Ledyard — Ledyard High School will honor the six new members of its football hall of fame during halftime of the Colonels' Thanksgiving Day game against Fitch on Nov. 26 and formally induct them on Jan. 31 at the football team's awards night at Lake of Isles.

John McCullough (1972), Mike Antonowicz (1987), Kyle Peavler (1989), Rick Sheldon (1994), Angelo Ortiz (2004) and Marc Mignault (2008) will make up the hall of fame's fifth induction class.

"The recognition is well-deserved for these individuals," said Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore, whose program celebrates its 50th anniversary this season. "The hall of fame allows us to properly recognize the former athletes who have made significant contributions to Ledyard football.

"It allows the past to meet the present and for the present to fully grasp and understand that they are a part of such a special organization."

McCullough was versatile, playing running back, fullback, quarterback and returning punts and kicks. McCullough led the 1971 Colonels to the ECC championship and was named All-ECC and second team all-state. He also starred in baseball, going on to play at UConn. 

Antonowicz was a dominant force on the offensive and defensive lines, leading the team to its first state championship in 1986. He finished the season with 18 sacks and was named All-ECC.

Peavler finished his career with more than 2,000 yards rushing and was the leading tackler on the team during the 1987 season. Peavler was named to the All-ECC team and was team MVP. After graduation, Peavler played for one season at the United States Military Academy, where he recorded 78 tackles and four interceptions at strong safety. He later transferred to Arizona State and was named Special Teams Player of the Year in 1994.

Sheldon was a key member of a dominant offensive line for the 1993 Class MM state championship team. He was a New Haven Register all-state selection in 1993. 

Ortiz rushed for 1,448 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2003 season. He finished his career with 32 rushing touchdowns and ranks fifth on Ledyard's career points list. He was a 2003 New Haven Register all-state selection. Ortiz played football at Endicott College.

Mignault was a three-year starter at quarterback and defensive back, leading the team to the state playoffs in 2006 and the CIAC Class M state championship in 2007. Mignault served as the team captain in 2007 and was named to the All-ECC team. Mignault was an all-state selection at defensive back and National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete award recipient. Mignault continued his football career at Central Connecticut State University.

For more information about the hall of fame, contact Buonocore at jbuonocore@ledyard.net