CLAYTON — A prolific quarterback, a defensive player of the year, an avid supporter, and a record-setting pass rusher will earn the recognition they deserve this week.

The 2023 HOF class consists of Clay Belton, Xavior Johnson, Susie Myers, and Gabe Newburg. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at halftime of the Northmont-Centerville home football game on Friday, Sept. 15. The new inductees will have their names added to the displays at the main entrance of Northmont’s Premier Health Stadium, as well as the Lightning Lounge.

Clay Belton is a 2007 graduate of Northmont High School. During his two years as starting quarterback, Belton amassed stats that have placed him as No. 2 in passing touchdowns and yardage in a season. He is No. 3 in career total offense, No. 4 in career passing yardage, and No. 3 for passing touchdowns in a single game.

Belton earned 2nd Team All-GWOC his junior season, and 1st Team All-GWOC his senior year. He was selected 2nd Team All-Area, 2nd Team All-SW District, and was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. In college he at Miami University, University of Maryland, and the University of Findlay. While at Findlay, he was selected as the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

“This is a dream come true! I am blessed to represent my family and my high school. To be recognized amongst a great group of individuals is truly an honor,” Belton said.

Belton is currently a brand and advertising specialist for CareSource and the CEO of Midwest Elite Football. He resides in Clayton.

Xavior ‘X-Man’ Johnson is a 2010 graduate of Northmont. Johnson was a three year starter at strong safety for the “Gang Green” Thunderbolt defense. He was GWOC Defensive Player of Year his senior year. During his senior season, Johnson intercepted eight passes, which ranks him second all-time for interceptions in a season. His accomplishments on the field led to being chosen 1st Team All-GWOC, 1st Team All SW-District, and Honorable Mention All-State.

He began his collegiate career at Texas Southern and eventually, transferred to the University of St. Francis. While at St. Francis, he was a member of two league championship teams.

“Being inducted into the HOF is an honor,” Johnson said. “As a kid, I grew up watching the greats play. My goal was to be mentioned in the same sentence as them. I gave everything I had to Northmont football and Gang Green. I will forever bleed green!”

Johnson currently resides in Fort Wayne, Ind., and is a recruiting manager for Staffmark and assistant football coach at Ft. Wayne Snider High School.

Susie Myers – A football program is only as good as the people who support it behind the scenes. It could be argued that no one has supported Northmont Football more than Susie Myers. She has been involved in the Thunderback Club (booster group) since 2002. During that time, she had three successful sons play for Northmont Football.

She was instrumental in helping raise thousands of dollars for various projects including helping to raise the funds for the first turf field at Northmont Stadium / Matt Dudon Field. In addition to her 20-plus years in the Thunderback Club, Myers also was/is heavily involved in the Parents of Past Players (POPPS) program.

For her contributions, Myers was awarded the Superintendent’s Helping Hand Award, Operation Football MVP of the Week, and the Ohio High School Athletic Association Award for exemplary contribution and service.

“I am humbled and honored,” Myers said. “Although I had no direct impact on the field of play, it’s my hope that my work with the Thunderback Club and POPPS made a difference. My work with Northmont High School and Northmont football has truly been a labor of love.”

Myers resides in Clayton and works as Quality Engineering Manager for American Battery Solutions.

Gabe Newburg was a defensive end who graduated in 2019. The last name Newburg is synonymous with great football players at NHS. However, no Thunderbolt has ever put more fear into opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators than Gabe Newburg. With his induction, Gabe became one of the very few players to be selected on his first ballot for the Northmont Football HOF. During his illustrious career, he broke a longstanding record and earned several awards. He set a new record for career sacks (currently No. 2 in career sacks) and ranks No. 5 for sacks in an individual season.

As a result, Newburg was selected 1st Team All GWOC during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, 1st Team All-SW District as a junior and senior, and 1st Team All-Ohio as a senior. He earned a full scholarship to continue his playing career at the University of Michigan. During his career at Michigan, the Wolverines won a Big Ten Championship, and he was selected Academic All-Big 10 three times.

“It is a privilege to be inducted into the Northmont Football Hall of Fame,” Newburg said. “I had the honor to be coached by Northmont greats, coach Broering and coach Brands. I will be forever grateful that I was a part of the great tradition and success that is Northmont Football.”

Newburg currently works as the Director of Strategic Business at Next Level and resides in Dayton.