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< 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 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 Lewis Jolley 2017 native of Bostic, NC and graduate from East Rutherford High School 1967, played his collegiate football career at UNC Chapel Hill from 1969-1971 as a running back, wing back and kick-off return, after receiving a scholarship in spite of not being able to play his senior year due to injury. He was later drafted in 1972 by the Houston Oilers as the highest NFL draft pick in Rutherford County history (56). From 1972-1974, Jolly played with the Houston Oilers, the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Stars. Jolley, because of his superb performance as a running back for UNC Chapel Hill, was also selected as a key member of the 1971 All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, which consisted of American football players chosen by various selectors for their All-Atlantic Coast Conference ("ACC") teams for the 1971 college football season. While playing collegiately, during warmups against Notre Dame, a former teammate recalled this exchange: "Lewis Jolley was catching punts, running them a short distance, and turning around to go catch another one. As I kicked a field goal, Lewis jogged by and yelled, "We're in some deep $--t." I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "I will be back." He caught another punt, jogged by, and said, "These guys are huge." I said, "Lewis we knew that before today." He said, "'Il be back." He came back again, this time with a bit of laughter and bigger than normal eyes peering from his helmet, Lewis said, "They do not have their shoulder pads on yet." I turned and looked, he was right, they did not have their shoulder pads on and they were already huge!!"

< 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 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 Billy Ray Haynes Jr 2023 Billy Ray Haynes, Jr. shattered records on both the gridiron and the baseball diamond for the CHASE Trojans from 1985-1988. He then took his talents to Raleigh where he was a terror for opposing offenses as a linebacker for the NC State Wolfpack football team and his name is still etched in their record books. Haynes, Jr. announced his presence at CHASE early as he earned a starting spot on the Varsity football team as a freshman and remained a starter for all four seasons in Henrietta. Haynes, Jr. was also a four-year starter for the Trojans’ baseball team. While playing football under legendary coach John Keeter, Haynes, Jr. was named to All-County and All-Area teams on both sides of the ball as a sophomore and junior. He capped his CHASE career with a standout senior campaign in 1987. During that season, Haynes, Jr. posted 169 tackles from his linebacker spot, earning him Rutherford County Player of The Year, along with All-Conference honors. Due to his exploits, Haynes, Jr. was named to the East-West All-Star Game and Shrine Bowl rosters following the season. At the 1987 Shrine Bowl, he set the record for most individual tackles in the game with 16. Not to be outdone, Haynes also shattered records on the baseball field for the Trojans. He is the current record-holder for the most home runs and RBIs in a single season for CHASE. He also put in solid work in the classroom, having the highest G.P.A. on the team and was elected Student Body Vice President as a senior. Haynes, Jr. went on to have an outstanding career at NC State from 1988-91. He was a four-year letterman for the Wolfpack and made four post-season bowl appearances (two wins) with the team. He led the Wolfpack in total tackles with 123 as a sophomore in 1989 and did the same his senior season in 1991 with 102. In 1991, Haynes was also honored with the Captain’s Award and spearheaded a defense that allowed just over 18 points per game. He helped the Wolfpack post a 9-3 record that season and a final Associated Press National Ranking of #24. In all, Haynes finished his Wolfpack career with four interceptions and 364 total tackles, which ranks just behind NFL coaching great Bill Cowher for 8th on the all-time list at NC State. Today, Haynes, Jr. still resides in Rutherford County where he is a General Foreman at Befesa Zinc Metal.

< Back Anthony "Chuck" McSwain 2017 an All-American fullback and linebacker from Chase High School in Rutherford County, NC. McSwain attended Chase High School in North Carolina, where he was an All-American fullback and also played linebacker on defense. He lettered in basketball and track. His number 35 was retired by the school a couple years following his graduation. He accepted a scholarship from Clemson University and became a starter as a freshman, in place of an injured Lester Brown. He finished with 443 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns including 120 yards on 18 carries versus Duke University. He was named the conference's rookie of the year. In 1980, he was the team's second leading rusher with 544 yards, including 272 yards on 37 attempts (6.8-yard average) in the final three games. He gained a total of 2,320 yards as a running back with the Clemson Tigers, and was a member of the university's 1981 National Championship Team. McSwain was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft. In his first career pre-season appearance, he had a game to remember against the Miami Dolphins, scoring 2 touchdowns in less than 2 minutes (including a 37-yard touchdown run). It was the last preseason game, the last chance to make the team. The first and second quarter went by and McSwain was still on the bench, The third quarter rolled into the fourth with only two minutes remaining when Coach Landry finally put McSwain in for his final chance, With two touchdowns down, a screen play to McSwain would lead him to run 67 yards for a touchdown. Coach Landry walked up the McSwain and said, "Son, you were two minutes away from being cut. Congratulations, you are a Dallas Cowboy."

