BLYTHEWOOD – The Blythewood Athletic Hall of Fame is proud to announce its fourth class of inductees. The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will include Andrew Beckwith, Ansley Gilstrap, Gabby Wade and Brandon Wilds.
The Induction Ceremony for the inductees and their families will take place on Sept. 26 at Blythewood High School. The inductees will be recognized at halftime of the Blythewood football game against Spring Valley on Sept. 27.
Andrew Beckwith – Baseball, Class of 2013 – played for the Bengals, leading them to the State Championship Series in 2013. Beckwith graduated as career leader in innings pitched and saves at Blythewood. After graduation, Beckwith went on to lead Coastal Carolina to a National Championship in 2016. Beckwith would be named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He would be drafted by the Kansas City Royals after his college career.
Ansley Gilstrap – Softball, Class of 2015 – was a three-time All-State selection while at Blythewood High School. Gilstrap graduated as career leader in many offensive categories including Batting Average, Runs Batted In, and Slugging Percentage. Gilstrap played at USC-Upstate after Blythewood before joining Clemson University for their inaugural season in 2020. Gilstrap played professionally after college before joining the coaching staff at Winthrop University.
Gabby Waden – Volleyball, Class of 2018 – lettered all four years as a starter at Blythewood, earning All-State honors each of her final three years. She led the Bengals to multiple region championships and was named a finalist for the Gatorade South Carolina Player of the Year. After Blythewood, Waden attended Mississippi State University. As a Bulldog, Waden earned All-SEC honors three times, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament
Brandon Wilds – Football, Class of 2011 – graduated as the all-time leader in rushing yards and all-purpose yards – records that still stand today. Wilds earned three varsity letters at Blythewood and was named to the North-South All-Star Game. After Blythewood, Wilds played for the University of South Carolina. After college, Wilds would go on to play in the NFL.
For more information about the Hall of Fame, or to view past inductees and qualifications/requirements, visit BlythewoodBengals.com/HOF.