As someone who appreciates history, the excitement level for yours truly is as high as it can get with 2013 in full force.

For the first time ever, The News-Herald will unveil and begin the process of inducting a set of athletes each year in the newly created N-H high school sports hall of fame.

The HOF will be managed through a Website (NHVarsityHallofFame.wordpress.com). No more than 10 will be inducted each year. Players, coaches, officials, teams, administrators and individuals to make a contribution to area high school sports will be eligible. 

The first class will be honored at the June 21 N-H Senior Bowl at Mentor's Jerome T. Osborne Stadium. Who will make the cut this year? There a few obvious names that would be at the top of any serious fan of high school sports in these parts for the first class.

Nominations from readers are being accepted. Email to MPodolski@News-Herald.com. Final decisions for HOF induction will be made by a selection committee that is in the process of being assembled.

A few ground rules for induction:

- Players or teams must have graduated at least 10 years prior to induction. 

- Coaches and administrators must have spent at least 10 years at an area school or schools.

- Accomplishments by players, coaches, etc., must have occurred when The News-Herald covered such school.

- Mark Podolski | @MPodo