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< Back Chris Michael 2023 Rutherford County native Chris Michael not only starred on the hardwood at R-S Central, he also brought home state championship hardware in the Long Jump, as well. After a post-graduate season at Fork Union Military Academy, Michael played basketball at Clemson University for legendary coaches Bill Foster and Cliff Ellis. During his time as a Hilltopper for R-S Central High School from 1978-81, Michael played basketball, ran Cross Country and was a member of the Track & Field team. He was a valuable piece of the historic Hilltoppers’ basketball team that won the 1980 State Championship and posted a perfect 32-0 season. During his senior season of 1981, Michael helped R-S Central to a 27-5 record, falling just short of back-to-back State Titles, losing the Championship game. During his prep basketball career, Michael was a part of three Freedom Christmas Tournament Titles, along with being selected to play in the 1981 NCHSAA East/West All-Star Game. Michael was equally at home on the track for the Hilltoppers, winning the 1980 State Title in the Long Jump. After graduating from R-S, Michael enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia for a year of post-graduate studies. While there, he led the basketball team to a 23-2 record and set the school record for the Long Jump at 23.3 feet. Michael’s mark still ranks in the Top 5 in school history. Michael enrolled at Clemson in 1982 where he played basketball alongside fellow RCSHOF member Vincent Hamilton. As a freshman, he played in 28 games for the Tigers under Coach Bill Foster, averaging 7.5 points and nearly three rebounds per contest. As a sophomore, Michael’s performance remained consistent, as he also averaged 7.5 points per g ame. In 1984 under Coach Cliff Ellis, Michael had his best season for the Tigers, averaging 8.8 points per game. Even though his performance dipped a bit as a senior, Michael still finished his Clemson career averaging 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Cliff Ellis, who is now the head coach at Coastal Carolina University, shares fond memories of Michael. “He was one of the hardest workers I have ever coached,” Ellis said. “What a joy to coach. He brought it every single day. (I) loved coaching him. What I remember about Chris Michael was one of the first times I had ever coached against Dean Smith, North Carolina came to Clemson. He hit a shot at the end of the game to win it for us. He could shoot the basketball, and he brought it every day. I am so proud of what Chris has been able to do and I know this is quite an honor for him.” After graduating from Clemson, Michael opened a lawn care business before becoming a sub-contractor and working in masonry. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

< Back Robert McNair 2017 a 1954 Cool Springs High School graduate, has always been a leader, from school athletics and student body president to businessman and philanthropist. In 1983 McNair established Cogen Technologies, Inc. in Houston, Texas, one of the largest non-utility co-generators of electrical and thermal energy in the United States. Committed to bringing a National Football League team to the city of Houston, McNair formed Houston NFL Holdings in 1998. On October 6, 1999, the NFL announced that the 32nd NFL franchise had been awarded to McNair. His Houston Texans debuted in 2002. Fueled by the desire to give back to deserving students, the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation was formed in 1989. The graduating Class of 1990 was the first to benefit from the ongoing efforts of McNair and his Foundation which to date has awarded approximately $2.6 million in financial aid. Robert McNair is a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame and a number of institutions including Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Grand Opera, and other Houston area organizations. He is a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League's Torch of Liberty Award. McNair donated over $1 million towards the completion of McNair Field, which hosts his hometown Forest City Owls, a collegiate summer wooden bat team in the Coastal Plain League. The achievements and accolades, both in regard to sports, education and philanthropy which have been accomplished by Robert McNair are far too numerous to list. He has embodied the true meaning of good sportsmanship.

