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< Back Tonya Philbeck Hobbs 2019 Tanya Philbeck Hobbs only hit the pool one season for the East Rutherford Lady Cavaliers, but she certainly made quite a splash during that time. As a senior in 1988, Hobbs set numerous regional and state records and was ranked the top prep recruit in the country following her senior season, along with being named the Rutherford County Athlete of the Year. 1988 was a good year for Hobbs swimming on the club level as well. She qualified for the Olympic Trials in three different events (100 M backstroke, 200 M backstroke and the 100 M Fly) while representing the YMCA swim club of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Other highlights of Hobbs' club career include being ranked second in the nation and eighth in the world for the 100 M backstroke at the age of 17, while finishing third at the US Open and first at the YMCA Nationals (an all-time record that stood until 2015) that same season. Hobbs was also named the South Carolina Swimmer of the Year in consecutive seasons, 1988-1990. All of that success led Hobbs to join the University of Georgia Swim Team in 1988 on full scholarship. Though she battled injuries as a freshman, Tanya went on to have an outstanding collegiate career for the Bulldogs. While at UGA, Hobbs qualified for the 1992 Olympic Trials, finishing ninth. She also garnered All-SEC and All-American status in the 100 yard backstroke and the 200 yard freestyle from 1990-92. In 1992, Hobbs was part of the 800 yard freestyle relay team that broke a school record with a time of 1:44.14 and was a two time SEC Scholastic All-American. Hobbs retired from competition after finishing her UGA career, but made a comeback in the Olympic years of 1996 and 2000. She did not qualify in either attempt, but in 2000, Hobbs did set the Master Class World Record (ages 29-34). Hobbs overcame Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2012 and says it was the fight and tenacity learned during her swimming career that helped her win that battle. Hobbs was inducted into the East Rutherford Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6pzA8CAQIk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyTZ-dmcEnE

< 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

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

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3POuzWi-V_8

< Back Rodney McSwain 2017 is from Caroleen, North Carolina. He attended Chase High School, went on to become one of Clemson University's Top 10 Defensive Line Players of the 1980s and is a former professional American football cornerback in the National Football League. In May of 1984, McSwain was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons following his college career at Clemson University. McSwain, who also anchored Clemson's 1982 conference champion 400-meter relay team, was one of nine defensive players drafted by the Falcons. McSwain was quickly acquired by the New England Patriots where he played seven seasons (1984-1990). He also played two seasons in the Arena Football League with the Detroit Drive, winning Arena Bowl VI in 1992. Cornerbacks, in the early 80's were from that of today's standards. While they were still expected to cover wide receivers, they were also basically linebackers who were lined outside of the eight-man box. Rod McSwain mastered this scenario and was a lock down cornerback. He had the size and power to play linebacker, but speed to play corner. In the 1985 season, the New England Patriots saw their first play-off game ever in the Super Bowl era when McSwain sealed the deal with a pass interception. They were the wild card that would not host a single game on their home field and yet would miraculously achieve the honor of squaring off in Super Bowl XX against the powerhouse Chicago Bears. While they did not win, this was a wonderful experience to be a part of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO0soOTYVVI

< 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.

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snbXxlYtM5M

< Back Dr. Warren T. Forney 2025 Dr. Warren T. Forney has not only made impacts on gridirons here in Rutherford County and Clemson, but off the field, he has made lasting contributions as a motivational speaker and with humanitarian work in Africa. The Rutherfordton native played on the Defensive Line for the R-S Central Hilltoppers from 1986-1990 and was named to the Shrine Bowl after his Senior season. At Clemson, Forney was a major part of the Tigers’ success from 1991-1995, winning several awards and honors before becoming an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Forney decided to focus on football during his career with the Hilltoppers and it paid off. He was named Tri-County Player of the Year as a Senior, earned All-Conference honors, and was selected to play in the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. By the time Forney graduated from R-S Central, he was ranked as one of the top Defensive Line prospects in North Carolina. After spending a post-graduate season at Fork Union Military Academy, Forney enrolled at Clemson in 1991. He played in seven games that season for the Tigers, making four tackles and breaking up one pass, helping Clemson win the ACC Regular Season Title. Forney had a breakout season as a Sophomore in 1992. He started all 11 games for Clemson, garnering 83 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Forney’s best game that season came against Virginia where he led the Tigers with a team-high 11 stops. Forney was injured during his Junior Season playing in just 3 games with 2 tackles. However, due to his commitment and perseverance, Forney was awarded the Texaco Athlete of the Year Award. Now known as the “Rudy Award”, this national recognition is given to any Division I football player that exhibits Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment. In fact, Rudy Ruettiger was on hand to present Forney with the honor. Forney made a triumphant return for his Senior Season in 1994, garnering 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 1 Pass Break Up. As a Redshirt Senior in 1995, he played in all 12 games for Clemson, registering 20 tackles while helping the Tigers reach the Gator Bowl. Forney also finished strong in the classroom, earning All-ACC academic honors for three straight seasons. As a result of his overall contributions to the Clemson program and community, Forney earned the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The award is given annually “in recognition of the recipient’s influence for good, excellence in maintaining high ideals of living, and genuine service to others”. Forney also received the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award after the 1995 season, given to the most courageous football player in the ACC. After spending some time in the San Francisco 49ers’ organization in 1996 and brief coaching stints at Clemson and Georgia Tech, Forney turned his attention to the corporate world. He was part of General Electric’s Africa Initiative, helping to bring sustainable electric power systems to the continent. After living in Nigeria and Cape Town, Forney returned to the United States and is currently working as a Human Resource Executive for Humana. He also earned a Doctorate degree in Philosophy. Forney spends his free time as a lecturer and motivational speaker for various colleges and Universities across the country. Due to all of these contributions, Forney was honored with the 2015 Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award from Clemson. Even with all those awards and honors, Forney says being selected to the RCSHOF is special. “I’m humbled and grateful,” Forney said. “I grew up watching my two older brothers play here, and I just followed in their footsteps. Whether it was at R-S Central, Clemson or all over the world, I think football has given me the opportunity to be an ambassador for Rutherford County because it gave me such a great foundation.”

