Search Results

< Back Paul Tim Jones 2024 If there is one name that is synonymous with Track & Field in Rutherford County, it is Paul Tim Jones. The 1959 graduate of Cool Springs High School went on to captain the first-ever Track and Field Team at Western Carolina in 1967 after completing his military service in Vietnam. He began coaching the Catamounts in 1968 as a graduate assistant and took over as the head coach in 1969. Over the next 12 seasons in Cullowhee, Jones coached several All-Americans and was named the NCAA Division II Coach Of The Year in 1974 and 1975. During his high school career, Jones says he dabbled in baseball and basketball, but his true love wasTrack & Field. Jones won a pair of Conference Championships while at Cool Springs, graduating in 1959. After graduation, he went to Western Carolina, but the Catamounts did not have a track team yet. Jones left Western, however, and joined the Marine Corps. From 1965-1967, he served in Vietnam, returning to Western to complete his education when his service had concluded. Jones captained the first-ever Track & Field Team in Western Carolina history in 1967 and he also captained the Cross County team that same season. Jones admits that he was a much better coach than a participant. Jones began his coaching career in 1968 and except for a short time at West Georgia, remained at the head of the Catamount program until 1981. During his coaching tenure, Jones posted an impressive 187-79 record (.703 winning percentage). Under his tutelage, three athletes achieved All-American status while several others earned All- Conference honors. Jones led Western to a Division II Top 20 National Ranking in 1974 and 75, earning National Coach Of The Year honors in both of those seasons. Jones left Western Carolina in 1981 to “Come Back Home” to Rutherford County, but that does not mean he left Track & Field behind. Far from it. Jones helped to strengthen the programs at all the high schools and middle schools in the county. “I wanted to help all the kids in Rutherford County, not just one school,” Jones said. “I was an official for local and District (high school) meets for a long time. When I got older, I could still fire the gun (Starter’s Pistol) until I retired a few years ago.” Along with officiating meets Jones also coached the R-S Middle School Track team to three straight conference championships in the late 1980’s. He was elected to the Western Carolina Hall Of Fame in 2002 and while he says that was a great honor, his inclusion in the Rutherford County Sports Hall Of Fame means more. “I get emotional just thinking about it,” he said. “The Western Carolina Hall Of Fame means a lot, but (being inducted into) the Rutherford County Sports Hall Of Fame is one of the proudest moments of my life, even more than being Coach Of The Year.” Jones currently resides in Rutherfordton and he loves to spend his Summers at McNair Field where he is a member of the Forest City Owls’ Booster Club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4PfRyEF18U

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFEgKLv9D4U

< Back Carl Bartles 2024 Carl Bartles is one of the best Running Backs to ever come out of Rutherford County. The 1967 graduate of R-S Central led the Hilltoppers to an 8-3 record during his Senior Season in Rutherfordton. He was also a standout on the track team for the Hilltoppers, setting school records along the way. After graduation from R-S, Bartles attended Lenior-Rhyne where he also set records on the gridiron for the Bears. Bartles went on to sign a professional contract with the NFL’s Washington Redskins before playing in the Canadian and World Football Leagues. While not many statistics are known about Bartles’ high school career, it is clear he was an outstanding athlete. “As the quarterback, he made my job easy,” former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton said. “Just get the ball to Carl and watch him run. He was also a phenomenal Defensive End.” Bartles was named to the All-Southwestern Conference Team, and as a result, got to play in an All-Star game held at East Rutherford at the end of the football season in 1966. Bartles showed off his speed on the track, as well. He set the Western North Carolina Athletic Activities record in the 100-yard dash, completing the race in 9.9 seconds. “I still hold that record because they changed to meters right after that,” Bartles joked. Bartles also had an impressive career at Lenior Rhyne, leading the team in rushing in three of his four seasons. In four years with the Bears, he rushed for 3,677 yards which was a school record at the time . As a Senior in 1970, he rushed for 1,261 yards which was a Lenior Rhyne school record that stood for over two decades. Bartles still holds the record for the number of carries in a game (47) and in a single season (297). As a result of his efforts, Bartles was named a NAIA All-American in 1970. In 1974, Bartles was third in career rushing yards among players from the Tarheel State, surpassing players from Duke, UNC and NC State on that list. Bartles continued to play football after his graduation from Lenior Rhyne in 1971. Beginning in 1972, he signed contracts with the NFL’s Wahington Redskins and the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Red Backs. In 1974, Bartles played in 10 games with the World Football League’s Birmingham Americans, rushing for a pair of touchdowns. Bartles moved closer to home in 1975, playing for the WFL’s Charlotte Hornets. After his football career was finished, Bartles stayed involved with the game. He was a head coach and educator at Piedmont High School in Monroe for many years. When asked what his inclusion into the Rutherford County Sports Hall Of Fame means to him, Bartles was at a loss for words. “It’s really hard to describe,” he said. “It means a lot and it is a special moment for me.” Bartles currently resides in Indian Trail, North Carolina. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoHisMW174s

