2007 Inductees

Richard “Rick” Barnes

Coach Richard Barnes was born in Hickory, and played basketball at Hickory High and Lenoir-Rhyne College. Prior to being named head basketball coach at the University of Texas in 1999, he coached successful programs at George Mason, Providence and Clemson. In 2002 – 2003,
he took Texas to the “Final Four” in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996-97.

Bryan Harvey

Born in Tennessee, Bryan Harvey has lived in Catawba County since 1972. He’s currently a minor league pitching coach for the Colorado Rockies. At his peak, Bryan was recognized as one of the most effective relief pitchers in major league baseball.  Bryan Harvey spent six years with the California Angels and three with the Florida Marlins. He appeared in 322 games, working 387 innings. His earned run average of just 2.49

Bobby Vance Issac

The late Bobby Vance Isaac is represented today by his former wife, Patsy Isaac, and their three children. In the latter 1950s, Bobby left a shift job in a cotton mill to take up stock car racing in the sport’s infancy. When NASCAR’s Grand National circuit visited Hickory Speedway twice a year, spring and fall, Junior Johnson won the most races. Later that title was assumed by Richard Petty.

David Elder

David Elder, a four-year football starter at Lenoir-Rhyne College, ranks 10th on the L-R pass reception record. After successfully coaching at West Lincoln, South Stanley, Lenoir and West Caldwell high schools, he joined Hickory High as an assistant in 1979, taking over as head football coach in 1994. Three years later his team posted a
16 – 0 record, including the 3A state championship.