Switzerland Co. High School Announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Three will be recognized next week.

(Vevay, Ind.) - Three will be inducted into the Switzerland County High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Harold V. Hickman, David “Buck” White and David “Hollywood” Peelman will be recognized at the Pacer Varsity Club Dinner on Thursday, April 4 at Belterra Casino.

Hickman earned seven letters at Vevay High School in basketball, baseball, and track before enlisting in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946.

White and Peelman are being recognized as special contributors to Switzerland County athletics. According to a news release, “there have been no Pacer fans more distinguished than David “Buck” White and David “Hollywood” Peelman.”

See bio’s for the three inductees below.

The Pacer Varsity Club Dinner will also feature guest speaker Bill Doran. The former Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros Hall of Famer will honor his former teammate and Switzerland County Alum, Larry Ray.

Larry Ray Day will follow on Saturday, April 6 when Switzerland County baseball hosts Christian Academy. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Harold attended Vevay High at one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history - right in the heart of World War II. During this difficult time, Harold earned 7 letters at Vevay High in basketball, baseball and track. He was captain of the basketball team his senior year. After graduation, Harold enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1944-1946. After being discharged from the military, Harold enrolled at Franklin College. While at Franklin, he played 2 years for the Grizzlies football team and ran track for 1 year before a knee injury ended his career. After college, Harold entered the coaching realm as he became the head basketball coach at Edinburgh, where his team won a Sectional and Regional titles in his 2nd year at the school. Harold left Edinburgh after 4 years to become the head coach back at Franklin College. He followed his 2 year stint at Franklin by coaching Aurora High School for 8 years. After Harold’s teaching and coaching career, he retired as a school administrator. Harold dedicated his life to his country, his students and the communities he served throughout his career - all built on the foundation of his life in Switzerland County.

Special Contributors…David “Buck” White and David “Hollywood” Peelman For many years, one could not attend a Switzerland County basketball game without hearing the chant of “airball” from the front row courtesy of Buck White. Buck, along with Hollywood, are considered by many to be the Pacers number one and number two fans. They could be seen right in the middle of the Pacer huddle during a timeout listening to the message being delivered from coach to players or standing at the scorers table before a game talking to a coach. Their love for the Pacers was unwavering. Still today, the only jersey displayed at SCHS is that of Buck White as it is a reminder of Buck’s impact. Although Buck is no longer with us, he continues to support his Pacers through the Buck White memorial scholarship that is awarded each year to a graduating senior who participates in Varsity basketball for the Pacers.

The Pacers are still blessed with an occasional appearance from Hollywood. Hollywood often shares his recap of exciting Pacer games with local patrons. His support of Pacer athletics continues today as one of our communities largest supporters. He will go down in history as a partner in the duo of the Pacer’s beloved number one and number two fans. There have been no Pacer fans more distinguished than David “Buck” White and David “Hollywood” Peelman.