plaque on Palmer's behalf.

Eugene Palmer attended Sand Springs High School from 1947 to 1950 and was a talented player on the baseball, football, and basketball teams. In his senior year he received the Apollo Cup and was named Commander Mills Outstanding Player.

He was Co-Captain of the football team from 1949 to 1950 and was named to the All-Conference teams for both football and basketball, and was an All-State Honorable Mention for football. He played halfback for the football team for two years and played three years as a forward for the basketball team.

Sandite Football went 7-4 his senior year, falling in the first round of the playoffs.

Sandite Basketball went undefeated for the Verdigris Valley Conference Championship in the 1949-1950 season and finished with a 27-1-1 record.

Eugene married Mary Rose "Moe Palmer" on November 11, 1950 and had four children: Gary, Pam, Marilyn, and Scott.

Palmer worked at Hoerner Box in Sand Springs, which later became Stone Container, where he retired after 47 years of service.