Model Laboratory School inducted three individuals to the Model Laboratory School Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, January 23, 2026.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes Fran Skye McCloud (’79), Gus Benson (’14), and Ephraim Otieno (’16).
Fran Skye McCloud (’79) was a four-year, two-sport standout athlete at Model Laboratory High School, excelling in both basketball and track and field while leaving a lasting legacy across both programs.
Despite Model not having a formal track and field program at the time, McCloud competed independently under the guidance of Coach Jeanne Stull. As the school’s sole participant, she qualified for both regional and state competition in the shot put. As a sophomore, she finished first at the Class A Regional Meet and second at the Class A State Meet. The following year, she again captured the Class A Regional title and went on to win first place at the Class A State Meet, setting a state record in the shot put.
“I lived in Berea, and I would go to the Berea track meets,” McCloud shared. “So I went back and asked my coach, ‘How come we don’t have a track team?’ She said, ‘I can sign you up.’ I would just drive myself to these random track meets and participate. I literally was by myself—nobody else was doing it.”
On the basketball court, McCloud was a dominant and consistent performer throughout her four-year career. As a senior, she averaged 26 points per game, recorded a career-high 42-point performance, and averaged double figures in both points and rebounds. She led the team in scoring and was named Team MVP during both her junior and senior seasons, serving as team captain in each of those years.
“I started there in ’75, and the minute I got there, I really knew that’s where I was supposed to be,” McCloud said. “It was one of the most welcoming places on the planet. I made some friends at Model who are still very good friends of mine—especially the people on the basketball team. Some of them are still my lifelong friends.”
Throughout her high school career, McCloud helped lead Model to two district championships and consistently ranked among the program’s top scorers, averaging more than 20 points per game across multiple seasons. She earned All-District honors all four years, All-Region recognition in multiple seasons, and was named to the Courier Journal All-State Team in both 1978 and 1979. Her scoring achievements place her among the most prolific players in Model girls’ basketball history.
“It’s pretty amazing to realize the impact that had at that point in my life,” McCloud reflected. “It’s been so long ago, but it’s cool to have a banner in your high school. I mean, it just is.”
Now living in Greece, McCloud was unable to attend the induction ceremony in person, but her impact on Model athletics continues to be celebrated and remembered.
Gus Benson (’14) began his varsity tennis career at Model as a fifth grader, winning his first regional match that same year. Over the next eight years, he developed into one of the most accomplished tennis players in school history.
As a freshman and sophomore, Benson finished as the 11th Region Boys Singles Runner-Up before capturing Regional Championships in both his junior and senior seasons. From 2011 to 2014, he earned All-Region honors and was named All-State in 2013 and 2014. His senior year was highlighted by an undefeated regular season, finishing as the top-ranked senior in Kentucky and the highest-ranked USTA Boys 18s player in the state. He was also recognized as the Kentucky High School Coaches Association Outstanding Senior for Tennis.
“I think it was great that I got to play here at Model because it allowed me to play from fifth grade,” Benson said. “A lot of other high schools—you had to be in high school to play varsity. We kind of ran the region there for a minute, which was pretty good coming from Model into the Lexington region.”
Serving as team captain during his junior and senior seasons, Benson helped lead Model to Regional Championships, two State Final Four appearances, and national-level competition. He competed in the DecoTurf National Invitational, earning All-Tournament honors, and represented Kentucky on the USTA Southern Junior Cup Team.
Benson continued his tennis career at the University of Kentucky, where he competed for four years and qualified for the NCAA Division I Men’s Doubles National Tournament. During his time at UK, he was named the CATSPY Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and earned All-SEC Academic honors throughout his collegiate career.
“Model prepared me for a lot of things—not just athletics,” he shared. “Academics, dedication, sacrifice—it all carries over. It shows you can come from Model, from Richmond, Kentucky, and still achieve whatever dreams you’re trying to get to.”
A proud member of a multi-generation Model family, Benson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be recognized among Model’s athletic greats.
“All of my uncles and brothers and parents—everybody—are Model alumni,” Benson shared. “So it’s been in our family for a really long time. It’s a really cool thing to be able to be etched into the history of Model and make my mark.”
Ephraim Otieno (’16) was a standout multi-sport athlete at Model Laboratory School whose impact was felt far beyond the court and field.
On the soccer field, Ephraim scored 34 goals and recorded 19 assists in just 47 games, helping lead Model to a District Championship.
On the basketball court, Ephraim steadily developed into one of the most prolific scorers in school history. As a freshman, he helped lead Model to an 11th Region All “A” Championship. By his senior season, he averaged 23.0 points per game, scored 651 points, earned All–11th Region Team honors, and surpassed fellow Hall of Fame inductee Larry Roy to become Model’s all-time leading scorer with 1,789 career points.
“My favorite part about him is he was so much more than an athlete,” shared his brother, Chris Otieno (’19). “He was just a good human with the biggest smile, and he lights up every single room that he walks in. When I think of Ephraim, I don’t think of an athlete. I think of the best big brother on the planet.”
Beyond athletics, Ephraim excelled academically, earning a Biology degree from the University of Louisville before completing medical school and entering an Internal Medicine Residency Program. He was recognized as a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar, Porter Scholar, LSAMP Scholar, Sweet 16 Scholarship recipient, and Kentucky Youth Soccer Association Male Young Referee of the Year.
“He always set the standard,” said his sister, Rebecca Otieno (’22). “He was the firstborn, and growing up, we always looked up to him. It was so clear at his funeral, hearing coworkers and friends talk, that he left such an impact on this world.”
Two weeks before his passing, Ephraim was notified of his induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
“The thing that brings me comfort today is that Mr. Sutton and Coach Scarberry got to call my brother and tell him he was going to be inducted,” Chris shared. “He was overjoyed, but also so humble about what a great honor it was.”
Tragically, Ephraim passed away at the age of 29. Model Laboratory School is honored to recognize his legacy and ensure his name will forever remain part of Model history.
“Every day when God wakes me up, I want to walk in purpose and live carrying the traits Ephraim carried,” Rebecca said.
Watch this video to hear from the 2026 inductees.
Read more about the Model Athletics Hall of Fame at model.eku.edu/athletics-hof.
