OKEMOS - It's no secret that Okemos High School has built some strong programs and molded some talented athletes over the years.

Now, the school's athletic department is launching what athletic director Ira Childress called a "exciting and historic initiative" to recognize past and present successes of the Chiefs.

The Okemos Athletic Hall of Fame will link the greats of the past with the athletes of the present and future by recognizing high performing athletes, teams and contributors.

"We want to tie the past with the present, so when the student athletes are walking down the hall, they can look up and see a plaque and say, 'Hey that was one of the great athletes of all time,, or there's one of the great athletes of all time ,or there's one of the great teams of all time,'" said Childress.

Individuals may nominate a former or current player, coach or team who they think is deserving of induction.

Those selected for the Okemos Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored with a dinner and formerly inducted on October 1 as part of Okemos High School's Homecoming Week.

Nominations must be submitted by June 8 in order to be considered for induction.