West Aurora High School will induct three former athletes into the School’s Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at the School.
• Mario Clark earned four varsity letters at West Aurora High School in boys basketball and was named to the Illinois High School Association’s (IHSA) First Team All-State in 1990. During his time as a Blackhawk, Clark led his team to the Elite Eight of the IHSA Tournament where he averaged 26 points per game and had one of the best senior seasons in West Aurora history. Upon graduation, Clark ranked second in both steals and scoring at West Aurora. Clark went on to play basketball at Chicago State University and John A. Logan Community College, before finishing at Indiana State University where he led his team in scoring and assists for two seasons. Today, Clark is a co-founder of M. Property Investments and he and his family are active community members.
• Tim Griffin was a linebacker for West Aurora High School’s football program He played on the 1978 playoff team as a sophomore. Despite suffering a season-ending injury as a senior at West High, Griffin went on to be a three-year starting linebacker for the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies. In 1983, his team was 8–1 in Conference play, won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship and earned an invitation to the California Bowl and defeated Cal State Fullerton. As a senior, Griffin served as captain of the NIU football team, was voted most valuable player, and was named MAC honorable mention. He ranks among NIU’s top linebackers of all time in career tackles, solo tackles, and single-season tackles. Griffin and his family reside in nearby Geneva.
• Matt McKee was a three-year starter for the boys’ volleyball program at West High, and was graduated with three IHSA volleyball records: Most kills in a season, most aces in a season, and most kills in a match. As a senior, he led the Blackhawks to the State quarterfinals. McKee played men’s volleyball at Pepperdine University and was a member of the 2007 and 2008 teams that placed in the top three teams in the Nation. At Pepperdine, McKee was recognized for his performances both on the court and in the classroom. He earned scholar-athlete four times. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing science, McKee became a 911 EMT and paramedic. He resides in Simi Valley, Calif., with his wife and two children.
The public is invited to attend the Athletic Hall of Fame induction reception and ceremony Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with a free reception in the Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse at West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York Street in Aurora. New members will be inducted into the HOF at approximately 4:15 p.m., between the girls and boys varsity basketball games against East Aurora. Game times are 3 p.m. for girls and 4:30 p.m. for boys.
The West Aurora Hall of Fame Committee recognizes outstanding contributions to the West Aurora High School athletic program by a student-athlete, coach, or another individual, which clearly qualifies that person for membership in an elite group. These contributions will have resulted in regional, State, or national recognition. Additionally, these individuals have demonstrated high levels of character, leadership, and sportsmanship, while representing West Aurora High School.
—West Aurora School District 129