< 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 Gerard Lipscomb 2022 Gerard Lipscomb was born in Rutherfordton on February 24, 1911. He was a standout athlete at R-S Central High School. While skilled at multiple positions on a baseball diamond, Lipscomb was primarily a second baseman. Lipscomb made his professional debut for the minor league Charlotte Hornets in 1933, also playing with minor league teams in Atlanta and New Orleans before being called up to the Major Leagues in 1937. Lipscomb made his Major League debut at the age of 26 for the Saint Louis Browns on April 23, 1937. Lipscomb has the distinction of sharing the same infield with legendary Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby, who was a player-manager for the Browns during the 1937 season. During that 1937 season, Lipscomb made the most of limited playing time. In 36 games, he made 109 plate appearances with 96 at bats. Lipscomb garnered an impressive 323 batting average, 31 hits, nine doubles and one triple for a total of 42 bases. In the ultimate display of versatility, Lipscomb also made three relief pitching appearances. 1937 was Lipscomb's only season in the Major Leagues, however. During the rest of his 14-year career, Lipscomb spent time in the Boston, Detroit and Chicago Cub farm systems. During his 13-year minor league career, Lipscomb averaged over a hit per game, collecting 1,282 hits in 1,262 games. He also showed a disciplined eye at the plate, striking out just 59 times while drawing 155 walks. During his final season as a player in 1947, at the age of 36, Lipscomb posted an impressive .343 batting average. During various points in his minor league career, Lipscomb also acted as a player-manager for three different clubs, the 1940 Greenwood (Mississippi) Choctaws, the 1946 Williamsport Grays and the 1947 Concord Weavers. In all, Lipscomb guided his teams to a combined 107 wins during those three seasons. Lipscomb passed away on February 27, 1978, in Huntersville, NC.

< Back Carolyn Dewberry Bratton 2019 Carolyn Dewberry Bratton excelled on local basketball courts during her prep and collegiate careers. She suited up for the Chase Trojans from 1974-78 and finished her time in Henrietta as the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 1,212 career points. She was also named as team MVP and an All-Conference selection. Bratton's production led to her induction into the Chase Athletics Hall of Fame. Bratton crossed county lines to play her college ball at nearby Gardner-Webb University. She played in Boiling Springs from 1978-1982 and put her name in the Runnin' Bulldog record book. During her four year career, Bratton scored 1,928 points which ranks third all-time in Gardner-Webb program history, topping the 30 point plateau twelve times. Her career mark of 923 rebounds is also good enough for third all-time in the GWU record books. In addition, Bratton averaged a double-double during her Runnin' Bulldog career. Her 22.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game average is a GWU program record that has stood for 41 seasons. Bratton garnered several record-breaking individual seasons at GWU on her way to a stellar career. As a junior in 1981, she average a school record 25.3 points per game. The next year, during her senior season, Bratton averaged 12.2 rebounds per contest, which is also a program record. GWU honored Bratton for her accomplishments on October 28, 1995 when she was inducted in the Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame.

< Back Eric Starr 2022 Eric Starr certainly lived up to his name during his athletic career. The Ellenboro, North Carolina native was a two-sport standout during his time at East Rutherford High School from 1980-84, earning numerous accolades for football and Track before playing on the college gridiron for the North Carolina Tarheels. Starr played football all four years of his Cavalier career, three as a starter. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a running back in 1982 and 1983. Starr was also a force for the Cavaliers on the defensive side of the ball, leading the team in tackles his senior season. As a result of his accomplishments, Starr was named to the 1983 Shrine Bowl roster and later played in the annual North Carolina East-West All-Star Game in the spring of 1984. Starr was equally as impressive on the track which he ran for three seasons. He was part of a 400-meter relay team who finished first in the conference and still holds the school record. His 800-meter relay team also finished first in the conference, earning Starr All-Conference honors. Starr earned several individual honors as well, holding conference titles in the 200 Meter dash in 1982 and 1983, gaining All-Conference distinction and holding the school record in the event for 10 years. He also placed third in the conference in the 100-meter dash in 1982 and 1983. When Starr enrolled at UNC in 1984, he decided to focus on football. A four-year starter for the Tarheels, he began his college career as a defensive back. In 1985, Star pulled down three interceptions, which was fourth best in the ACC that season and he also ranked fifth in interception return yardage. Starr moved to running back for his junior and senior seasons and found immediate success. He rushed for a total of 1,028 yards during his final two seasons in Chapel Hill and scored a combined eight touchdowns. In 1986, Starr averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry, which ranked sixth in the country. He was also a receiving threat out of the backfield and in the return game for UNC, averaging 9.2 yards per reception in 1987 and 20.4 yards per kick return in 1986. Upon graduation, Starr moved to the professional ranks, playing for three different NFL teams. In 1988, while with the Chicago Bears, he scored the game-winning touchdown against the Miami Dolphins before moving to the practice squad. He then joined the Dolphins practice squad in 1989 before seeing regular playing time with the Buffalo Bills in 1990, prior to an injury ending his season. Starr joined the British Colombia Lions of the Canadian Football League later that year and played there until 1992. During his time with the Lions, Starr played defensive back and returned kicks, averaging 21.8 yards per return.

< Back Pam Harmon 2023 Pam K. Harmon excelled at every sport she played at East Rutherford High School. She lettered in three different sports during her Cavalier career from 1974-1977. Harmon made an early impact on the courts and fields at East Rutherford High School. She played basketball and softball all four years as a Cavalier, earning MVP and All-Conference honors multiple times. She was named the best practice player for the softball team and had the best free throw percentage on the basketball team for three of four seasons. When Jim Clement began the East Rutherford Women’s Tennis team Harmon’s sophomore season, she also found success on that court, as well. She was the #1 seed for the Lady Cavs all three seasons of her prep tennis career. Like basketball, Harmon also earned MVP and All-Conference accolades. During Harmon’s senior season of 1977, she posted an undefeated record in conference play and made a deep run in the NCHSAA playoffs. As a result, she was nominated for the prestigious “Women in Sports Award” from the newly formed Women Sports Foundation by Clement. Because she embodied the WSF’s mission to “Advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity enabling all girls and women to reach their potential in sports and life”, she was named the winner. As a result, Harmon received the award from tennis legend Billie Jean King in 1977. During her senior year at East, Harmon also received a scholarship to play basketball at Duke University. Her offer is believed to be the first opportunity for a female basketball player from Rutherford County to continue their playing career at an ACC program. Harmon currently resides in Shelby where she is self-employed in the Business Services Industry.