2004 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES RED O’ QUINN, CLASS OF 1943 Red O’ Quinn was truly a pioneer. A letterman in football and baseball, O’Quinn won many awards in basketball at Asheboro high school. After being discharged in the Navy in 1946, he enrolled at Wake Forest where he played basketball and football. He led the nation in pass receiving and was drafted by the Chicago Bears. After a short stint in the NFL, O’Quinn became a legend for the Montreal Allouettes. He has been inducted in both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He is deceased.

RONNIE JOHNSON. CLASS OF 1964 Johnson was named to the All-State baseball team in 1964. He was also an AllConference performer in basketball and football, and was a member of the 1963 WNCHSAA championship football team. Johnson was a three sport letterman at Asheboro high school and named “Mr. Blue Comet.” He attended Louisburg College and Atlantic Christian where he starred in both baseball and basketball.

STAWBERRY WHELESS, CLASS OF 1960 The “Strawberry Blonde Passing Wizard” quarterbacked the Blue Comets from 1957 thru 1959. He helped guide the 1958 team to the WNCHSAA state title and the Blue Comets were 30-4 with “Strawberry” at quarterback. After a one year stint at VPI, he transferred to Elon where he still ranks very high in many passing categories today. According to Lee J. Stone, “Strawberry” was one of three best quarterbacks he ever coached. The former “Mr. Blue Comet” passed away in 1997.

CHARLES HODGES, CLASS OF 1969 Not only did Hodges excel in football for the Blue Comets, he was a tremendous track athlete as well. An All-Conference performer in football, Hodges rushed for over 1000 yards in each of his three seasons. He was a champion long jumper and sprinter. Hodges is a 1973 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. He continues to be a leader in the community and finds time to officiate high school football.

CHARLIE CHAPMAN, CLASS OF 1967 Charlie Chapman was an outstanding team player in football, basketball, and track. He was All-Conference in football, co-captain of the basketball team, and tricaptain of the track team. He was a member of a WNCHSAA state title team in football. After graduating from Western Carolina University, he began a career in coaching. He returned to AHS and served in many capacities. He was an assistant football and basketball coach. As a Student Activities Coordinator, he helped to make AHS a statewide recognized sports program. Coach Chapman continues to assist the Blue Comets as a testing assistant and loyal fan.

JAMES YORK, CLASS OF 1951 James “Brother” York was an outstanding athlete at AHS from 1947 to 1951. An All-State performer in both football and basketball, he was also an excellent baseball player. He was selected to play in both the Shrine Bowl and the East/West All-Star games in football. York received a football scholarship to Duke University. He passed away in 1997, but will be recognized as one of the greatest athletes in Asheboro High School history.

DON REDDING, CLASS OF 1955 Redding was an All-State performer in basketball and a member of the 1955 WNCHSAA champions. He was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl for football. Redding was a three year starter in football at UNC-Chapel Hill. He was drafted by the NFL Chicago Bears in 1959. He pursued a career in finance and served in many different capacities in numerous civic organizations. A devoted family man, Don remains very active in the Rams Club at UNC-Chapel Hill.

MARK LEGGETT, CLASS OF 1959 Leggett was MVP of the legendary 1958 football team that was undefeated and is one of the greatest players in NC history. An All-State performer in football, he also was a state champion in wrestling. Mark received a scholarship to Duke University and received All-ACC and All-American honors. An outstanding business leader, Mark Leggett’s name still conjures memories of his galloping down the field for another Blue Comet touchdown.

GAIL “GAILBO” HARRIS, CLASS OF 1961 “Gailbo” was truly ahead of her time. She led AHS to a state title in 1960 while scoring 45 points in the championship game. An All-State selection, Harris once scored 57 points in a game. Although softball was not a school sponsored sport, Gail Harris was very well known for her play. After graduating from college, she continued to work in education and was an award winning principal. She retired in 2003.

DARRELL MOODY, CLASS OF 1966 Darrell Moody was the talk of the town in the 1960’s. He led AHS to two WNCHSAA football titles. An All-American in football, he was also All-State in baseball and lettered in basketball. He received a scholarship to NC State University. After graduation he returned to coach and teach at AHS. Moody continued to coach 27 years in the NCAA at various programs. He now serves as a scout for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.