< Back Lewis Young 2022 Lewis Young enjoyed success on the basketball court both at home and abroad, earning impressive accolades as both a player and coach. Young starred on the local hardwood at R-S Central from 1971-75 for Coach Andy Callahan. Young finished his Hilltopper career on a high note, averaging a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds during his senior season. He led the Hilltoppers to a 17-7 record that season, scoring 43 points and grabbing 15 rebounds during his final game. Young's accomplishments led to him being named The Charlotte Observer Player of the Week, while also earning Conference Player of the Year in 1975. Young garnered MVP honors at the East-West All-Star Game later that year. After concluding his prep career, Young chose to attend nearby Gardner-Webb University where he was a vital part of the Runnin' Bulldogs' success under legendary coach Eddie Holbrook. While at GWU, Young averaged 17 points per game, finishing his career in Boiling Springs with 1,703 points and was named a NAIA All-American in 1978. In 1976, Young also garnered MVP honors as Gardner-Webb won the WBTV Carolina Classic Tournament. Following his college career, Young earned tryouts with the Detroit Pistons and the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters but decided to play overseas. During a pro career that spanned 17 years (1979-1996), Young played in both Scotland and Australia. During his 11 seasons in Scotland, Young won four championship titles. He also has the distinction of holding the Guinness Book of World Records for most points ever scored in a professional basketball game, tallying 108 points, including 21 three-pointers, in 1988. While in Scotland, Young also spent some time on the sidelines coaching the Scottish Women's National team. Young finished his career by going "Down Under", playing and coaching in Australia from 1991-96. He served as a player/coach for the Singleton Supersonics and his club made the league's Final Four. In 2007, Young won a Silver Medal in the Sydney Olympic Master Class Division before coaching the Newcastle Hunters women's team to the Final Four in 2008. When asked what being inducted into the RCSHOF means to him, Young responded: "I'm so proud to be nominated and to be able to represent Spindale, North Carolina. I'd like to say thank you to my family, friends and coaches who encouraged and supported me throughout my journey. Basketball has meant everything to me, my place of comfort and peace. I'd like to say to all of the young kids like me from small town America, "Fight for your dreams".

< Back Smokey Burgess 2017 from Caroleen, NC, was an American professional baseball player, coach and scout. He played Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1949-1967. Later in his career, he became known for his ability as a pinch hitter, setting the major league career record for career pinch-hits with 145. He became one of the best pinch hitters in major league history. In his playing days, he batted left-handed and threw right-handed. "Smoky" made his major league debut as a catcher with the Chicago Cubs in April of 1949 at the age of 22. He went on to play with the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. While with the Pittsburgh Pirates, they became World Series champions in 1960. During an eighteen-year major league career, Burgess played in 1,691 games hitting for a 295 career batting average with 126 home runs, 673 RBI and a .362 on-base percentage. He accumulated 1,318 career hits with 230 doubles and 33 triples. His .295 career batting average ranked him 10th among Major League catchers as of 2006. A six-time All-Star, Burgess led National League catchers in fielding percentage three times, in 1953, 1960 and 1961. When his playing career ended, Burgess spent many years with the Atlanta Braves as a scout and minor league batting coach with the Pulaski Braves in Pulaski, VA. Burgess was inducted to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1975.

< Back William "Bill" Keever 2018 Olympic athlete in the trap shoot category, was born in Rutherford County, graduating from R-S Central High School in 1994. He was a four-time All-American 1991-1994, winning 13 state trophies. He was a member of the 1995 Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs and as a part of the 2000 Olympic Team, finished 12* in a select field, earned a bronze in the 2007 World Cup in Korea and a gold in 2006. Keever served as a shooter/instructor in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit from 1996 to 2012. He earned an AA in General Studies from Isothermal Community College in 1996. He graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Applied Management Business Management, Marketing and Related Support Services. Keever is currently the West Region President of Heavy Equipment Colleges of America in San Bernardino, CA. Keever is a volunteer with GameDay for Heroes, saying: "Working with Wounded Warriors is a passion intertwined in the fiber of my being."

