Carter County Sports Hall of Fame 2024 induction
Published 10:28 am Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Legends Under the Lights: A Night of Honor at Milligan University
On Saturday night, Milligan University will host the 13th annual induction ceremony of the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame (CCSHOF), marking a special occasion for Carter County. This tradition has been ingrained in the community since its establishment in 2012.
Founded by C.Y. Peters and Jamie Combs, with technical expertise from Steve Lowe, the CCSHOF stands as a testament to the region’s athletic heritage.
This particular Saturday night is not just any ordinary evening; it is a night dedicated to honoring the best athletes, coaches, and officials that Carter County has ever produced.
The list of inductees reads like a roster of local sports legends, representing schools from Elizabethton High to Unaka, Happy Valley, Cloudland, Hampton, and beyond, each name resonating with pride and achievement.
Among the honorees, David McQueen is recognized for his dedication to Elizabethton Parks & Rec and the Elizabethton Twins, while Ruth Hyder Franklin’s basketball legacy from the 1920s still echoes through time.
Billy Sampson’s golfing prowess and teaching abilities secured his place in the annals of golfing greatness, while athletes like Jessica Brumit, Jason Carter, and William Trammell embodied the indomitable spirit of Elizabethton’s sports scene.
From Unaka emerged legends such as Johnny “Big John” Taylor, Wes Holly Jr., Christina Bowers Lewis, and Roger Shaw, a stalwart umpire and official for over 40 years in the TSSAA.
Happy Valley’s representation included John Hyatt Jr., Sharon Butler Jewett, and Garth McKinney, with McKinney’s professional baseball career serving as a shining example of local talent reaching the highest levels.
Cloudland’s Tammy Bare Carroll, Jason Clarke, and James Tolley carried the torch for the Highlanders, inspiring generations of young athletes with their tenacity and determination.
Hampton’s own Mike Matheson, Ned Smith, and Ginny White exemplified resilience and teamwork, all having played in basketball state tournament games.
Milligan University boasted athletes like Doneva Bays, who brought glory to her alma mater with her achievements on the court, alongside former athletes Hyder Franklin, Trammell, Bowers Lewis, Butler Jewett, Smith, and White, with Holly Jr. currently serving as an assistant coach for the school’s softball team.
As the doors of the venue opened at 6 p.m., fans eagerly anticipated witnessing history unfold. Amidst the electric atmosphere, Bill Robinson, the esteemed men’s basketball coach of Milligan University, stood ready to offer words of wisdom and encouragement to the newest Hall of Fame inductees.
The Carter County Sports Hall of Fame not only celebrates athletic achievement but also embodies the enduring spirit of community, resilience, and the unbreakable bond forged through a shared love of sport.
Under the twinkling stars, casting their gentle light upon the gathered crowd, it became clear that the legacy of this special Saturday night at Milligan University would endure for generations to come.