Class of 2024
Craig Halbleib
Class of 1961
Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track & Field
Craig Halbleib was a well-rounded student-athlete at Patrick Henry High School.
On the baseball team, he was noted for his "booming bat," contributing significantly to the team’s strong offensive performance, alongside teammates like Ray Murphy, Topper Davis, Tommie Goodman, Steve Harris, and Dick Jones.
He was described as the basketball team’s “playmaker and top ball handler,” indicating a pivotal role in orchestrating plays and facilitating team offense.
Halbleib was also part of the football and track teams, showing his athletic versatility.
Beyond athletics, he served in student leadership through Key Club as the treasurer.
PH STATS
Champion Patriot Team - Standing, left to right, manager Donald Tate, scorekeeper Ray Tate, shortstop Russ Palmore, center field Frank Matro, left field Clay Stiles, right field George Ruth, right field Joe Andrews, left field Frank Binns, right field Mason Eddleton, pitcher Keith Bradford, and coach Don Colley. Kneeling, second base Butch Wales, shortstop Craig Halbleib, catcher David Jones, pitcher Ray Murphy, first base Garland Lloyd, pitcher Topper Davis, pitcher Tommy Goodman, catcher Joe Bradford, third base State Harris, and second base Hunter Ferguson. Herald-Progress May 25, 1961.
*Ron Grubbs
Class of 1963
Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track & Field
Rob Grubbs was track & field and football standout. In the 1963 Voice yearbook, Ron Grubbs is spotlighted for shattering two school records and one district record in track:
100-yard dash in 9.9 seconds
220-yard dash in 22.3 seconds
Not only was he a record-breaking sprinter, but he also played on the football team, recognized for his athletic prowess.
On the football field, Ron Grubbs served as a senior co-captain, wearing jersey #12. He scored multiple touchdowns during the season and was highlighted in action images against teams like Midlothian.
A Richmond News Leader article (September 26, 1963) describes him as a 185-pound "speedster" from PHHS, noting his likely role as starting left halfback.
After graduating from Patrick Henry, he accepted a full scholarship to the University of Richmond to play running back and defensive back for the Spiders.
Upon graduation, Ron volunteered to join the United States Navy as a commissioned officer and began his training to become a Naval Aviator. He earned his Gold Wings in 1969, flying both the A4 Skyhawk and Huey helicopter supporting the United States Special Operations Teams. Ron retired as a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserves in 1971.
* Posthumous (Obituary)
PH STATS
JW Mitchell
Class of 1975
Baseball
PH STATS
Earl Kinney
Class of 1983
Football, Basketball
PH STATS
Saundra “Sandy” Shelton
Class of 1985
Basketball, Track & Field
Saundra “Sandy” Shelton set a school record in Track & Field: Girls long jump record holder at 19′ 0.5″ (1985)
State Meet Placement (VHSL AAA, 1985): Long jump finals result shows 19′ 0.5″ for Patrick Henry (Ashland).
During the 1983 basketball season, she was listed as the “Best Defensive Player” for varsity girls basketball.
After graduating from PHHS, she went to Christopher Newport University, where she continued to run women’s track & field,
PH STATS
Andre Curtis
Class of 1995
Football
Andre Curtis earned a spot on the Associated Press All-Group AAA football team (1994) as a linebacker, with a second-team selection as center, highlighting his versatile contributions on both sides of the ball.
In the coaches’ All-Group AAA selections, Curtis was named first-team linebacker and second-team center, reinforcing his dual-role impact.
These honors came during PHHS Ashland’s dominant 1994 football season, where the Patriots went undefeated (14–0) and captured the Group AAA state championship.
Curtis went on to play football for the Virginia Military Institute. He was a four-year letter winner playing linebacker for the Keydets between 1996 and 1999.
He began his coaching career at his alma mater, followed by the New York Giants, the St. Louis Rams, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Chicago Bears. He is currently the Defensive Pass Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
PH STATS
Herald Progress December 2, 1993. Photo by Sam Deaner.
Anthony Martinez
Class of 2002
Football, Baseball
As Patrick Henry’s quarterback, Anthony Martinez threw for more than 5,000 yards, leading the Patriots to the state finals in 2001. He was a 3-year starter and finished with a 30-5 record.
At PH, Martinez was also the football team’s spokesperson.
He was recruited for schools across the nation, but ultimately chose the University of Virginia.
PH STATS
Anthony Martinez with Coach Ray Long - Herald Progress February 7, 2002 - photo by Mike Morones
*James Edward Cobb III
Coach (43 years)
Multiple Sports
Coach Jim Cobb was a fixture at Patrick Henry High School.
He was a beloved Patrick Henry High School alumnus (Class of 1964) who dedicated over 43 years to teaching PE, Health, Driver Education, and coaching football at PHHS. His impact stretched well beyond the classroom—he was a fixture in the athletic community.
Born and raised in Ashland, he was affectionately connected to “Cobbville,” a nod to his family’s longstanding presence in the area.
Known for his kindhearted nature, contagious laughter, and warmth, Coach Cobb was remembered for initiating “group hugs every chance he got.” He left an enduring legacy as an educator, coach, and community hero.
Coach Cobb passed away on December 1, 2018, at age 72. A memorial service was held at St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Ashland.
* Posthumous (Obituary)
PH STATS
Coach Jim Cobb - Herald-Progress October 9, 2008 - photo by Nick Liberante.
