Winthrop Athletics Celebrates Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
ROCK HILL, S.C. – On a beautiful Friday evening, Winthrop Athletics hosted its marquee event of the year – the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Notable inductees of the class of 2024 included John Godbold, Cari Wooldridge Moore and the entire 1998-99 Men’s Basketball team.
John Godbold – An Outstanding Contributor
John Godbold was celebrated as an outstanding contributor with regards to his financial support and unwavering patronage of Winthrop Athletics and its student-athletes. Sponsored by John and his wife Linda, major improvements were made to Winthrop’s Athletic Training Room and Men’s Basketball locker room, significantly upgrading equipment and facilities. A dedicated supporter of Winthrop, Godbold has a deep-rooted relationship with the institution, having attended the Winthrop Training School and being the son of a former Winthrop Educator.
Cari Wooldridge Moore – A Softball Standout
Cari Wooldridge Moore emerged as a standout four-year player for the women’s softball team from 2007 to 2011. Her illustrious career included back-to-back Big South Conference Championships and NCAA Regional appearances. She was also a critical player in helping the team win numerous awards, racking up individual recognitions such as Big South Conference Tournament MVP in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Post her playing career, Moore served as an assistant coach at Winthrop.
1998-99 Men’s Basketball Team – A Team of Distinction
The third inductee of the evening was the entirety of the 1998-99 Men’s Basketball team, which was recognized as the 16th ‘Team of Distinction’ inducted into the Winthrop Athletics Hall of Fame. This team made a significant mark in Winthrop history by securing the first-ever appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Led by first-year head coach Gregg Marshall, the team shone brightly with a 21-9 overall record and 9-1 in the Big South Conference, stirring up an impressive championship run. Since then, they have accumulated 12 conference titles and played in the conference title game 16 times.
Overall, it was a night of nostalgia, honor, and celebration, bearing witness to the hard work, dedication, and achievement of the inductees. Winthrop Athletics continues the tradition of honoring and celebrating its exceptional athletes and contributors, fostering its enduring legacy in collegiate sports.
