< Back Ray Rice 2022 Ray Rice kickboxing and Martial Arts career has taken him all over the world while earning him many accolades, but Rice still has deep roots in Rutherford County. Rice is a 1973 graduate of CHASE High School but began pursing karate in 1971. He opened the Ray Rice Martial Arts Center in 1976, which has operated in several locations in Rutherford County through the years but is currently located on West Main Street in Forest City. During the past 46 years, he has trained and inspired thousands of students. While teaching, Rice became active on the competition circuit in 1982, traveling to 18 different states and four countries, Russia, Canada, France and Italy, during his career. By the time he retired from competition in 1997, Rice had an overall record of 130-9, earning him a #1 World Ranking for Kickboxing in the Super Middleweight division (164-171 lbs.) in 1992. Of those nine losses, Rice rebounded to beat seven of those opponents in rematches. Rice also owns three kickboxing world titles and holds an overall eighth degree Black Belt and individual Black Belts in Japanese Shotokan, Korean Tae Kwon Do and Aikido. Along with Kickboxing, Rice has earned distinction in other competitions, as well. He has hundreds of wins in both Kurnite (weapons) and empty hands form. As a result of these accomplishments, along with several accolades in Self-Defense, Rice earned the National Competitor of the Year five consecutive times. The biggest indicator of Rice's success, however, is the number of students who have earned Black Belts under his tutelage. It takes a minimum of four years to earn this distinction and Rice says his students are, "Capable of contributing to society in a positive way". In addition to training others, Rice himself has trained with martial arts legends Chuck Norris (Walker Texas Ranger) and Jason David Frank from the original Power Rangers TV series. Rice has also been involved with Norris' Kick Drugs Out of America program, now known as KickStart Kids. Despite all his accomplishments, Rice says his most important achievement is lifting people up and helping them achieve their goals. Rice adds that, "The years teach much that the days never knew", and "You can't teach what you don't know. You can't lead where you have never been." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suliSwNdytY

< 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 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." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DryXxcKWJS0

< 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 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 Troy Harris 2024 Troy Harris was a true Renaissance Man for the R-S Central Hilltoppers. During his four-year prep career in Rutherfordton (1977-81), Harris played football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from R-S, Harris attended Spartanburg Methodist on a baseball scholarship before transferring to Elon to finish his career. Harris is also a member of the Elon Hall Of Fame. Harris made an immediate impact when he arrived in Rutherfordton. He was the starting quarterback on the Hilltoppers’ JV football team as a Freshman and went on to be the signal caller for the varsity squad during the next three seasons. As a result of his exploits on the gridiron, Harris was an All-Conference selection after his Junior and Senior seasons. The skills Harris honed on the football field translated well to the basketball court. After being called up to the varsity team late in his Freshman season, Harris became the Hilltoppers’ starting point guard for the rest of his high school career. Harris was the floor general during the 1979-80 season that saw the Hilltoppers post a perfect 32-0 record and win the 3A State Championship. As a Senior, Harris was named to the All-Tournament Team at the prestigious Freedom Christmas Tournament. When asked what made Harris such a good basketball player, his coach Stacy Lail says, “Troy was one of the most respected players I have ever coached. He was respected by teammates, opponents, fans and even officials. His leadership qualities led us to two State Championship games.” Harris was also a leader on the baseball diamond at R-S. He lettered all four seasons, winning team MVP honors as a Freshman. In addition, Harris was a two-time All-Conference selection, finishing his Hilltopper career with an overall batting average of .497. Harris posted an impressive average of .426 during two summers of playing American Legion baseball with Post 74. Due to his achievements in all three sports, Harris was named The Daily Courier Athlete Of The Year in 1981. Upon graduation from R-S, Harris earned a baseball scholarship to play at Spartanburg Methodist Junior College. Though he was a solid defensive player in the outfield, his real contribution was at the plate. As a Freshman, Harris batted at a .435 clip, with 14 home runs and 28 stolen bases. He helped Spartanburg Methodist qualify for the 1982 Junior College World Series, batting .410 for the Series and being named to the All-Tournament team. Harris then transferred to Elon where he continued to put up impressive numbers. In two seasons with the Phoenix, he hit for a .377 average, garnering 113 hits, including 15 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Harris was inducted into the Elon Hall Of Fame in 2003. Harris and his wife Tonnie have served the local community in Rutherford County in several different capacities for many years. He is currently a Social Worker at Willow Ridge Rehab Center in Rutherfordton. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRQQmWfVgqM

< 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 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 Larry Ross 2025 Coach Larry Ross was equally at home coaching on the high school level as he was the AAU circuit. He founded the Forest City Heat AAU program in 1998, winning several prestigious tournaments, including a National Championship. During that time, he also coached the East Rutherford Lady Cavaliers for 20 years, picking up approximately 400 wins in the process. Ross was a 1978 graduate of East Rutherford High School and went on to play basketball for the Isothermal Community College Patriots. While at ICC, Ross set the record for the most rebounds in a single game with 15 vs. Davidson during the 1979-80 season. As good as an athlete as Coach Ross was, he made his name as a coach. He founded the Forest City Heat Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) program in 1998 and it is still going strong today. He won State and National Championships at multiple age groups. Ross garnered 14 State Titles, including eight straight AAU State Titles from 2012-2019. In 2015, Ross and the Heat brought home the State Title in seven different age groups. Ross’ most impressive achievement on the AAU circuit may have come in 2019 as the Heat brought a National Championship back home to Forest City. Along the way in his AAU coaching career, Ross oversaw the development of numerous professional and college players. They include former NFL player Brandon Spikes, current NBA player Ish Smith, along with former Clemson Tiger Gabe Devoe and Georgetown’s LJ Peak. Due to his impact on those athletes and countless others, Ross was elected to the AAU Hall of Fame in 2024. As impressive as Ross’ accomplishments on the AAU level were, his accolades coaching the Lady Cavaliers might have been more impressive. Over a 20 year career in Forest City, Ross led the Lady Cavs to approximately 400 wins. Those numbers included numerous conference titles and deep playoff runs, making the 2006 State Championship game. East Rutherford went 27-1 in 2021-22 and 23-3 during the 2013-14 season. Rachel Camp was the star of the 2013-14 team. Under Ross’ tutelage, she averaged 28.4 points per game that season and scored over 3,000 points in her career. “He pushed me for sure,” Camp said in an interview with The Daily Courier. “But I knew that was just because he cared about me and wanted me to reach my full potential.” In addition, Ross also coached the East Rutherford boys team for a few seasons. Due to Ross’ success during his career and the impacts he made off the court, he won the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association Transformational Coach of the Year Award in 2022. According to the NCBCA, the award is given each year to a coach that “must have a significant positive impact at their school and with their community.” “This means a lot,” Ross told The Daily Courier after receiving the award. “I have won national championships coaching AAU teams but this award is right there at the top of the list. What makes this so special is that it shows that something you have done has impacted somebody’s life. It’s not about me and if I know I have made a positive impact on somebody, that means more to me than winning ballgames.” Several of his former players spoke about the impact Ross made on their lives. NC State signee Mikey Wilkins says, “His legacy meant everything. He was like a second father to me.” Former University of South Carolina Wide Receiver Shaq Davidson adds: “Coach is an understatement of what you (Ross) were to me. After I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life, you took me in and helped turn it around for the better. I could never repay you.” Ross passed away on April 10th 2023, but his legacy lives on as the former Cool Springs Gym was renamed in his honor.

< Back David Davis 2025 Not only did David Davis excel at one sport during his time as a student athlete in Rutherford County, he did it in three: Football, Basketball and Baseball. He won numerous awards during his career as a R-S Central Hilltopper from 1978-82, including being named as team MVP in each of the three sports his Senior season. After graduation, Davis went on to put up impressive numbers in football at three different colleges and then had a successful high school basketball coaching career. The awards and accolades started rolling in for Davis during his Junior season for the Hilltoppers. In football, Davis earned All-Conference honors on both sides of the ball as a Free Safety and Wide Receiver. In addition, Davis garnered All Rutherford County and All-Region accolades as a Free Safety after pulling down seven interceptions. Davis equaled those numbers as a Senior. He recorded 7 more interceptions, once again earning All-County and All-Region honors. In addition, Davis was named to the All-State Team, an Adidas All-American and played in the East-West All-Star game. Davis also put up impressive numbers on the basketball court, leading the Hilltoppers by averaging 18.1 points per game and led the baseball program with a .389 batting average as a Senior. Consequently, Davis was named as team MVP in all three sports for the Hilltoppers and Rutherford County Athlete of the Year in 1982. After concluding his career in Rutherfordton, Davis played football at NC State University for one season and made the All-ACC Freshman Team. Davis transferred to Taft College in California where he was a part of the 1984 Junior College National Championship. During that season, Davis rewrote the record books with the most catches in a single game (10), most yards in a single game (201) and most touchdown catches in a single game (3). Davis finished that season with 798 total yards. As a result, he was named as a JUCO All-American and inducted into the Taft College Hall Of Fame. Davis attended Baylor University to finish his football career where he helped the Bears win a pair of Bowl games. He was named the Southwestern Conference Newcomer of the Year in 1985 and finished his career at Baylor averaging 19.2 yards per catch. His exploits on the college gridiron earned Davis an invite to the Houston Oilers training camp. After his playing career was over, Davis turned his attention to coaching high school basketball. He began his coaching career as an assistant at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte before becoming the head coach at Olympic High School from 1994-2000. He also coached at Trinity Prep in Florida from 2009-13. Davis was named the head coach of several renowned high school basketball showcases over the years, including the Nike Hoop Summit, The Pittsburgh Hoops Classic and the Senior Showcase National All-Star game where he also served as the game’s Director for five years. In all, Davis coached over 24 college players, including a pair of All-Americans during his career. “It’s very humbling to be elected into the Rutherford County Sports Hall Of Fame,” Davis said. “I’m in my Junior College Hall Of Fame and I thought that was a big deal, but when you are recognized by your peers in your hometown as one of the best athletes, it is amazing. To be part of this group is truly exciting.”

< 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 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