Since its founding, Portland Adventist Academy has remained committed to developing not just strong students, but also students of strong character. Nowhere is that more evident than in its athletic program — a program with a strong history that boldly prioritizes Sabbath observance, even at the cost of post-season glory.
For decades, the school's teams have held a hard line: no games from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. That conviction meant saying no to playoff opportunities. Because of the commitment of administration, coaches, students and supportive families, Oregon State Athletics Association now honors those beliefs, making accommodations so PAA’s student-athletes can compete — without compromise — and also paving the way for other Adventist schools to participate in their state tournaments.
To celebrate those who paved the way, PAA launched the Cougar Hall of Fame in 2021. Inaugural inductees included Bill Judd, the school’s first athletic director, and the 1970–1971 boys' basketball team, the school's first interscholastic team.
Each year since, PAA has added coaches, teams and individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact. Honorees include:
• Norm Ballou — inducted in 2022 — whose leadership helped build a championship basketball program, along with the 1995–1996 boys’ basketball team, PAA’s first state champions.
• Charlie Hinkle and Vicki Ballou — inducted in 2023 — who worked to gain OSAA Sabbath accommodations, and the 2001–2002 boys’ basketball team, which had to bow out of the state tournament because of a Sabbath conflict but helped catalyze lasting change.
• Linda Neel — inducted in 2024 — who coached girls' volleyball and basketball and the undefeated 1984–1985 girls' basketball team.
In 2024, PAA introduced the Cougar Stars, honoring behind-the-scenes heroes, like Ted Hanson, longtime custodian, and Larry Caudell and Scott Hanson, devoted transport volunteers.
Athletics at PAA is about more than sports; it’s about spiritual growth, integrity, development and community. It’s about learning to stand for what one believes. Students learn leadership skills, how to handle success and setbacks, and how to support and uplift one another, all while consistently achieving academic success. In fact, PAA athletes consistently rank in the top 10% statewide in terms of GPA.
On Oct. 4, 2025, the school will induct the 2015–2016 boys’ soccer team, which captured a state championship title. All are invited to join in the celebration of the Cougars' legacy, pride and purpose.
To celebrate those who paved the way, PAA launched the Cougar Hall of Fame in 2021.