DAVID “CHICKEN” JARRELL, CLASS OF 1951 David Jarrell was included in Lee J. Stone’s list of the 20 best players he ever coached. He was an Honorable Mention All-state performer who helped Asheboro to the South Piedmont Conference Championship. Jarrell was also an outstanding third baseman. A 25 year manager for Carolina Power and Light Company, David continues to display his leadership qualities as being the present Mayor of Asheboro.

DAVID MOODY, CLASS OF 1973 An All-State selection in both football and baseball, David followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Darrell. Moody played both football and baseball at NC State. He has also served as head coach in both football and baseball at AHS. This former “Mr. Blue Comet” not only played in the East/West All-Star game, but also was selected to coach in the game. David Moody served as an administrator at AHS and is currently the principal at Jordan Matthews High School.

SCOTT RUSH, CLASS OF 1970 Scott Rush was a three-sport letterman. He was All-Conference in football and baseball. Scott played in the East/West Boys Home All-Star football game. He attended Elon College and excelled in both football and baseball. After graduation, Scott returned home and opened a very successful sporting goods store. He was also a founding member of the Blue Comet Booster Club. The former “Mr. Blue Comet” passed away in 1996, but his spirit continues to be a large part of Blue Comet athletics.

LARRY BULLA, CLASS OF 1956 Bulla was an All-Conference performer in baseball and basketball. An All-Star selection in basketball, he was selected captain in the East/West All-Star Classic. Bulla attended Elon College on a basketball scholarship. He also played five years with the Cleveland Indians Organization in professional baseball. A great sportsman, Bulla continues to serve the Asheboro Community in various organizations.

NEAL HUGHES, CLASS OF 1964 During his career at AHS, Neal Hughes excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. A tailback in football, Neal helped guide AHS to a state title in 1963 and runner-up titles in 1962 and 1964. He was selected to play in the East/West AllStar game and later played at East Carolina University. Neal was All-Southern Conference and was listed on many All-American teams. After returning to Asheboro he continued to serve on many civic organizations and was a member of the Asheboro City Schools Board of Education. Neal Hughes is a true Blue Comet.

ANGIE GLISSON, COACH Angie served as a coach and teacher at AHS for 20 years. She led the Lady Blue Comets to numerous conferences championships in basketball and to a state title in 1960. She also served as director of the City of Asheboro Summer Playground Program. Coach Glisson was a very caring person for all students at AHS. Her efforts laid the ground work for the present day women’s athletic programs at AHS.

LEE J. STONE, COACH Coach Stone accepted the position as head football coach at Asheboro High School in 1949. He won three Western North Carolina High School Activities Association Championships at AHS in 1950, 1958, and 1965. Stone coached 29 consecutive seasons without a losing record; was a two-time head coach in the NC Shrine Bowl, past president of the NC Coaches Association and inducted into the NC Sports Hall of Fame and the NC High School Sports Hall of Fame. His service to students did not end when he retired from coaching; he served on the Asheboro City Board of Education for 22 years. Coach Stone was one of the greatest teachers and coaches in North Carolina history.

MAX MORGAN, COACH Max Morgan was an All-State football player at AHS in 1943. After coaching at Randleman High School, Coach Morgan returned to Asheboro in 1960 to assist Lee J. Stone and was involved with numerous sports. He was selected to be head football coach in 1967 until 1974. Max continued to serve as A.D. until his retirement in 1988. He was selected Region 5 Athletic Director the following year. Coach Morgan was very instrumental in the lives of many students who still serve the Asheboro community. He passed away in 2003.

RUSS MURPHY, COACH Coach Murphy was a long time coach of numerous sports in the Asheboro City School System. A graduate of Winston Salem State University, he played football professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Murphy is a very passionate person who has touched many students and athletes in the 30 plus years that he lived in the Asheboro Community. He continues to be a loyal supporter of our many athletic teams today.