< Back John Keeter 2022 Even though he was born in Gaston County, John Keeter's impact on the Rutherford County sports landscape is undeniable. He was a standout athlete at Gardner- Webb, before becoming the longtime head coach of the CHASE High School football team. Keeter began his football career as a player at Stanley High School in Gaston County. He was a top offensive lineman that paved the way for the Blue Devils' perfect 10-0 record and a Little 6 Conference Title as a junior in 1955. After graduating from Stanley in 1957, Keeter began his college football career at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, before transferring to Gardner-Webb when it was a Jr. College in 1958. He played two seasons for the Runnin' Bulldogs on the offensive line. In 1959, Keeter earned Gardner-Webb's "Best Lineman" Award, to go with All-American honors for his performance on the field that season. Keeter, who was also a catcher for the Gardner-Webb baseball team, was inducted in the Gardner-Webb University Hall-of-Fame in 2015. After Gardner-Webb, Keeter joined the United States Army where he served from 1960-62. He was a member of the prestigious Honor Guard Company that is tasked with guarding The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. After leaving the Army, Keeter finished his playing career at Western Carolina, where he was elected as a team captain in 1964. He then began a long and successful coaching career, starting at Newton Conover from 1966-70, coaching football, wrestling and Track. After spending two seasons in the college ranks as head coach of WCU's freshman football team, Keeter became the head coach at St. Stephens High School in Hickory for football, wrestling and Track from 1971-72. In the Fall of '72, Keeter came to Rutherford County as CHASE'S head football coach, leading the Trojans for nearly two decades, from 1972-1991. He was also the head coach for the wrestling and Track teams during his Trojan tenure, along with serving as the school's Athletic Director. Keeter is most well-known for his success on the gridiron, however. He garnered a school-record 72 wins at CHASE and coached three future NFL players, Chuck McSwain,Rodney McSwain, and Billy Ray Vickers, all of whom are also members of the RCSHOF. Keeter's best seasons with CHASE came in 1975 and 1976, where he led the Trojans to an undefeated season in '75 and to back- to-back Southwestern Conference Titles. As a result, Keeter earned consecutive Conference Coach of the Year honors and was selected The Spartanburg Herald Coach of the Year in 1976. Keeter also coached in the 1979 East/West All-Star Game. In addition to the RCSHOF, Keeter is a member of the CHASE High School Hall of Fame. After leaving CHASE, Keeter returned to coaching in 1993 at R-S Middle School and led the Knights to an undefeated football season in 1995. He has also spent time as an assistant coach at North Brunswick High School during his career. "No words can say how much this honor means to me." Keeter said of his induction into the RCSHOF. "It represents all of the players, coaches and people who have had an impact on my life. I would not be here if it were not for them."

< Back Justin Todd Coffey 2018 Athlete/baseball player, Coffey graduated from Chase High School in 1998. Upon graduation, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds as a pitcher. He played with the Brewers, Nationals, Mariners, and LA Dodgers of the MLB and the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. He made his major league debut in 2005 pitching against the Chicago Cubs. His first win was against San Diego in 2005. Coffey had a sinking fastball clocked at up to 96 mph and a dropping slider clocked at 82 mph. He made over 461 relief appearances in the MLB, had a win-loss record of 25-18, with 329 strikeouts, and an ERA of 4.10. Coffey was well-known for his enthusiasm when called to pitch. He ran, full speed to get into the game resulting in the Brewers introducing "Coffey Time", timing his sprints to the mound the scoreboard. Coffey last played in the MLB in 2012. He was signed by the LA Dodgers, but underwent surgery for the second time, and his option was not picked up in 2013. He spent time in the minor leagues with the Braves, pitched in the Mexican League and became a free agent in 2016. In 2017, Coffey announced his retirement on Twitter through Jeff Passon of Yahoo. "I have given my heart and soul to this game,' he said. Adding that he thought he may move into coaching, working in the front office, or scouting, Coffey said, ".. look forward to giving back to the game with just as much passion as I played."

< Back Belus Smawley 2017 A Rutherford county native from Ellenboro, is a credit for the development and regular use of a jump shot. Smawley developed his shot in the abandoned train depot near his home that was fashioned into a basketball court. When Smawley was 13, his father bought a small farm a half mile from an abandoned railroad depot along the old Southern Line. "In that depot, the young boys of Ellenboro improvised a peach-basket gym to play in during inclement weather, and in the fall of 1934, Belus used his incredible jumping ability - developed by leaping up to touch high tree limbs while on his farm chores to improvise a shot that no one had ever seen before. Off a dribble, he would stop suddenly, then with his back half to the basket leap high into the air, twisting to face the basket as he rose.. After high school, Smawley played guard/forward for Appalachian State prior to becoming one of the early stars of the Basketball Association of America (known today as National Basketball Association.) From 1946 to 1952, Smawley competed for the St. Louis Bombers, Syracuse Nationals, and Baltimore Bullets, averaging 12.7 points per game. During the 1948-49 BAA season, Smawley ranked sixth in the league in total points and fourth in field goals made. In 1992, Smawley was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Once his playing career ended, Smawley served as a school principal and basketball coach. Between 1951 and 1956, Smawley served as the Athletic Director and head men's basketball coach at Pembroke State College, known today as The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, in Pembroke, North Carolina. In December 1951, he took a three-month leave of absence from Pembroke State College to finish his playing career with the Baltimore Bullets. In his absence, Vernon Felton, a member of the Pembroke State faculty and former Appalachian State athlete, led the team to 12 wins and five losses; finishing the season at 12-10. Smawley was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

