Hall of Fame Banquet: A Major Event

Introduction: Without apology I again write about an event which has become a major and most expedient event in the athletic activities of Gordon County. In my Wednesday column in the sports section, the statement was made that this column would give attention to the Calhoun- Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame – the Hall of Fame will be the subject in general and the 1917 banquet theme will be treated.

The last point brings up an interesting question: Why again give attention to the Sports Hall of Fame? There are so many features involved in bringing the local Hall of Fame into reality that they need to be stated and restated for many who can reflect upon the past and the accomplishments of great athletes –many who have passed on.

There is a tendency on the part of those on the athletic scene at any given time to feel the whole sports story is being told in the present. That concept is far from the true: The people, events, accomplishments and results of the past need to be recorded and published for future generations.

To the extent this writer feels so favorably and appreciates of all that has happened and the great vision and effort manifested by leaders of the Board of Directors to bring our community to this point several observations and comments need to be made. The driving force: There has been no hesitation to give credit to the vision and work of two men in providing the incentive in stating the goal, identifying the path and establishing the organization with others with likeminded attitudes toward the worth of a local Hall of Fame.

This writer came on the scene after things were well underway so the knowledge of who and when others came on board is vague. It was Chuck Ruth who called when I was on the road to Alabama. It was with excitement and enthusiasm in his voice as he explained the plans for the Hall of Fame and the people and actions already taken.

Chuck told me about the two mentioned several times in former columns. Neither were natives of our county. DeWayne Bowen from Albertville, Alabama and Scott Fletcher from Maryville, Tennessee who has devoted themselves to activities in the sports scene in Gordon County as an athlete, coach, administrator, supporter, enthusiast or supporter. The degrees to which persons have devoted themselves in any of these areas determine their qualifications for induction.

The Hall of Fame is an institution devoted to all athletic endeavors in Gordon County from the far past to the present time. The stories are great and the characters are to be admired and remembered.

Again ( isn’t that word “suggesting “remembrance used often by this writer) the burden of promoting worthy candidates does not rest upon members of the Board of Directors. Board members cannot nominate prospective inductees; that responsibility belongs entirely to any and all interested sports fans in Gordon County. If one has to ask “what about” or “why” a worthy athlete has not been inducted, it does not mean the Board has failed – it more often means someone has not done their job of nomination. For instance, nearly each week I am asked “What about Riley Gunnels?” You decide: Riley Gunnels is a graduate of Calhoun High School and started four years for the Georgia Bulldogs, he was a starter and All- Pro defensive tackle ( or end) for the World Champion 1960 Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, Riley Gunnels is more than worthy; Guess what? No one has nominated him.

The Red Bud 1979 Championship Wrestling Team:

Let me hurry to a conclusion without saying nearly all that should be said. One of the great highlights of the banquet was the gathering of the wrestlers and coaches connected to the 1979 Red Bud State Championship wrestling team. Chuck Ruth’s introduction and comments were warm and rich concerning a group of young people who ‘paid the price’ and Coach John Wilson’s, a previous coach, often used expression “Reach for the Stars” was certainly descriptive of this group.

It was great seeing Coach Frank Caputo, the coach of the team, and backfield coach of the outstanding 1979 Red Bud football team.

I close by asking, “Where does time ( space) go?” There is so much more.