Every year, the Friends of South organization – made up of parents and community members who have a common goal to raise money to support South students and staff – selects new inductees for the Axe Hall of Fame. They do this to celebrate the accomplishments of South alumni and inspire students by showing them examples of dedication, teamwork, and success. It helps us to recognize the amazing alumni achievement in the arts, academics, business, public service, athletic achievement, and coaching that has helped form the history and culture of South Eugene High School. These people are community leaders who represent the dedication, character, and achievements of the highest levels at South. 

Saturday, Feb. 22, will mark the 13th year of the event and will include this year’s banquet at the ceremony. It will be a night full of fun, including a reception, a silent auction, entertainment, and a dinner starting at 6 p.m. Friends of South will be honoring alumni and raising money to support South Eugene High School. This year they have a goal to raise $25,000, and so far they have raised $16,494. The Axe Hall of Fame hopes to inspire students with the many accomplishments of alumni and raise money for different needs across the school. In efforts to fundraise, sponsored tables will be available to people and directed to the club or team of people’s choice. 
By Sofia Bell

Wendy Gabbe Day is being inducted into the SEHS Hall of fame. Gabbe Day is known for her time with the 1999 Girls basketball state championship team and her work with various nonprofit groups. Ever since a young age Gabbe Day has loved basketball whether it was playing with her dad in her garage or pickup games with friends at recess. Connection has always been more important to her than the wins. Gabbe Day recalls winning the State Championship as one of her greatest accomplishments while at South, but she explained that what she valued more was “the little moments in between.” 

“Singing on the bus, cracking jokes and laughing until we couldn’t breathe, goofing around off the court—those are the memories that really stick with me,” she said. Gabbe Day was a four year starter and helped South secure a personal best of 51 wins. 

Gabbe Day shared advice for current and aspiring basketball players. 

“Enjoy the journey and don’t just focus on the end goal,” she said. “It’s easy to get caught up in winning games or making a team, but the best moments are the friendships you build, the lessons you learn through losses, and the growth you experience.” She reminded players not to get lost in the competition but instead focus on having fun: “Always stay curious, keep improving, and, of course, never stop playing for the love of the game!” 

Gabbe Day’s accomplishments lie outside of basketball as well; for the past 15 years, she has coordinated nonprofit groups. 

“I love bringing people together for a cause that matters and seeing the impact that a well-planned event can have,” Gabbe Day stated. “It can be a challenge, but seeing the energy, excitement, and connections happening in real time makes it very rewarding.” In addition to this work, she has also co-produced a documentary, written a plant based cookbook and been a food blogger. Gabbe Day attributes lots of her off court success to her time on the basketball team. 

“Playing basketball instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age — learning to push through challenges, stay disciplined, and work toward long-term goals. It also taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and perseverance, all of which translate into so many areas of life.” Gabbe Day’s basketball past also affects her personal life.

“Basketball sparked my love for movement and staying active. These days, I love hiking, biking, and bouldering with my family. It’s less about competition and more about adventure and exploring new places.” 

Being inducted into South’s Hall of Fame is a special occasion for Gabbe Day.

“It’s such a sweet feeling,” she shared. “I’m really excited about it. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my 1999 team. We went through so much together, and being able to reminisce about our championship win is going to be really special.” 

Reflecting on her experience with the 1999 team, she said, “time has passed, and it’ll be great to see where everyone is now, share our journeys since then, and celebrate how far we’ve come, both as a team and as individuals.”

Read more about Wendy Gabbe Day on the Friends of South website.

Article by Ozy Zinke-Haschemeyer