St. Mary’s Ryken High School welcomed nearly 200 alumni and friends on October 18, 2024, to celebrate its annual Hall of Fame induction and Homecoming festivities. The evening featured recognition of outstanding alumni athletes, a distinguished coach, and the school’s first WCAC championship team. The celebration culminated in a thrilling 38-7 victory by the Knights over Bishop O’Connell.
The Hall of Fame induction took place at the Donnie Williams Center Performance Court, honoring five inductees for their contributions to St. Mary’s Ryken’s athletic legacy. The inductees were Rachel Heinze Barefoot (Class of 2013, softball), Brittani Burgess (Class of 2013, basketball), Jordan Aughinbaugh Selmer (Class of 2013, softball), former boys basketball coach and athletic director Dave Tallman, and the 2007 Boys Lacrosse Team.
2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Rachel Heinze Barefoot, Class of 2013 (Softball)
Rachel Heinze Barefoot achieved two-time All-WCAC honors during her high school softball career, including a First Team nod in 2012. She carried her talent to Mount St. Mary’s University, where she became the school’s first-ever two-time First Team All-NEC performer and Player of the Year in softball. Heinze set multiple records at The Mount, including home runs and RBIs, and later served as an assistant coach at her alma mater.
Brittani Burgess, Class of 2013 (Basketball)
A trailblazer on the basketball court, Brittani Burgess was the second player in SMR history to achieve First Team All-WCAC honors. Her collegiate career took her to Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Maryland Baltimore County before turning professional in Spain. Burgess is now a documentary filmmaker, working with high-profile projects including The Shop: Uninterrupted and the WNBA.
Jordan Aughinbaugh Selmer, Class of 2013 (Softball)
Earning both First Team All-WCAC and All-MET honors, Jordan Aughinbaugh Selmer’s high school softball achievements set the stage for a collegiate career at North Carolina State University and the University of Maryland. She is currently the vice president of associate membership and sponsorship at the Consumer Bankers Association.
Dave Tallman, Former Boys Basketball Coach and Athletic Director
From 2004 to 2014, Dave Tallman elevated the SMR boys basketball program, guiding the team to its first-ever victory over DeMatha Catholic High School in 2010. He coached 17 players who earned NCAA scholarships and was twice named Southern Maryland Coach of the Year. Tallman now serves as head coach at Morgantown High School in West Virginia, where he has led his teams to multiple state championships.
2007 Boys Lacrosse Team (WCAC Champions)
The 2007 Boys Lacrosse Team made history as SMR’s first WCAC champions, defeating DeMatha Catholic High School 13-12. Under the leadership of coaches John Sothoron, Jay Sothoron, and Bay Burch, the team earned a Top 20 ranking in The Washington Post, peaking at No. 4. Many players continued their lacrosse careers at collegiate programs, furthering the legacy of this historic team.
An Evening of Legacy and Celebration
Following the Hall of Fame induction, alumni and guests enjoyed a Homecoming Alumni Tailgate before cheering on the Knights in their commanding 38-7 win. The victory added to the celebratory atmosphere of a day dedicated to honoring St. Mary’s Ryken’s athletic achievements and community spirit.
The evening highlighted the accomplishments of the inductees while connecting alumni across generations. The school continues to foster a rich tradition of excellence, both on and off the field.