< Back Troy Harris 2024 Troy Harris was a true Renaissance Man for the R-S Central Hilltoppers. During his four-year prep career in Rutherfordton (1977-81), Harris played football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from R-S, Harris attended Spartanburg Methodist on a baseball scholarship before transferring to Elon to finish his career. Harris is also a member of the Elon Hall Of Fame. Harris made an immediate impact when he arrived in Rutherfordton. He was the starting quarterback on the Hilltoppers’ JV football team as a Freshman and went on to be the signal caller for the varsity squad during the next three seasons. As a result of his exploits on the gridiron, Harris was an All-Conference selection after his Junior and Senior seasons. The skills Harris honed on the football field translated well to the basketball court. After being called up to the varsity team late in his Freshman season, Harris became the Hilltoppers’ starting point guard for the rest of his high school career. Harris was the floor general during the 1979-80 season that saw the Hilltoppers post a perfect 32-0 record and win the 3A State Championship. As a Senior, Harris was named to the All-Tournament Team at the prestigious Freedom Christmas Tournament. When asked what made Harris such a good basketball player, his coach Stacy Lail says, “Troy was one of the most respected players I have ever coached. He was respected by teammates, opponents, fans and even officials. His leadership qualities led us to two State Championship games.” Harris was also a leader on the baseball diamond at R-S. He lettered all four seasons, winning team MVP honors as a Freshman. In addition, Harris was a two-time All-Conference selection, finishing his Hilltopper career with an overall batting average of .497. Harris posted an impressive average of .426 during two summers of playing American Legion baseball with Post 74. Due to his achievements in all three sports, Harris was named The Daily Courier Athlete Of The Year in 1981. Upon graduation from R-S, Harris earned a baseball scholarship to play at Spartanburg Methodist Junior College. Though he was a solid defensive player in the outfield, his real contribution was at the plate. As a Freshman, Harris batted at a .435 clip, with 14 home runs and 28 stolen bases. He helped Spartanburg Methodist qualify for the 1982 Junior College World Series, batting .410 for the Series and being named to the All-Tournament team. Harris then transferred to Elon where he continued to put up impressive numbers. In two seasons with the Phoenix, he hit for a .377 average, garnering 113 hits, including 15 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Harris was inducted into the Elon Hall Of Fame in 2003. Harris and his wife Tonnie have served the local community in Rutherford County in several different capacities for many years. He is currently a Social Worker at Willow Ridge Rehab Center in Rutherfordton.

< Back Vincent Hamilton 2018 A graduate from R-S Central Class of 1980. Hamilton played basketball for Central from 1977-1980. During his high school career, he was All Conference each year, All District in 1978-79 and helped R-S Central win the State 3A Basketball Championship with an undefeated season in 1979. His basketball team uniform was retired in 1983. Hamilton was also a member of the Track and Cross-Country teams 1979-1980. In 1980, he won the FIBA World Cup Silver Medal, and in 1981, he earned the Olympic National Sports Festival Silver Medal. Hamilton attended Clemson University on an athletic scholarship from 1981-1985 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. While there he was a member of the ACC All Legends Team, All ACC Rookie Team and was named ACC Player of the Week. In 1985, he was Clemson Athlete of the Year. He was selected for the Clemson Basketball All-Time Greats team, the Clemson Hall of Fame 2003, and the 2004 AIl ACC team. Hamilton was a 1985 NBA Draft Pick for the Indiana Pacers. He was named to the Continental Basketball Association All Star team/All Time Most Games Played. He was Team Captain of the CB World Champion Catbirds in 1990 and 1992, and his team uniform was retired in 1994. Hamilton was Director of Basketball Operations and Assistant Coach for the LaCrosse Bobcats 1994-99. Hamilton continues to coach as Founder and CEO of HAMFAMOUS, a health, wellness and fitness company in LaCrosse, WI. "I believe all great life endeavors should have a redeeming social value. Being involved with sports has given me the honor of being in service to many people in all walks of life, from faith to health, education to sports, volunteering to business. Oneness is always the goal I've strived for - serving to bring people together to Oneness," said Hamilton.

