Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame announces 2016 Inductees
Six join Hall of Fame during May 9 ceremony
The 2016 class of inductees to the Hickory Metro Sports Commission’s Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame illustrates a wide variety of athletic talents at all levels of competition and coaching. These inductees have put a positive spotlight on Catawba County and the Hickory Metro region for generations.
“We think we have another outstanding class of inductees,” said Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame Committee Chair JuJu Phillips. “It is a tribute to our great sports history that in the Hall of Fame’s 16th year, our selection committee could enshrine such a well-rounded and accomplished class.”
Established in 2000, the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the extraordinary efforts and achievements of athletes, coaches, teams and contributors, while also reinforcing a sense of history and tradition in Catawba County.
Members of the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016 include “Christi” Cranford, Kevin R. Wilson, Ernie Warlick, Charles J. Bost, Randy Lowman and Paul Schiffel. These new inductees join 66 men and women enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
“Catawba County can boast a diverse sports tradition that can match most communities our size. This year’s class embodies just that,” Phillips said. “It’s a tribute to our great sports history here that we continue to honor those who have made an impact – locally, regionally, statewide and even nationwide. The Hall of Fame selection committee continues to do a fantastic job in keeping with our ideals and themes.”
The six new inductees will be celebrated during the annual Hickory Sports Commission Hall of Fame Banquet on Monday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at the city of Hickory’s Highland Recreation Center, where hall of fame plaques are on permanent display.
N.C. High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame member and long-time NCHSAA media liaison Rick Strunk delivers the keynote address at this year’s banquet.
In addition to an induction ceremony, the annual Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame banquet salutes Student Athletes of the Year from the public and private high schools throughout Catawba County.
Area high school athletic directors or school representatives selected a male and a female finalist from each school, and the winners will be announced during the banquet. Most of the student athletes who will be recognized participate in multiple sports, and some are at the top of their class.
“The accomplishments of these students are amazing,” Phillips said. “How these students find time to mix both academics and athletics is something the Hickory Metro Sports Commission recognizes as unique.”
Tickets for the May 9 Hall of Fame banquet are on sale for $25 each. The banquet includes a meal provided by Boxcar Grille. Tickets are available at high schools throughout Catawba County, the Hickory Highland Recreation Center, L.P. Frans Stadium and at the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. Discount tickets are available for table reservations by contacting the Chamber, 828-328-6111.
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