Search Results

Select Induction Class Sort by Name Sort by Class Year Stacy Lail Coach Induction Year: 2017 Smokey Burgess Baseball Induction Year: 2017 Lewis Jolley Football Induction Year: 2017 William "Bill" Keever Shooting Induction Year: 2018 Belus Smawley Basketball Induction Year: 2017 Rodney McSwain Football Induction Year: 2017 Robert McNair Contributor Induction Year: 2017 Dr. Bob England Coach Induction Year: 2018 Lamonda Davis Track and Field Induction Year: 2017 Anthony "Chuck" McSwain Football Induction Year: 2017 Don Padgett Baseball Induction Year: 2017 Angela Hamilton-Jones Basketball Induction Year: 2018 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 **No Class of 2020 or 2021 Members due to COVID-19 Pandemic.**

< Back Wade Byrd 2025 Dr. Wade Byrd was an outstanding athlete not only on the football field and basketball court for R-S Central, the Spindale native also excelled in two sports at Duke, football and Men’s Lacrosse. After graduation from Duke, Byrd embarked on a distinguished military career before becoming a lawyer and judge, retiring in 2019. Byrd says he could not wait to join the football and basketball teams at R-S Central. While Byrd enjoyed basketball, even earning All-State Honors in the sport, his biggest impact came on the gridiron. He earned All-State honors at the End position as a Senior after the 1954-55 season. After graduation from R-S Central in 1955, Byrd attended Duke University on a full football scholarship. While in Durham, Byrd played on the same Duke teams with fellow RCSHOF member Burt Lattimore and Rutherford County native Doug Padgett. Since Byrd played on the offensive line as a Center at Duke, he does not have that many stats, but he was a key contributor during his time in Durham. Most notably as a team captain in 1957, Byrd helped the Blue Devils reach a #14 national ranking. After posting a 6-2-2 record in the regular season, Duke played #4 Oklahoma in the prestigious Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida on New Year’s Day 1958. Even though Duke lost that game, the Blue Devils were competitive for most of the contest. As a Senior in 1958, Byrd was once again a Duke captain and finished his career in style by helping defeat rival UNC 7-6 on the final day of the season. In the Spring of 1959, Byrd tried out for and made the Duke Men’s Lacrosse team, earning All-American Honorable Mention honors at the conclusion of the season. After graduating from Duke in 1959, Byrd went on to have a distinguished military career as a member of the Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune and saw duty in Guantanamo Bay and the Mediterranean. After being on active duty for 30 years, earning the rank of Captain, Byrd went to Law School at Chapel Hill and then earned a Doctorate of Law Degree from the University of Florida in 1965. During that time, Byrd was also serving in the Marine Corps Reserves until he was Honorably Discharged in 1975. Byrd settled in Florida with his wife and three children and had a successful career as a trial lawyer and a judge. In his spare time, Byrd stayed connected with Duke, serving as President of the Palm Beach County Alumni Association during the 1980’s. Byrd also played Polo and helped establish the National Museum of Polo and Hall Of Fame, where he served as Secretary for the organization until 2022. Byrd’s other hobbies include hunting, sailing, racquetball and golf.

< Back Keyon Whiteside 2018 A retired NFL linebacker, Whiteside, graduated from Chase High School in 1998. While attending Chase, Whiteside played football, basketball and ran track. His honors included: being named All Western NC and All Piedmont two times, and All County three times. As a football player, he ran for 1561 yards and made 18 touchdowns under the coaching of Randy Page. Whiteside attended the University of Tennessee in 1998. His football career at UV included: one national championship, several leadership awards and being named to 2nd Team All-Conference SEC. In 2003, he was the first Vol linebacker to register 100 tackles since Keith Delong; Whiteside's total was 119. He also held the bench-press record for linebackers at UT at 505 Ibs. Keyon said his most significant moments as an athlete included being a part of the 1998 BCS National Championship Team at UT. As a member of the team, he recalls the game against the University of Arkansas; the Vols won in 6 overtimes, with Whiteside recording 19 tackles that day. Another life-changing moment took place when he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts - in the fifth round - in 2003. He played 12 games in his four seasons as a linebacker with the team. For Keyon, the most memorable events with the Colts include opening day against the New England Patriots, and being featured on ESPN's Top Plays for "steam- rolling Patriots' Special Team Captain Harry Izzo. On being inducted in the Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame, Whiteside says, "I am humbled by this honor. Who would have ever thought that a kid from Rutherford County would graduate from a major university, win the National Championship, and be drafted to play in the NFL? With love, support, and hard work dreams can come true." Whiteside is the Director of Digital Services for Willow Marketing in Indianapolis where he continues to strive for personal excellence. His profile talks of his drive and positive attitude, with a belief that he can teach himself just about anything, including speaking Mandarin well enough to be able to act as an amateur interpreter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Z3Q_Uc6Bk

< Back Conner Stroud 2025 Conner Stroud is one of the most decorated young athletes in Rutherford County history. The 24 year-old Rutherfordton native is already a two-time Paralympian in Wheelchair Tennis and is currently ranked as the 33rd best Men’s Wheelchair Tennis Player in the world by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), winning numerous awards, medals and honors on his assent up the rankings. Stroud was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) which left him without femurs, hips, ankles or knees. That did not stop him from picking up a racket at the age of five, however, where he played against able-bodied competitors. At age 12, Stroud transitioned to playing wheelchair tennis and immediately began climbing the ITF rankings. He won the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Sportsmanship Award in 2012. From 2013-17, Stroud played for Team USA in the ITF Junior World Cup. He helped guide the Stars & Stripes to a trio of Gold Medals in the event. Those successes on the tennis court led Stroud to receive the USTA (Wheelchair) Excellence Award in 2014. During that time, Stroud also played against able-bodied competitors for the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy tennis team. He found success playing in the #2 position for the Gryphons. Upon graduating from TJ in 2018, Stroud earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama to play Wheelchair Tennis Stateside. He was also ranked as high as #2 in the world in the Wheelchair Junior Division Internationally. After 2018, Stroud made the jump to the Adult Men’s Wheelchair Division and has been a member of Team USA ever since. He has held the #2 spot on the World Cup team since 2018. Individually, Stroud has represented his country well, qualifying for the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo and the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. While in Paris, Stroud won his first match, upsetting Costa Rica’s Jose Pablo Gil 6-3, 6-1. “It is incredibly special,” Stroud told members of the Parisian media following the match. “I could never have dreamed of playing on Court Philippe Chatrier and I will always remember playing on such an historic court. To play in front of a big crowd to kickstart the Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event here, I was quite nervous going into it. The feeling, however, was unbelievable and I will always cherish it.” Overall in his career, through March of 2025, Stroud has amassed an impressive record of 241-100 in singles play and 148-63 in doubles. He has garnered 28 ITF Singles Championships and 35 Doubles Titles and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Stroud is currently in the process of qualifying for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

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 Kenneth Hines Sr Tonya S Boykins - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

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 31st, 2026 Teeing off at 9 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 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!!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8ZnuDFeWi0

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSGpShY65l4

< 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". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdyGgIcgp-k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swjKnk8KzPE

< 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 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00vyNT33H9s

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo8P3baTiqc