< Back Lamonda Davis 2017 a 1985 graduate of Chase High School, was All-Conference and All-State in Track & Field and basketball. She went on to become All-American track star at Appalachian State University from 1985-1989 where she graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Davis has held the Soon record for the 100m race since 1989. Davis is a member of the Appalachian State University Athletic Hall of Fame and the Chase High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She was selected to Rutherford County's Greatest 50 Basketball Players in 2008. Miller-Davis's personal records include: 55m Dash (indoor) - 6.82; 100m Dash (outdoor) - 11.19; 200m Dash (indoor) - 23.84; 200m Dash (outdoor) - 23.21; 4 x 100m Relay (ASU) - 44.76; 4 x 100m Relay (USA) - 42.11. Among her other accomplishments, Miller-Davis was a six time NCAA All-American. four time United States National team member, Pan American Games in 1991 (Bronze Medal winner, 4 × 100m), World Cup in 1990 (Silver Medal winner, E 4 x 100), World University Games in 1991 (Gold Medal winner, 4 x 100), and Germany-England-USA Meet (Silver Medal 100m, and Gold, 4 x 100m). She was also a three time selection to the Olympic Festival Competition, winning two gold (4x 100m, 200m) and one silver medal (4 x 100m) and two time qualifier for theOlympic trials competition in both the 100m and the 200m. She was a thirteen time Southern Conference Champion (100m, 55m, 200m, 4 x 100m), two time Southern Conference Most Valuable Female Track Athlete, three time Appalachian Most Valuable Athlete in Women's Track, finished third in the 200m at the TAC National Championship in 1990, undefeated in conference competition for three years, Western North Carolina Female Athlete of the Year in 1989, holds eight Appalachian school records, ranked 19th in the world in the 100m dash in 1989, ranked 8th in the United States in the 100m dash in 1989, ranked 10th in the United States in the 200m dash in 1989, ranked 7th in the NCAA for outdoor track in the 100m dash in 1988, ranked 15th in the NCAA for outdoor track in the 200m dash in 1988, Appalachian's nomination for Athlete of the Year in the southern Conference in 1988 for male and female athletes, contributor to six Southern Conference team championship.

< Back Randy Ingle 2019 The name Randy Ingle is synonymous with Rutherford County baseball. A standout two-way player at East Rutherford, Ingle led the Cavaliers to the 3A Western State Championship as a senior in 1976, going 17-0 from the mound with 16 complete games. Even though Ingle was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round of the 1976 MLB draft, he elected to attend Appalachian State where he and a stellar collegiate career for the Mountaineers. During his three seasons in Boone, Ingle transitioned to shortstop and batted no lower than a .365 average. His average of .477 as a junior was second best in the nation. It still stands as a Mountaineer program and SOCON record. Combined with strong defensive play that saw Ingle commit only two errors that season, he was named a first team All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year. Following his college career, ingle was drafted in the 12' round by the Atlanta Braves and remained with the club as first a player then a coach for 39 seasons (1979-2018). As a player, Ingle rose as high as the Triple-A level, winning one championship, but made his most significant contributions as a coach. During Ingle's 33 years as a coach and manager, he won four Minor League Championships and is a six time recipient of the Bobby Cox Award, given to the organization's top coach. For his career, Ingle has 801 victories, second most in South Atlantic League history. He joined the Colorado Rockies organization asa Developmental Supervisor in 2019. Ingle's success as a player and coach has led to numerous awards and honors, including induction into the East Rutherford, Appalachian State, South Atlantic League and now Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fames. His number has been retired at both East Rutherford and Appalachian State and he has received the Willie Duke Lifetime Achievement Award from the Raleigh Hot Stove League.