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BOARD MEMBERS History THE Board of directors of rcshof Held its first meeting in february of 2017 and meet monthly identifying the needs of the organization. A fundraising idea surfaced to host a golf tournament to fund the financial requirements and provide an induction ceremony for the inductees. the board of directors decided to move forward in a positive direction without hesitation to outline the process of nominations and selections with the purpose to the induct the first class in 2017. Nominations were made in the following categories: athlete, coach, and contributor. Rcshof board Co- Chairman Rodney Greene Co- Chairman Jody Wright Treasurer Linda smith Assistant Treasurer ulysses miller Secretary Lynnette Martin​ Members tony helton phil luckadoo David smith paul tim jones randy page malcolm watson tommy porter LaMonda Miller Davis Stacy lail ANGELA HAMILTON - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

Contact Us hello@rcshof.org Download Board Member Bylaws First Name Last Name Email Phone Message Send Thanks for submitting!

SCHOLARSHIPS Chase Football Photo: Dustin's Way Info about Scholarships One of our goals when we began the RCSHOF was to start a scholarship program for student athletes. While the RCSHOF was founded in 2017 It was not until 2019 when we were able to make that goal a reality. We give one male and one female scholarship to each of the four county high schools that compete in the NCHSAA . The first class of Scholarship recipients were in 2019 and we awarded eight. Due to covid-19 we were unable to grant scholarships to the classes of 2020 and 2021. But in 2022 we were able to revive that program of work again and grant eight students with scholarships. ​ 2023 Recipients FAQ about our Scholarship 1 Who is it for? One male student and one female student that is a senior and attends one of the four county high schools that compete in the NCHSAA. ​ Those schools being: Chase High School East Rutherford High School R-S Central High School Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy 2 What does it take? Recipients are chosen based on: Having a good academic standing Participation in a sport Financial need 3 How do you get chosen? There is no formal application for students to complete. They are chosen by a group of coaches from each school. 2022 Recipients 2019 Recipients East Rutherford Quay Logan Abbey Ranta RS Central Daniel Luke Ferguson Caitlin Dailey Chase Thomas Jefferson Heath Waldrop Sidney McCranie Issac Roberson Lauren Bennett - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

Nominate Someone to the Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame WHAT DOES IT TAKE? Local to ROCO Must be a native, current or previous resident of Rutherford County, NC. Excellence Must have made an outstanding contribution to your sport or service. Good Character Exemplifies good character and worthy of being emulated. Eligibility Criteria for Hall of Fame Nomination Eligibility - A Nominee Must be a native, resident, or non-resident of Rutherford County, NC, who has played or contributed to a sport in Rutherford County or elsewhere. The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution in their sport(s) or a significant contribution as an athletic supporter. Typically, this may include the attainment of All-Conference honors, Regional honors, All-County, All-State honors, Athlete/Coach of the Year, player/ coach statistics, professional playing career and Hall of Fame inductions. The nominee must exemplify good character and worthy of being emulated. Nominees shall be considered without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, handicap or national origin. Athletes will become eligible for nomination ten years after high school. Coaches become eligible for nomination after retirement. In all circumstances, exceptions can be made by the board. Official Categories Athletic Excellence An athlete that was extraordinary in contributing to the success of the athletes team or as an individual performer in an individual sport. Nominees in this category must have been departed from high school for 10 years. Coaching Excellence A coach that was extraordinary in contributing to the success of a team. Nominees in this category must have been retired from coaching. Athletic Contributor Athletic Contributor can be defined as administrator or benefactor. This category recognizes those who have created lasting values to Rutherford County Athletics. Online Member Nomination Who are you nominating? Nomination Category (Select one of these three) Select an option Nominee Street Address City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Phone Email Nominee Occupation Tell us why your nominee should be a Sports Hall of Fame consideration: Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Nominator Name Street Address City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Home/Cell Phone Email Endorser (Phone#, Address, Email) Endorser (Phone#, Address, Email) Submit Application Thanks for nominating a member! We'll get back to you soon. Or Download the PDF - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

- Welcome - Entering Rutherford County's Finest Athletics Territory ABOUT US In January of 2017, a committee was commissioned by local citizens of Rutherford County to establish a Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame (RCSHOF) for the purpose of recognizing the efforts and achievements of athletes, coaches, and contributors. Fourteen members make up the Board of Directors of RCSHOF and they created the guidelines and selection process. The inductees should embody the intent, spirit, and historical context or Rutherford County's finest. MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS Upcoming events Annual Golf Tournament July 26th Ball in the air at 10 AM Click here to learn more! Our Mission The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame is established to provide a means to recognize the extraordinary efforts and achievements of athletes, coaches, teams and contributors throughout Rutherford County. Our Legacy Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting! SAY HI!