< 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." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieTCQZ28xpk

< 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." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3xLAkkwEik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POJNwlf9lgk

< Back Don Padgett 2017 from Caroleen, NC, was an American professional baseball player, catcher/outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals (1937-41), Brooklyn Dodgers (1946), Boston Braves (1946) and Philadelphia Phillies (1947-48). He attended Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. Padgett signed with the St. Louis Cardinals' organization in 1935. The left-handed hitting outfielder made his major league debut with the Cardinals in 1937, playing 123 regular season games and batting an impressive .314 with 74 RBIs. In 1938, his average dipped to 271 but he came back with an incredible 399 batting average in 92 games in 1939 while adjusting from being an outfielder to a catcher. On December 10, 1941, the Cardinals sold Padgett to the Dodgers for $25,000. On March 28, 1942, Padgett left Brooklyn's training camp to report to his home draft board for induction into the Army. On April 1, 1942, he chose instead to enlist in the Navy and was sworn in. On July 7, 1942, Padgett was selected for an All-Service team that played against an American League all-star squad at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium. Before 62,059 fans, the American League beat the servicemen, 5-0. Padgett's main contribution to the game was a screeching single to left field in the first inning but he was left stranded on base. By August 1944, Padgett was coaching a US Navy team in Australia. In January 1946, at the age of 34, Padgett was released from military service after missing four professional baseball seasons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl5GbRcnmcA

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC1LCa271eU

< Back Justin Todd Coffey 2018 Athlete/baseball player, Coffey graduated from Chase High School in 1998. Upon graduation, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds as a pitcher. He played with the Brewers, Nationals, Mariners, and LA Dodgers of the MLB and the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. He made his major league debut in 2005 pitching against the Chicago Cubs. His first win was against San Diego in 2005. Coffey had a sinking fastball clocked at up to 96 mph and a dropping slider clocked at 82 mph. He made over 461 relief appearances in the MLB, had a win-loss record of 25-18, with 329 strikeouts, and an ERA of 4.10. Coffey was well-known for his enthusiasm when called to pitch. He ran, full speed to get into the game resulting in the Brewers introducing "Coffey Time", timing his sprints to the mound the scoreboard. Coffey last played in the MLB in 2012. He was signed by the LA Dodgers, but underwent surgery for the second time, and his option was not picked up in 2013. He spent time in the minor leagues with the Braves, pitched in the Mexican League and became a free agent in 2016. In 2017, Coffey announced his retirement on Twitter through Jeff Passon of Yahoo. "I have given my heart and soul to this game,' he said. Adding that he thought he may move into coaching, working in the front office, or scouting, Coffey said, ".. look forward to giving back to the game with just as much passion as I played." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMUP5rMsXiQ

< Back Randy Ingle 2019 The name Randy Ingle is synonymous with Rutherford County baseball. A standout two-way player at East Rutherford, Ingle led the Cavaliers to the 3A Western State Championship as a senior in 1976, going 17-0 from the mound with 16 complete games. Even though Ingle was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round of the 1976 MLB draft, he elected to attend Appalachian State where he and a stellar collegiate career for the Mountaineers. During his three seasons in Boone, Ingle transitioned to shortstop and batted no lower than a .365 average. His average of .477 as a junior was second best in the nation. It still stands as a Mountaineer program and SOCON record. Combined with strong defensive play that saw Ingle commit only two errors that season, he was named a first team All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year. Following his college career, ingle was drafted in the 12' round by the Atlanta Braves and remained with the club as first a player then a coach for 39 seasons (1979-2018). As a player, Ingle rose as high as the Triple-A level, winning one championship, but made his most significant contributions as a coach. During Ingle's 33 years as a coach and manager, he won four Minor League Championships and is a six time recipient of the Bobby Cox Award, given to the organization's top coach. For his career, Ingle has 801 victories, second most in South Atlantic League history. He joined the Colorado Rockies organization asa Developmental Supervisor in 2019. Ingle's success as a player and coach has led to numerous awards and honors, including induction into the East Rutherford, Appalachian State, South Atlantic League and now Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fames. His number has been retired at both East Rutherford and Appalachian State and he has received the Willie Duke Lifetime Achievement Award from the Raleigh Hot Stove League. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4j7TNzamTA