< Back Thomas McBrayer Hicks 2019 Thomas "Tommy" Hicks may have never scored a touchdown, made a basket, or hit a homerun, but he made an undeniable impact on the Rutherford County sports landscape by writing about those who did. Born on January 16, 1954, Hicks was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of nine. Hicks did not let the disability define him, however, as he continued to play Little League baseball. Hicks' love of sports continued throughout the rest of his life. He attended East Rutherford High School where he lettered as the team manager of the 1972 Western State Champion Cavalier men's basketball team. Hicks also served as Class President at East Rutherford in 1972. After graduating from East Rutherford, Hicks attended Saint Andrew College and later earned his Master Degree in Counseling at UNC-Charlotte. Hicks opened a private counseling practice to support himself, along with running the Amazin Shopper and Tommy's Taxi. He used the proceeds from these ventures to donate widely to charities such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Coalition to Cure Calpain 3 Deficiency, as well as other local charities. With all of his philanthropy and businesses, Hicks still found time to indulge his love of sports. He attended many Charlotte Hornet and Duke Blue Devil basketball games, but he also had a passion for Rutherford County sports. Hicks covered them in various publications throughout the county, including the Daily Courier, The Rutherford Weekly, The Rutherford County News and his own Amazin Shopper. He also spearheaded numerous projects, including the selection of The 50 Greatest Men's Basketball Players of Rutherford County. When Hicks passed away on September 26, 2017, a standing-room only crowd filled First Baptist Church of Forest City to pay their final respects. It is clear that Hicks left a lasting legacy on Rutherford County. In 2018, Hicks became the first, and only, person to receive the Citizen of the Year Award from the Forest City Kiwanis Club posthumously. He was also named to the East Rutherford Sports Hall of Fame for a lifetime of service that same year. In addition, Hicks' longtime friend Pat Jobe wrote the book, "Heart on Wheels" which details Hicks' life and the legacy he left behind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z98gV_ds70k

< Back Angela Hamilton-Jones 2018 Angela Hamilton-Jones attended R-S Central High School from 1985-1989. While there she was a standout member of the basketball, volleyball and track teams. Hamilton-Jones accumulated many honors during her high school athletic career. She played center on the basketball team and right-hitter on the volleyball team. As a member of the track and field team, she ran the 100-yd. dash, 100 and 200 hurdles, and mile relay. She also did the long-jump, discus and shot-put. She was MVP in Track and Volleyball, and a member of the All Tournament, All Conference, and All Regional teams, named Spartanburg Herald Journal Player of the Week and Charlotte Observer's First Team. Hamilton-Jones attended Johnson C. Smith University from 1985-1989, where she continued her athletic career as a member of the volleyball and basketball teams. She was the first female to receive the ML Edwards Memorial Athletic Award; she received the Cathy Callahan Memorial Award, was named the SWC Player of the Year. She was a member of the NCAA Division 2 All American team, CIA 1987-1989, CIA Tournament 1987-1989, and was named MVP. Hamilton-Jones was inducted into the JSU Hall of Fame and holds the record for the most field goals made at 742. Hamilton-Smith said her most memorable quote from Tim Duncan, who said, "Good better, best, never let it rest until your good is better, and your better is best." JCSU Coach Steve Joyner said, "Good team don't last forever, but good people do." Asked about her most significant sports career moment, Hamilton-Smith said, "During my career, all moments were significant in learning who you are and experiencing the sport." As a team member, Hamilton-Jones said, "I believe the most significant moment..is always to be a team member in each game. It's not all individual; you are always playing together to win." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4qlm6wB574

< Back Smokey Burgess 2017 from Caroleen, NC, was an American professional baseball player, coach and scout. He played Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1949-1967. Later in his career, he became known for his ability as a pinch hitter, setting the major league career record for career pinch-hits with 145. He became one of the best pinch hitters in major league history. In his playing days, he batted left-handed and threw right-handed. "Smoky" made his major league debut as a catcher with the Chicago Cubs in April of 1949 at the age of 22. He went on to play with the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. While with the Pittsburgh Pirates, they became World Series champions in 1960. During an eighteen-year major league career, Burgess played in 1,691 games hitting for a 295 career batting average with 126 home runs, 673 RBI and a .362 on-base percentage. He accumulated 1,318 career hits with 230 doubles and 33 triples. His .295 career batting average ranked him 10th among Major League catchers as of 2006. A six-time All-Star, Burgess led National League catchers in fielding percentage three times, in 1953, 1960 and 1961. When his playing career ended, Burgess spent many years with the Atlanta Braves as a scout and minor league batting coach with the Pulaski Braves in Pulaski, VA. Burgess was inducted to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1975. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhqwgvvyUvk