York County Sports Hall Of Fame To Induct Nine In Class Of 2024
YORK COUNTY, SC (January 26, 2024)
Nine eminent personalities will be inducted into the York County Sports Hall of Fame (YCSHOF) in a grand banquet scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The occasion will be held at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center.
Inductees were put forward and assessed by the York County Sports Hall of fame Selection Committee. In the words of Chris Miller, Selection Committee Chair of the York County Sports Hall of Fame, “The York County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is as diverse as they come. With diverse sports personalities, accomplished coaches, celebrated players, and a renowned journalist, these nine members are extraordinarily worthy of this honor. Their long and successful careers have truly contributed to making York County an incomparable place to live.”
Honoring The Sporting Legacy
The public is warmly invited to join in the celebrations and to recognize the sporting legends for their exceptional contributions in the field of athletics at the York County Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The grand ceremony begins at 6 pm at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. Tickets are available at the price of $40.
Class of 2024 York County Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:
Jim Barnes, Enzo Martinez, Barry Byers
A fulsome career spanning 31 years as a coach at Union, Airport, Rock Hill, and Lewisville high schools distinguishes Jim Barnes in addition to being a prolific player of football and wrestling.
Class of 2024 is also graced by the presence of Enzo Martinez. This Northwestern High School’s former footballer and ESPN’s Rise High School Boys Soccer Player of the Decade awardee led his collegiate team, University of North Carolina Tar Heels to a national championship in 2011.
Barry Byers is another stalwart to be inducted this year for his contribution to high school sports in York County. His 30+ years of journalistic work and coaching roles in youth football & basketball have earned him a place in the Hall of Fame.
Steven A. Gribble, Devonte Holloman, Karis Watson
Steven A. Gribble, known for his brilliance in the fields of football, basketball, and track running during his high school years, is a part of this prestigious class. His All State Football Team (North Carolina) appearance in 1969 and devotion as a girls and boys golf coach have earned him this honor.
The list continues with Devonte Holloman, the star of South Pointe High School’s football team who later made big in the University of South Carolina and Dallas Cowboys. Today, he is a proud coach of his alma mater South Pointe High School.
The respected volleyball player Karis Watson of Rock Hill High School who went on to become a pro player is also entering the Hall this year. Her accomplishment as a Gatorade Player of the Year (2010) and Region 4A Player of the Year (2010) add to her resplendent career.
Sherer Lee Gordon Hopkins, Jonathan Meeks, Cid Carvalho
Former Clover High School athlete Sherer Lee Gordon Hopkins who played volleyball, softball, and basketball with much prominence will be part of this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame Class.
Star of Rock Hill High School, Jonathan Meeks who shone brightly in football before playing for Clemson University and finally Buffalo Bills is another inductee of this year’s class.
The final personality adorning the 2024 Hall of Fame is Cid Carvalho, the much-accomplished coach of Winthrop’s Men’s & Women’s Tennis teams for a whopping 33 years. His extraordinary coaching journey is adorned with several Big South Conference Coach of the Year Awards, Championships, and NCAA Tournament bids.
Strengthening Sports History
The York County Sports Hall of Fame continues to honor the illustrious sports personalities and their contribution to sports. The Class of 2024 with its nine new members is indeed a tribute to the rich sporting tradition of York County.
