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< 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

< 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

< Back Pam Harmon 2023 Pam K. Harmon excelled at every sport she played at East Rutherford High School. She lettered in three different sports during her Cavalier career from 1974-1977. Harmon made an early impact on the courts and fields at East Rutherford High School. She played basketball and softball all four years as a Cavalier, earning MVP and All-Conference honors multiple times. She was named the best practice player for the softball team and had the best free throw percentage on the basketball team for three of four seasons. When Jim Clement began the East Rutherford Women’s Tennis team Harmon’s sophomore season, she also found success on that court, as well. She was the #1 seed for the Lady Cavs all three seasons of her prep tennis career. Like basketball, Harmon also earned MVP and All-Conference accolades. During Harmon’s senior season of 1977, she posted an undefeated record in conference play and made a deep run in the NCHSAA playoffs. As a result, she was nominated for the prestigious “Women in Sports Award” from the newly formed Women Sports Foundation by Clement. Because she embodied the WSF’s mission to “Advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity enabling all girls and women to reach their potential in sports and life”, she was named the winner. As a result, Harmon received the award from tennis legend Billie Jean King in 1977. During her senior year at East, Harmon also received a scholarship to play basketball at Duke University. Her offer is believed to be the first opportunity for a female basketball player from Rutherford County to continue their playing career at an ACC program. Harmon currently resides in Shelby where she is self-employed in the Business Services Industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIhIZ_eWMvA

T. MAX CHAMPION MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT T. Max Champion T. Max Champion's football coaching career spanned over five decades. Champion coached football at East Rutherford, Chase and R.S. Central. He also coach baseball at East Rutherford. Champion coached football for a total of 36 years and baseball for 12. Champion was a 1969 East Rutherford graduate and 1974 Appalachian State graduate. He began his career in education as the driver's education teacher at East Rutherford. Champion was a founding member of the Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. His guidance and leadership were an integral part in the success of RCSHOF. Champion served as a board member from 2017 until his death on April 19th, 2021. The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame annual golf tournament is named in his memory. T. Max Champion will not be remembered as just a coach. He will also be remembered as a man of faith, son, husband, father, grandfather and mentor to the thousands of kids he came in contact with during his life. t. max Champion Memorial video T. Max Champion Memorial Golf Tournament 1 What is it? The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame hosts an annual golf tournament to support their yearly operations including funding their scholarship recipients. We take pride in knowing that celebrating previous athletes can promote the success of rising Rutherford County athletes. We enjoy the sportsmanship of the game, raising funds for a good cause, and playing in honor of T. Max. 2 When is it ? July 31st, 2026 Teeing off at 9 AM View the Course 3 How to enter or sponsor? Our Board Member, Randy Page can give you more information about either playing in the tournament or sponsoring it. Phone: 828-429-7773 Email: info@rcshof.org Team Registration Form Sponsorship Form FROM 2023 TOURNAMENT - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

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 Malcolm Watson Treasurer Linda smith Assistant Treasurer ulysses miller Secretary Lynnette Martin Members tony helton phil luckadoo David smith paul tim jones randy page Jacob Conley tommy porter LaMonda Miller Davis Stacy lail ANGELA HAMILTON Kenneth Hines Sr Tonya S Boykins - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting!

- Welcome - Entering Rutherford County's Finest Athletics Territory ABOUT US In January of 2017, a committee was commissioned by local citizens of Rutherford County to establish a Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame (RCSHOF) for the purpose of recognizing the efforts and achievements of athletes, coaches, and contributors. Fourteen members make up the Board of Directors of RCSHOF and they created the guidelines and selection process. The inductees should embody the intent, spirit, and historical context or Rutherford County's finest. MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS GOLF TOURNAMENT UPCOMING EVENTS July 31st Ball in the air at 9 AM Click here to learn more! 2026 INDUCTION CEREMONY UPCOMING EVENTS May 7th at 6:00pm ICC Foundation Click here to buy your ticket! Our Mission The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame is established to provide a means to recognize the extraordinary efforts and achievements of athletes, coaches, teams and contributors throughout Rutherford County. Our Legacy Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info - Don't Miss Out - SIGN UP FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS‭, ‬INFO AND UPDATES‭!‬ SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting! SAY HI!

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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!