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< Back Harold Morris "Gomer" Hodge 2018 Baseball player and coach, Hodge was born in Rutherfordton. Now deceased, he had a long career, playing in 80 Major League games with a batting average at .205 and 83 at-bats. Hodge was signed as an amateur free agent by the Cleveland Indians. He played for the Dubuque Packers first; he later played for the Salinas Indians, Pawtucket Indians, Portland Beavers and Savannah Indians, among others. Legend has it that he got his nickname, Gomer, from a teammate on the Burlington Indians team in 1964, due to his resemblance to the actor/singer Jim Nabors who played Gomer Pyle on TV. Hodge played his last game in 1971. He began a new baseball career in 1973 as coach for the Cleveland Indians organization, and later served as manager and coach for Milwaukee, Montreal and the Boston Red Sox before retiring in 1995. His son, Nicholas Hodge talks about the many happy memories of his father's baseball career. When Hodge was playing for the Red Sox, Nicholas remembers going to spring training with him. They ate together, breakfast and lunch, players and coaches, working out and practicing, laughing and working hard. "Dad hit his one and only homerun over The Green Monster' at Fenway Park against Roger Moret..he would always tell me," Nicholas said. He also remembers his father always brought a crockpot with him on the road, providing a meal of black beans and rice, bread and meat for the young players - many from the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico or Korea. "Dad would be so proud, and I know today, he is looking down upon all of us and smiling," said Nicholas Hodge, Harold Morris 'Gomer' Hodge passed away from Lou Gehrig's Disease in 2007.

< 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.

< 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 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.

< 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 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 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 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.

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!

< 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 Tim McKeithan 2022 Rutherford County has a long and rich history of professional baseball players and it all started with Emmett James (Tim) McKeithan. He became Rutherford County's first ever baseball player to reach the professional ranks when he made his debut for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1932. McKeithan was born in Shelby, North Carolina in 1906, but played high school baseball for Cool Springs in Forest City. As a senior in 1928, McKeithan was an ace pitcher for the Tornadoes and led them to the 1928 State Title. After graduating from Cool Springs, McKeithan attended Duke University. The Blue Devils won a Southern Conference title in 1929 with a 13-5 record in his freshman season and McKeithan lettered in his final three seasons in Durham. During his career at Duke, McKeithan was part of three "State Championship" teams that played against other college programs in North Carolina. After finishing his college career at Duke, McKeithan has the distinction of being one of the few players to make the jump straight from college to the Major Leagues, joining the American League's Philadelphia Athletics on July 21, 1932. While there, McKeithan played under legendary manager Connie Mack as a right-handed pitcher. He spent portions of two seasons in Philadelphia, compiling a 1-1 record with a 7.36 ERA and three strikeouts in 25.2 innings. In 1934, Babe Ruth hit one of his 714 career home runs off McKeithan. McKeithan also spent some time in the Minor Leagues, making stops in Montreal, Syracuse and Galveston. He secured a career high eight wins while with Montreal in 1933 and a career best 2.00 ERA while pitching in Galveston during his final season of 1935. McKeithan passed away on August 30, 1969 and was buried at the Concord Baptist Church cemetery in Bostic.