Sports hall of fame moving ahead

Those who attended the recent RHS Sports Hall of Fame organizational meeting at Bowden's Family Restaurant included, from left: Front--John Taylor, Romanell Sanders, Teresa Gatewood and Garvin Gatewood. Back--Owen Moseley, Lavaughn Robertson, Jess Bucy, Kelly Scobey, Mike Benson, Gary McClure and Bob McKeel. [Click to enlarge]

Plans are moving forward for the proposed Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame following an organizational meeting held at Bowden's Family Restaurant Saturday.

Several alumni gathered for the meeting in an effort to establish guidelines for the creation of the organization. With the bulk of the plans and proposals primarily detailed and discussed by former RHS basketball players Lavaughn Robertson and Gary McClure and having been cleared by the school board, the meeting primarily served as a venue for others to offer their input and suggestions on the project.

Among the most important steps achieved during the meeting was the establishment of a selection committee. This group, which thus far includes alumni Romanell Sanders, John Taylor, Bob McKeel, Mark Manchester, Mike Benson, Teresa Gatewood, Jim Speer and Tracy Horton, will evaluate and determine the merits of future candidates for the RHS Sports Hall of Fame. Additional members may be added at the organization's planned luncheon to be held at the high school cafeteria on August 30.

Robertson summed up the Hall's mission as a way to "honor the old-timers and set the stage for the program to continue."

Nominees for the Hall must fall into one of the following categories:

*Former student athletes who have excelled in sports in Rector, Greenway or Clay County Central High Schools and have graduated from there for a period of at least 10 years.

*Coaches and administrators who have made outstanding contributions to Rector High School athletics.

*Great teams in school history.

*Other players or personnel who have made significant contributions to the school.

*A nominee should have made significant contributions to their respective communities in addition to athletic accomplishments.

Current plans indicate the Hall of Fame will be placed inside the Cougar Gym in the upper level landing area. Inductees will be featured on plaques detailing their achievements.

The next public event for the organization will be the August 30 luncheon at the high school cafeteria. The event will honor the 2008 athletes and scholar athletes. Persons may sponsor these deserving individuals for $25. Sponsors will have their name placed on the Beneficiary List in the Hall of Fame program. Reservations for the event are $10. Persons seeking more information are encouraged to visit the Hall of Fame section at www.rectorhighschool.com.