T. MAX CHAMPION MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT T. Max Champion T. Max Champion's football coaching career spanned over five decades. Champion coached football at East Rutherford, Chase and R.S. Central. He also coach baseball at East Rutherford. Champion coached football for a total of 36 years and baseball for 12. Champion was a 1969 East Rutherford graduate and 1974 Appalachian State graduate. He began his career in education as the driver's education teacher at East Rutherford. Champion was a founding member of the Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. His guidance and leadership were an integral part in the success of RCSHOF. Champion served as a board member from 2017 until his death on April 19th, 2021. The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame annual golf tournament is named in his memory. T. Max Champion will not be remembered as just a coach. He will also be remembered as a man of faith, son, husband, father, grandfather and mentor to the thousands of kids he came in contact with during his life. t. max Champion Memorial video T. Max Champion Memorial Golf Tournament 1 What is it? The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame hosts an annual golf tournament to support their yearly operations including funding their scholarship recipients. We take pride in knowing that celebrating previous athletes can promote the success of rising Rutherford County athletes. We enjoy the sportsmanship of the game, raising funds for a good cause, and playing in honor of T. Max. 2 When is it ? July 26th, 2024 ​ Teeing off at 10 AM ​ View the Course 3 How to enter or sponsor? Our Board Member, Randy Page can give you more information about either playing in the tournament or sponsoring it. Phone: 828-429-7773 Email: info@rcshof.org Team Registration Form Sponsorship Form FROM 2023 TOURNAMENT - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

< Back Bobby Reynolds 2022 Bobby Reynolds is such a baseball coaching legend, he belongs to five different Hall of Fames (Rutherford County, Gaston County, East Rutherford High School, American Legion and North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association), and all of them for good reason. He has found success at every level of America's Past Time from a player to coaching high school and American Legion. Reynolds is a Cherryville, NC native and won two State Championships as a player at Cherryville High School in 1980 and 1982. Upon graduating in 1982, Reynolds went on to play collegiately at UNC-Wilmington, where he was a four-year starter for the Seahawks. During his college career, Reynolds set the single season record for the most doubles and the program mark for the most doubles in a career. After his playing days were over, Reynolds returned toCherryville as an assistant coach and helped guide the Ironmen to the 1992 State Title. After that '92 title, Reynolds became the head coach of the East Rutherford Cavaliers and remained at the helm until retiring in 2020. During that time, Reynolds and the Cavs have claimed 15 conference championships, nine West Regional Titles, three State Runner-Ups and an impressive six State Titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2016). During his 27 years at East, Reynolds compiled a record of 533-185 for a .748 winning percentage to go with a .720 winning percentage in the postseason. Reynolds also enjoyed success coaching American Legion baseball and he is still going strong after 33 seasons. He began coaching Cherryville Post 100 in 1988 until 1991 before becoming the head coach at Gastonia from 1992-96. While with Gastonia Post 23, Reynolds garnered a 90-53 record. Reynolds returned to coach Cherryville in 1997 and has become synonymous with Post 100’s success over the years. He has led them to 14 Area IV Titles, five State Championships, (1997, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2011) and a pair of Southeast Regional Titles in 1998 and 2003. By winning those Regional Titles in ‘98 and ‘03, Cherryville advanced to the American Legion World Series, where Reynolds guided them to a second-place finish on both occasions. In all, Reynolds combined coaching record between both high school and Legion baseball is 1308-522, a .715 winning percentage. He is currently the assistant coach at East Rutherford with his son, Cavalier head coach Drew Reynolds. “All the credit for this honor goes to my players,” Reynolds said. “I did not throw, catch or hit a single pitch. It was all them. The thing I’m most proud of is the .720 winning percentage in the playoffs (with East Rutherford). Not many teams can say that.”

