Starr’s Mill Hall of Fame announces 2025 inductees

The Starr’s Mill High School Hall of Fame will induct five new members during a weekend of festivities kicking off October 10. 

Five new Panther legends will be inducted as the Class of 2025: Casey Bond, Ariston Bowers, Mike Davis, Mike Hanie, and Zach Laskey. 

Bond, a 2003 graduate, was a baseball star for the Panthers. After a standout collegiate career, Bond became the first professional athlete to come from Starr’s Mill when he was drafted in the 25th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants. He played in the minor leagues for two seasons before retiring to pursue acting full-time. One of the highlights of his second career is appearing in the Academy Award-nominated “Moneyball.” He has since formed his own production company, Higher Purpose Entertainment. 

Bowers, a 2001 graduate, was part of the first class to complete four years at Starr’s Mill. A star wrestler, he won a state championship as a senior. He had a 61-1 record as a senior, which at the time was the 10th most wins in the history of high school wrestling. He was also three-time NHSCA All-American and named pound-for-pound fifth best wrestler in the state of Georgia as a senior. During his Starr’s Mill wrestling career, he won the county and region championship three times and placed twice at state. 

Davis was one of the first assistant principals for Starr’s Mill when it opened in 1997, and he was the second athletic director at the school. He served in both positions until he retired in 2015. During his time as athletic director, the Panthers won state championships in four different sports: boys soccer in 2000 and 2010, girls soccer in 2006, girls volleyball in 2004, and the 300M hurdles in 2006. Davis passed way in February 2020 at the age of 61. 

Hanie spent 22 years coaching Starr’s Mill soccer, leading the varsity boys his whole career and the varsity girls for one season. During his time at the school, he earned countless awards, including Region Coach of the Year six times and State Coach of the Year two times. Hanie led the Panthers to 9 region titles and two state championships in 2000 and 2010. 

Laskey, a 2010 graduate, played football at Starr’s Mill for four years. HIs senior year he ranked top 10 in the state in yards rushing as a running back. He signed a scholarship to play at Georgia Tech, culminating in over 2,000 career rushing yards and All-ACC Second Team recognition as a senior. Laskey signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent and was part of the team for three seasons. 

The inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame game on Friday, October 10 against Harris County. The induction banquet will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 6 p.m. at Whitewater Country Club. Tickets can be purchase through the Go Fans website.