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGx9T4k-6Ms

< Back Chad Flack 2024 Chad Flack is one of the newer members of the pantheon of great baseball players to call the Diamonds of Rutherford County home. The Forest City native had an outstanding high school career, leading the East Rutherford Cavaliers to three consecutive State Titles, setting numerous program and NCHSAA records along the way. Flack made just as big a mark on the college level, as he was an integral part of the North Carolina Tar Heel teams that made the College World Series from 2006-2008. Flack was the centerpiece for the East Rutherford Cavaliers & dominance on the baseball diamond in the early 2000’s. Under the tutelage of legendary coach and fellow Rutherford County Sports Hall Of Fame member Bobby Reynolds, Flack rewrote the record books during his time in Forest City from 2001-2004. The consummate home run hitter blasted 44 round-trippers during his high school career, which set a NCHSAA record that stood for six years. Flack’s 19 homers during his Senior season also ranks third in NCHSAA history. Flack’s efforts led the Cavaliers to State Titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and he was named conference Player Of The Year as a Junior and Senior, along with North Carolina State Player of The Year as a Senior in 2004. In addition, Flack garnered All-American Honors and a Silver Slugger Award in 2004. Flack starred off of the baseball diamond, as well. He played football for two seasons and tried his hand at basketball for one season. He played American Legion Baseball in the Summer of 2003, hitting at a .489 clip. Not to be outdone in the classroom, Flack was a member of the National Honors Society and graduated from East Rutherford with a 3.75 GPA. “You hear Emmitt Smith talk about setting the Standard for the Dallas Cowboys,” Bobby Reynolds said. "Well, Chad Flack set the Standard for East Rutherford baseball. Everybody that has come after that has an example to live up to. Not only was Chad athletic, his baseball knowledge was very good. All we had to do as coaches was fine-tune it.” Flack was just as impressive playing for the Tar Heels. He made an immediate impact when he stepped on campus in Chapel Hill. He hit .335 with 15 homers and 49 RBI on his way to earning Freshman All-American honors. As a Sophomore, Flack hit at a .389 clip with 13 homers. One of those home runs was a walk-off vs. Alabama in the NCAA Super Regionals to send Carolina to the College World Series (CWS). While his numbers dipped a bit as a Junior, Flack was still a vital part of a Tar Heel team that won the 2007 ACC Championship and made another CWS appearance. Flack rebounded as a Senior, hitting .277 with seven homers and 49 RBI as UNC made their third straight trip to the CWS. In that CWS, Flack connected for a game-winning two-run homer vs. Fresno State. Flack garnered many awards and achievements during his time at Chapel Hill. He was the Patterson Medal recipient for the 2007-08 season, which is awarded to the top Male Student-Athlete regardless of sport. He holds numerous Tar Heel program records, including base hits (328), at-bats (1,058), total bases (526) and most games played (267). Flack also holds the record for the most at-bats by any player in CWS history with 73. “I almost cry when I talk about what Chad Flack means to Carolina baseball,” former UNC coach Mike Fox said. “He hit two of the biggest homeruns I have ever witnessed and the one he hit in 2006 vs Alabama to send us to the World Series was probably the best moment of my coaching career. I could spend hours talking about Chad Flack, but whatever adjectives I come up with, it would not do him justice.” After graduation from Chapel Hill, Flack spent the 2009 season as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels. He is currently President of Main Street Insurance Group and resides in Concord, NC with his wife Lauren and son Channing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0CkVInsD-0

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6uj2suwv18