By TODD FERTIG
TopSports.news
Legendary Silver Lake football coach CJ Hamilton was honored prior to the Eagles’ home game Friday for his induction to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame.
Silver Lake legend CJ Hamilton was officially inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame Friday night by KSHSAA former executive director Gary Musselman (left) and current executive director Bill Faflick. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
Standing on the sideline of the field named in his honor, where he guided the Eagles for 47 years, Hamilton was presented a plaque by KSHSAA executive director Bill Faflick and former executive director Gary Musselman.
“I’m deeply honored, primarily because I’m representing my former players who are loyal to our program, and the great assistant coaches, and a community that was committed and sacrificed for those kids,” Hamilton said. “There are a lot of great coaches (in the KSHSAA Hall of Fame) and to be put in the category with all those other great coaches is just a great honor. I’m happy to represent this community and this school in the hall of fame.”
Hamilton was one of five individuals selected for induction to the hall of fame last December. The Eagles took advantage of their first home game of the season to celebrate Hamilton’s induction, with a number of his former players, as well as family and friends, on hand.
“It is special for the Silver Lake community, where many former players are in attendance, to be able to be a part of CJ’s induction into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame,” said Silver Lake Athletic Director David Schooler. “Hosting this event on the field that he coached for so many years is extra special.”
Hamilton’s resume is unmatched. He retired in 2021 with a football coaching record of 447-98. No coach in Kansas history has approached the 400-win mark. He led the Eagles to 39 league titles and 18 appearances in the state championship game, winning eight – the most titles by any coach in Kansas history.
As if that wasn’t enough, he led the Eagles to three baseball state championships.
“But CJ Hamilton's story isn't just about numbers,” Silver Lake public address announcer Duke Kisner said in the ceremony. “It's about the lives he touched, the champions he molded. In the sweltering heat of early-season practices and the bitter cold of November playoffs, he pushed his players to find their limits – and then surpass them.
“CJ Hamilton didn't just coach football. He taught life lessons including perseverance, dedication, and the will to never give up. In Silver Lake, CJ Hamilton’s name is synonymous with greatness. A hometown hero who turned a small town into the epicenter of Kansas football.”
Hamilton’s impact endures as three Silver Lake coaches – Nick, Travis and Trevor – share his last name.
“I’ve got two of CJ’s sons on the staff and one of his nephews,” former Silver Lake player and current head coach Logan Pegram said. “When you say ‘Silver Lake,’ that’s synonymous with CJ Hamilton. I don’t think the six of us (current coaches) would be doing what we’re doing without him, so we’re all privileged to have been a part of it.”
