Brandon Stokley, Lewis Cook Highlight Locals Named To Louisiana Hall of Fame 2018 Class
Former Louisiana Ragin' Cajun wide receiver and 15 year NFL journeyman Brandon Stokley Notre Dame Pioneers head coach Lewis Cook and Bass Master champion Jack Hains are three locals who highlight the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2018 Class.
Louisiana Sports HOF announced their latest class today, as Stokley and Cook are joined by New Orleans native and former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, former Grambling State and NBA standout Larry Wright, former LSU and MLB pitcher Russ Springer, former Louisiana and LSU tennis coach Jerry Simmons and the late Paul Candies, a Drag Racing Hall of Famer.
Stokley was a standout high school athlete at Comeaux in the early to mid 90s, before enrolling locally to play for his late father Nelson at Louisiana (then called USL), leading the Ragin' Cajuns in receiving all 4 years, becoming the first NCAA D1 player to average over 100 yards receiving a game in 3 different seasons.
"This has been such an unbelievable day," said Stokley upon learning of his induction. "Having so many people that have been such a big part of my sports life in Louisiana enjoying it with me today makes it so special. One of the best days of my life."
During his 15 year NFL career, Stokley played for 5 different teams, winning two Super Bowls (2000 Baltimore Ravens, 2006 Indianapolis Colts). In 152 regular season games, Stokley caught 397 passes for 5,339 yards (13.4 yards per catch) and 39 touchdowns. He was also a big part of many playoff teams, appearing in 15 postseason games, tallying 46 receptions for 647 yards and 7 scores.
He was teammates with fellow inductee Reggie Wayne in Indianapolis from 2003 to 2006.
One of Stokley's assistant coaches during his time at USL was Lewis "Louie" Cook. Cook, the head coach at Notre Dame high in Crowley, sports a career high school coaching record of 333-81. His resume includes 4 state championships, 11 state championship game appearances, and 17 semi-final appearances. He's won 23 district championships over the course of his illustrious career.
Hains. a native of Rayne, won the fifth annual Bassmaster Classic, fishing's biggest competitive event. Over the course of his illustrious career, he competed in 152 career tournaments.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is located in Natchitoches, currently home to 411 Hall of Famers. The 2018 class will be inducted next summer.