< Back Stacy Lail 2017 coached at his alma mater, RS Central. During high school, Lail was all conference in three sports: football, basketball and baseball. After graduating, he attended Isothermal Community College, where he played on the basketball team and graduated in 1971 with and Associates of Arts Degree from which he was selected to participate in the Junior College All Star Game in Ferrum, Virginia. Upon completion of his Associates, Lail went to Appalachian State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education. Through a series of events, Lail landed the position of the head men's varsity basketball coach for 11 years. He was also head baseball coach for two years and the cross-country coach for ten years. In basketball, they were conference champions for eight years. He was named Coach of the year for seven years and won two state championships and runner-up for one. Under his direction, two men's basketball teams made their way to NCHSAA AAA State Championships (1980 and 1986). In 1980, he led his team in an undefeated season, 32-0. When he retired from coaching in 1988, he held a remarkable record of 253 wins to 54 loses. At the time of his retirement, he was ranked 1st amongst all active coaches and 3rd in all time North Carolina Coaches. In 1980, he was named Spartanburg Herald's Coach of the Year. Also, during his coaching career from 1978-1988, Lail brought the cross-country program to RS Central. His efforts proved effective as they brought home conference championships in 1980 and the years 1982 through 1988. Lail ranked 29th on coach's roster in June 1980 edition of "Basketball Weekly", In 1988, Lail was selected to coach the NC High School East/West All Star game. He received the 1990 Outstanding Alumnus Award at Isothermal Community College, On January 15, 2010, RS Central High School named their gymnasium the Stacy L. Lail, Jr. Gymnasium. Lastly, a documentary film, simply named 32-0, was created and featured at the 2016 Tryon International Film festival which encapsulated Lail's achievement with his 1980 basketball team which achieved a winning season of 32-0. Coach Lail was inducted in Rutherford County Schools Education Hall of Fame in 2015. He also was nominated to both NCHSAA & NC Sports Hall of Fame the same year.

< Back Jimmy Means 2018 NASCAR Driver/Team Owner, was born in Alabama, but moved to Rutherford County in the early 1980s. Means made his debut in 1976 in Daytona, driving in 455 races and making 17 top-ten finishes. He finished 11' in the Winston Cup in 1982 and 1983, 7" at Talladega in 1983, and 10th at Darlington in 1989. In 1994 he announced his retirement from driving. Although winless, he posted 113,945 career laps and $2 million in earnings. In 1995, Means was team manager for the No.15 Ford Quality Care Thunderbird owned by Bud Moore Engineering out of Spartanburg. Means has continued as an owner to this day, with Jimmy Means Racing competing in the Busch Series - now the NASCAR Xfinity Series. During his long career, Means has had many fans, but one of his biggest fans has always been Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Earnhardt grew up watching Means on the track and hanging out with Means' son, Brad. "He was my favorite driver besides my father," Earnhardt said in an interview with Racin'Today.com in 2009. "It was amazing to me how he did everything with nothing.

< Back Jack Huss 2022 Frank Jackson Huss Sr. Jack) is something of a Rutherford County Renaissance Man. He has earned acclaim as a player, coach, administrator and official in multiple sports, as well as being involved in many philanthropic endeavors around the county. Huss was a three-sport athlete while attending R-S Central High School, as the Spindale native earned seven letters while playing football, basketball, and baseball. As a result, Huss was selected as Outstanding Male Athlete his senior year of 1965. Upon graduation, Huss attended Lenoir Rhyne University, where he lettered in both football and baseball. During his career on the college gridiron, Huss set single-season and career passing records for the Bears. He also held as many as 10 other school records during his college career. After completing an advanced degree at East Carolina, Huss returned to Lenoir-Rhyne in 1972 as an assistant coach and later the head coach, a position which he held for six seasons. In 1975, Huss led the Bears to a 7-3-1 record and a South Atlantic Conference Title. He was elected to the RU Hall-of-Fame in 1996 and has served as the Bears' Football Color Analyst since 2003. Huss also served as the offensive coordinator for East Tennessee State during his college coaching career. Huss found success as a coach on the high school gridiron, as well. He was head coach at Richmond Sr. High School from 1980-83, leading the Spiders to a playoff appearance his first season. Huss also coached at Hunter Huss from 1985-86 and the Huskies qualified for the postseason, too. As a result, Huss was the Southwestern Conference 4A Coach of the Year. Following the 1986 season, Huss returned to his alma mater as head coach of the Hilltoppers from 1987-95. He led R-S to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1987 and first-ever playoff win when they defeated Brevard on the road. Huss wore many hats for the Hilltoppers while at R-S. In addition to being head football coach, he also served as golf coach for the girls' and boys' teams, along with overseeing all sports programs as Athletic Director during his tenure. Huss coached 23 All-Conference golfers during his 12 years on the links and led them to four Rutherford County Championships in five seasons. Huss was also a four-time conference Coach of the Year and had four golfers earn Player of the Year honors under his tutelage. The Hilltoppers found team success, too, earning three-60 Western Regional Championships and five playoff appearances. As an Athletic Director, Huss guided the Hilltoppers to a pair of prestigious Wachovia Cups and was named the Region 8 Athletic Director of the Year in 2001. During his career, Huss found time to work as a basketball official at both the college and high school levels. Huss officiated for both the West Virginia Intercollegiate Conference and Conference Carolinas. Huss was a high school official for 40 years, calling many big games and receiving numerous honors. He officiated a NCHSAA Championship game five times and the East/West All-Star Game in 1998. Huss received the NCHSAA Distinguished Service Award, along with the Golden Whistle for outstanding officiating in 2012. Based on that body of work, Huss was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame in 2014. Huss is an active member of Advent Lutheran Church in Spindale, serving in numerous roles over the years.