2005 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES WELDON CLARKSON “SPARKY” JOHNSON, Class of 1966 Johnson was a talented athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He was named All-Conference in basketball and baseball his junior and senior years; and All-Conference in football his senior year. Upon graduation, he attended The University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he played basketball and baseball. He served two years in the military, followed by two years with the Cleveland Indians minor league baseball team. Mr. Johnson has coached little league and served as an umpire. He is retired from the Asheboro Fire Department.

GEORGE WILLIAM “BILL” JOYNER, JR., Class of 1962 Bill Joyner embodied the Blue Comet spirit and helped the Comets win the 1961 3A State Championship in basketball. In 1962 he was the captain of the basketball team and again led the team to the championship. That same year he was named Most Valuable Player of the East/West All Star game. Mr. Joyner also played on the AHS Golf Team, winning the 3-A State Championship in 1961. After graduation, he attended Wake Forest University where he was a three-year letterman (1964-66) in basketball and played in three ACC Basketball tournaments. In 1969 Mr. Joyner went to work for Wake Forest University, where he remained until 1999. He retired as the Senior Vice President of University Development.

THOMAS “TOMMY” LEWIS, CLASS OF 1964 Lewis is synonymous with tennis. As a young athlete in the early sixties, Lewis was the number one seed his sophomore, junior and senior years at Asheboro High School. He was a semi-finalist his junior year and finalist his senior year in the WNCHSAA Championship. Upon graduation, Mr. Lewis attended Pfeiffer University where he continued to excel in tennis, winning the NAIA District 26 Doubles Championship in 1966. Mr. Lewis has earned numerous tennis titles during his 45 years playing the sport. However, one of his greatest accomplishments has been coaching tennis at Asheboro High School. Mr. Lewis was selected as the Men’s Tri-County Coach of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. In 2001 he received the A.J. “Tony” Simeon Courage Award by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

JOHN FREDERICK PHILLIPS, CLASS OF 1973 Phillips contributed significantly to the establishment of the track and crosscountry teams at AHS. As a sophomore in 1971, AHS did not have a suitable track for competitions. In 1972, Phillips spoke to the Asheboro City Board of Education as they considered constructing an all-weather track. The track was approved and remains in use today. Also, in 1972 the WCNHSAA added a cross-country program for interested schools. AHS Athletic Director Bill Adkins told Phillips if he could recruit at least ten team members, AHS would provide uniforms and a coach. Phillips was undefeated in track his junior and senior years, and undefeated in all eight regular season cross-country meets. He was voted “Most Valuable Player” his senior year in track and cross-country. Following high school he attended NC State University where he continued to run track and cross-country. In 1977 he served on the Asheboro Parks and Recreation Committee that organized the first Fall Festival 10K Road Race.

CHARLES T. “CHARLIE” ROBBINS, CLASS OF 1941 Robbins is known in Asheboro as “Mr. Baseball.” While at AHS he played baseball and football. Robbins is most well known for his association with the American Legion Baseball, where he coached his team to the state championship in 1966. He has subsequently been inducted into the National American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. After graduating from AHS, Robbins attended Elon College where he had a notable athletic career. Mr. Robbins is a lifelong Asheboro resident, an avid Blue Comet supporter, and was a long time color analyst for WKXR Radio during baseball season. He served on the Asheboro City Council and is past-president of the Golden K Kiwanis Club.

LACY TORY WEST, JR., CLASS OF 1959 West was an avid ball player throughout his life and excelled in basketball and baseball. He lettered in both sports and led the way to conference championships in both. He pitched several no-hitters in baseball and averaged more than 20 points a game in basketball. He was named All-Tournament in basketball, and received the Junior Sportsman of the Year award. West went on to attend East Carolina University where he continued to play baseball and basketball. In 1961 and 1963 he helped lead the Pirates to win the NAIA championship. After college, West played on the Cincinnati Reds farm team and transferred to the San Diego Padres in 1965. West was inducted as a charter member of the ECU Hall of Fame in 1974. Professionally, he was a teacher and coached for several years and then entered the insurance business. West passed away in 1999 at the age of 58, leaving a wife, three children, and six grandchildren.

2006 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES MARTIN SMITH, CLASS OF 1961 Martin Smith has spent a total of 45 years of his life in the Asheboro City School systems. At AHS he lettered in both baseball and basketball. He was selected to All-conference, All- Tournament, All-State, and East/West All-Star team while participating in these sports. He was a starter for three conference championship teams and a state runner-up team (1958) (WNCHSAA) in basketball. Upon graduation he attended Catawaba College where he started in both basketball and baseball. He returned to teach and coach at AHS. He coached twenty-eight conference championship teams, fourteen tournament championship teams and two state championship (WNCHSAA) teams in three sports: cross-country, baseball and basketball. His teams recorded more than 1,150 victories and he was honored a total of twenty-five times as Conference Coach of the Year. After thirty-three years of teaching and coaching, Martin Smith retired in 2004.

DR. DAVID DALTON, CLASS OF 1959 Dr. Dalton was a very talented athlete in football and wrestling. Serving as cocaptain of the famed 1958 team, he anchored the defense of the WNCHSAA champions which allowed only thirteen points in thirteen undefeated contests. The 1958 team has been recognized as one of the most outstanding teams ever in North Carolina history. This 1958 Mr. Blue Comet was named to the NC Shrine Bowl team, the East-West All-Star team, and also selected to the high school AllAmerican team. Dalton was also an outstanding wrestler. He was the individual NC state champion in his respective weight class his junior year and runner-up state champion his senior year. He continued his education and athletic career at Duke University. Dalton returned to AHS in the 1963 – 1964 school year to teach and coach wrestling. After completing his Doctoral degree at Duke, Dr. Dalton opened an orthopedic medical practice in Mt. Pleasant, SC. He has retired and lives in Megget, SC.

JOE SPINKS, CLASS OF 1990 Joe Spinks was a tremendous basketball player and greatly admired by all. A prolific scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker, Joe was named the Randolph County Player of the Year both his junior and senior years. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the conference and led the Blue Comets to the NCHSAA regional championship game. Joe received an athletic scholarship to Campbell University. He was named the Big South All-Conference Rookie of the Year in 1991,named to three Big South All-Conference teams, and was the MVP of the team his senior year. Mr. Spinks played twelve successful and rewarding years in the European Professional Basketball League. He has just been named as the head coach of the Demon Astronauts that are based in Amsterdam, Holland.

WARREN HAWKINS, COACH Warren Hawkins was the head basketball coach at AHS from 1947 to 1948 and assistant football coach for the legendary Lee J. Stone. His basketball teams won two WNCHSAA titles in back to back years (1953-1954; 1954-1955) and four consecutive conference titles. This Appalachian State University graduate starred in both football and basketball. Coach Hawkins played for the McCrary Eagles basketball team from 1947 to 1953. His thirty-six years in education included stints as a teacher, a principal at Lindley Park Elementary School and Albemarle High School, and assistant superintendent in the Albemarle system. Coach Hawkins was not just a coach; he was a friend, a mentor and a teacher. Hawkins currently resides in Albemarle, NC.

BRUCE VONCANNON, CLASS OF 1972Bruce was an outstanding tennis and basketball player, as well as student government president. He was the singles champion of the WNCHSAA in 1971 and singles runner-up in 1972. Bruce was also a state champion twice and runnerup twice in the North Carolina state age group championships. He also played point guard in basketball and was AHS Defensive Player of the Year and won the Scholar Athlete Award in 1972. Upon graduation, Voncannon attended Princeton University. His collegiate career included three consecutive Ivy League and eastern intercollegiate titles and the Princeton team being ranked as high as number seven in the country. He played on the European satellite tour and participated in ATP tennis in Asia. He also served as the national coach for the republic of ChinaTaiwan and led them to their first ever Davis Cup victory in 1979. Bruce currently works as the executive director in UBS Financial Service Group based in Geneva, Switzerland. He resides beside Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

DONNA ANDREWS, CLASS OF 1973 Donna Andrews contributed significantly to women’s athletics at AHS and North Carolina State University. She was a three time All-Conference basketball player and won the Most Valuable Player award in 1972. Donna also earned three varsity letters for the Blue Comets tennis team. Enrolling at NC State, she was a member of the University women’s club team that was elevated to Division 1 Status under the legendary and present coach, Kay Yow. Andrews was not only a team captain for the Lady Wolf Pack basketball team, but also served in the same capacity for the University volleyball squad. The three year letter winner was named Most Outstanding Senior Player. She was one of the first females at NCSU to receive an athletic scholarship. Donna, the 2005 winner of Top City Employee, continues to use her outstanding skills to help provide quality recreational activities for others by serving as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Hickory.

2007 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ROBERT L. BURROWS, CLASS OF 1950 In the storied history of AHS athletic programs, there may be no “best player” in any particular sport. Robert L. Burrows was clearly the best interior lineman in his football era. A 1950 graduate of AHS, he was named to the All-Conference team as well as All-State. Robert was the MVP of the Optimist Bowl in 1950. After high school, he was All-ACC, All-State, and named to numerous AllAmerican teams in 1952-1953 at Duke University. Robert entered the Air Force where he continued to play service ball and was named to the All-Air Force team. He was inducted into the Duke University Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. Robert is retired as a general sales manager for a paper company and continues to be active in many civic organizations in Raleigh, NC.

RONALD KEITH PUGH, CLASS OF 1974 Ronnie Pugh starred in three sports at AHS. He was a three year starter for the Blue Comets in football, basketball, and baseball. This Mr. Blue Comet winner served as a captain in each of these three sports while being named as AllConference three consecutive years in baseball. After graduation, Ronnie attended Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory and stared in both football and baseball all four years. While being involved in the day to day operation of Pugh Oil Co., he has continued to take part in coaching several youth teams and is presently coach of the state finalist American Legion Post 45 team baseball team. Ronnie serves in various civic organizations throughout the community.

RONALD “CHUB” LITTLE, CLASS OF 1979 A three sport athlete for the Blue Comets, Little was an outstanding baseball player. He was recognized as All- country and All- conference in both baseball and football and was named to the All- State baseball team his senior year. Chub holds an interception record in football with 12. He also led Post 45 to a dramatic seven game series in American Legion baseball over Hamlet in 1978. Upon graduation, Chub was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds baseball organization in 1979 and continued a seven year career that included stints with a major league franchise team. He continues today to be involved in area youth league teams. Chub and his sister “Cissy” arguably form the most outstanding brother/ sister athletic combination in AHS history.

CASSANDRA “CISSY” LITTLE BUIE, CLASS OF 1980 “Cissy” was one of the most outstanding and successful basketball players at AHS. The 1980 AHS graduate led the Lady Comets to three successful seasons in which she was named to three All-Conference teams, two All-County teams, and selected to the All-State basketball team. Cissy played in the 1980 North Carolina EastWest All-Star game and became the first female scholarship winner at BelmontAbbey. She led the nation in scoring while averaging over 30 points a game and scored over 2600 career points. In 1984, Cissy was selected to try-out for the USA Olympic team. Cissy joins her brother in the 2007 Hall of Fame induction and presently resides in Gastonia, NC.

CRAIG NORMAN MOODY, CLASS OF 1999 Craig not only lettered in football, baseball, track, and swimming, but was named to eleven All-Conference teams. He was a state finalist for four years in swimming and twice in track. This Mr. Blue Comet winner also received the Edward L. Hedrick III award at AHS and was named the North Carolina Wendy’s Heisman Award winner. Craig attended North Carolina State University on an athletic scholarship where he played both football and baseball. He joins both his father, David and uncle, Darrell Moody, members of the 2004 AHS Sports Hall of Fame. Craig works with the Cintas Corporation and resides in Nashville, TN.

2008 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

1958 BLUE COMET FOOTBALL TEAM The 1958 Blue Comet football team experienced the most successful season in the history of the school. Asheboro defeated previously undefeated Hickory High School in the WHCHSAA championship game and finished with a 12 and 0 record. Led by the legendary Coach Lee J. Stone, and assisted by Max Morgan, Sal Gero, and Don Thomas, the Blue Comets rolled up 404 points on offense and allowed only 33 points. Recognized by the NCHSAA in 2005 as one of the top 100 high school teams in North Carolina sports history, the 1958 team has many Hall of Famers from all walks of life.

JOHNNY MCQUEEN, CLASS OF 1977 Johnny was responsible for the resurgence of AHS in the 1970’s. He was the leader on teams which won two conference championships, one WHCHSAA state runner-up title and one WHCHSAA state championship. Johnny was a two time all conference player and the 1976 player of the year. An east-west all-star selection, he led his varsity teams to a 69 wins and 5 losses record including a 43 game win streak. He followed his high school career with a standout stint at High Point College.

JB DAVIS, CLASS OF 1962 An outstanding baseball player, JB was twice selected all conference and was named honorable mention all state in 1962. He signed and played in the Milwaukee braves organization in 1963 and played until an injury cut his career short. Realizing that education was important, JB finished his degree at East Carolina University. He would eventually joined Stuart furniture and was a catalyst in making what is known as Klaussner furniture/Klaussner home furnishing. He has chaired and been involved in numerous charitable groups in Asheboro and Randolph County. JB is an inspiration and a perfect example of giving back to his community.

MIKE OLIVO, CLASS OF 1963 Mike’s exceptional ability, fierce competitive spirit, strong leadership and drive for excellence exemplified his career. a two time state champion in wrestling, he earned an outstanding career record of 86 wins and 11 losses. Mike also excelled in football and participated in the 1st boys home all star bowl game in 1963. After attending Appalachian state university on a wrestling scholarship, Coach Olivo returned to coach wrestling and produced numerous WHCHSAA individual state champions at AHS. He later moved to Reidsville and continued to coach and teach. With a life long commitment to young people and sports, the 1963 Mr. Blue Comet continues to officiate in football, baseball and wrestling after retiring from 30 years of teaching.

LEE JOHNSON, CLASS OF 1963 “The Leroy” was an outstanding two sport athlete at AHS. He was named to the 1962 all state football team and participated in the east-west all star game. Lee was a four year captain and starter at Elon College and was named to many all conference teams. He also was selected to play in the east-west shrine all star college bowl game. He continued to play after graduation and was named to the all-navy team in 1969/1970. An avid blue comet supporter, Lee Johnson continues to attend many AHS football, basketball, and baseball games.

WANDA MCINTRYE HARGETT MCDANIEL, CLASS OF 1960 “Wanda Mac” was an outstanding athlete at AHS and continues to excel in the NC senior games with many medals. She helped lead AHS to a state title in basketball and was named as the best team player while playing the guard position. Although softball was not a sponsored school sport, Wanda was named to the all state team as a catcher for the Asheboro rockets fast pitch softball team which won two state titles and placed second nationally. She continues to give by volunteering for many civic organizations.

MIKEY MOODY, CLASS OF 1982 Mikey Moody has been labeled as one of the “best athletes” to ever attend AHS. A two time all conference player in both basketball and baseball, he was also named to the All-State baseball team and was an Honorable Mention Mcdonalds AllAmerican winner in basketball. As a senior he chose to play football and was named all conference. He helped guide the blue comets to conference championships in football, basketball, and baseball in 1982. He continued his career in baseball and basketball at Pfeiffer College where he garnered AllConference honors in both sports.

MORRIS WHITSON, COACH Morris Whitson was an outstanding role model and coach for the students of the Asheboro city schools. From 1961 to the late 1990’s, Coach Whitson was the king of tennis in Asheboro. He coached many outstanding players and teams during his thirty plus years as a coach and director of tennis for the city of Asheboro. Coach was an educator, a driver education teacher, an assistant principal, a youth baseball coach, a father to many, and a devoted husband. His many achievements and honors are numerous. Coach Whitson passed away in October 2003.

BENNY VONCANNON, CLASS OF 1958 Benny was an outstanding athlete at Asheboro High School. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. He was a four year start in baseball, three year starter in football, and a 2 year starter in basketball. Benny was named twice to the All-State football team as well as being selected to play in the Shrine Bowl and East/West All-Star football contest. He attended UNC-CH on a football scholarship. Benny played in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization after college. He returned to Asheboro and joined his family in the trucking business. Benny continued to help the youth by coaching both basketball and baseball in the recreation programs. He passed away in 2003.