< Back Tonya Sanford Boykins 2024 Antoniea (Tonya) Sanford-Boykins found success at every sport she tried during a decorated athletic career at East Rutherford. From 1981-85, Sanford-Boykins played basketball, softball, volleyball and ran track during her time with the Cavaliers. Upon graduation from East, Sanford-Boykins earned a basketball scholarship to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte where she also played softball. As a Golden Bull, she won numerous awards and honors and then began a successful coaching career on both the high school and college levels. Even though Sanford-Boykins was a four-year letter winner in track and volleyball at East Rutherford, she had the most success on the basketball court and the softball diamond. She captained the Cavaliers’ softball team in 1984 and 1985, winning All-Conference honors during those seasons. Sanford-Boykins was also named Best Offensive Player In 1984 and Best Defensive Player, along with Co-MVP during her Senior season of 1985. Sanford-Boykins was even more dominant on the basketball court. She earned All-Conference honors in 1984 and 1985, averaging 14.8 points and six rebounds as a Senior in 1985. Due to her success, Sanford- Boykins was awarded a basketball scholarship to play for the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls, becoming the first female athlete from East Rutherford to earn an athletic scholarship. Just as in high school, Sanford Boykins was also a multi-sport athlete at JCSU. As a Senior in 1988-89, she helped the Golden Bulls earn a 2 nd place finish at the CIAA Conference Tournament, while being selected for the All-Tournament Team. She also garnered the JCSU Coaches Award during that same season. Not to be outdone, Sanford-Boykins claimed multiple team awards for the Golden Bulls’ softball team, too including Rookie of the Year, Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player and team MVP. After graduating from Johnson C. Smith, Sanford-Boykins was an assistant coach for the Golden Bulls for one season. She returned to Forest City and took a break from playing but came back to the court 10 years later for one final season in 1998-99, playing overseas for a semi-pro team in Brunswick, Germany. When her basketball career was finished, Sanford-Boykins turned her attention to coaching where she was an assistant coach for the Lady Cavaliers’ Basketball and Softball programs for several seasons. Due to her success as an athlete and coach, Sanford-Boykins was inducted into the East Rutherford Hall Of Fame in 2010, while also being named one of Rutherford County’s Top 50 Female Athletes of all time. Sanford-Boykins has taught Business and Information Technology classes at East Rutherford since 2007 and she also serves as a Pastor at True Vine Church Of God in Forest City. Sanford-Boykins and her husband Robert have three children, DeVince, DeVonte and DeVoria.

< Back Venson Hamilton 2019 Shad Venson Hamilton made his mark on basketball courts here in Rutherford County, in Americas Heartland, and even overseas. The Forest City native played at East High School before finishing his prep career at the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in 1995. The seven foot tall Hamilton attended the University of Nebraska and made an immediate impact for the Cornhuskers at the center position. He set several program records that still stand today. Hamilton holds the school record for most blocked shots in a career at 241, and the most rebounds, 1,080, breaking the old mark by more than 300 boards. Hamilton filled almost every column on the stat sheet at Nebraska, shooting 52.7 percent from the field for his career while scoring 1,416 career points. He also dished out 164 assists, and compiled 186 steals in his college career. For those exploits, Hamilton was named BIG XII Player of the Year as a senior in 1999 and was also selected to the conference's All-Defensive team that season. Following his college career with the Cornhuskers, Hamilton was selected in the Second Round of the 1999 NBA Draft (50* overall pick) by the Houston Rockets. He also began playing overseas during the 1999 season, the beginning of a productive 15 year professional career. Career highlights include winning a Spanish League Player of the Year and the League Championship with club Tenerife during the 2002-03 season. He also won a Spanish League Title and Player of the Year for club Bilbao Berri the next season. Hamilton's best seasons were arguably 2005-09 when he played Center for Real Madrid. During his tenure with the most prestigious club in the Spanish League, Hamilton won Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. During the 06-07 campaign, Hamilton led Real Madrid to a Euro Cup Title (the best team in all of European basketball) and was named as the best defensive player in all of Europe for his efforts. Hamilton left Real Madrid after the 2009 season and played for several more clubs before his retirement in 2014. He is a member of the East Rutherford Athletic Hall of Fame.