coach in NCAA I. She has coached 33 All Conference award winners and 85 Atlantic Sun All Academic team members. She was coach of the year in 1987, 1991, and 2001. Her teams Program captured conference championships in 1989 and 2000. She has led Campbell to six Big South Conference Championship games, two NAIA District playoffs, and two NAIA District Finals and one NCAA tournament appearance. Wanda Watkins continues to coach women’s basketball at Campbell University and resides Welcome ...... Brookie Honeycutt in the Cleveland community of Johnston County. Principal West Johnston High School Mike Wooten was born in Roanoke, Virginia and moved to Johnston County in 1969 when his father was hired as an Asst. Principal at the newly completed Smithfield-Selma Senior High National Anthem ...... Whitney Kornegay School. While a student at Smithfield-Selma, Mike Wooten excelled in Football, Wrestling and Track from 1978-1981. Mike made All- West Johnston High School Conference, All-State selections in football at Tight End and Varsity Cheerleader Defensive End as well as playing in the North-South All-Star game his senior year in Greenville. Mike received a Full-Football Scholarship his senior year to attend Virginia Military Institute. Recognition of Mike played Center at VMI from 1981 to 1985. He was selected Special Guests ...... Warren Singleton his senior year as Co-Captain as well as being projected as a Preseason All-American in Division I-AA. Mike’s Offensive Coordinator, Joe Bush said, “Mike may be the best we have ever had at Athletic Director the Center position.” In 1985, Mike was recognized as All-State Center for all Universities in the West Johnston High School State of Virginia. Mike graduated with a degree in Economics and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army and later received an honorable discharge as 1st Lt. After graduation from college, in 1985, Mike signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins. Head Table Mike was released the last cut and later called back by Joe Gibbs in 1987 once again to play Introductions ...... Mike Joyner Second Annual during the NFL strike. During this 1987 season, the players for the Redskins were able to win 3 conference games to launch the Redskins to the Super Bowl. Although the strike team known Athletic Director as “Scabs” was not part of the team during the Super Bowl, they played a very important part Smithfield-Selma High School of that season for the Redskins and were vested for that year due to the number of games they played. Johnston County Mike began officiating in 1986 in Middle School and High School games. Opportunities led Invocation ...... Mickey Bridgers him into the college ranks starting with a Division II conference, known as the South Atlantic Athletic Director Conference and then to the Atlantic Coast Conference since 2003. Mike currently officiates in South Johnston High School the Atlantic Coast Conference at the Umpire position, which is right behind the defensive Athletic linebackers. Mike has been honored with post season games for the past three years. These games consist of the Army-Navy game in 2005, the Texas Bowl in 2006, Golden Isles Bowl in 2006 and the Cotton Bowl Classic in Jan. 2008. Dinner Mike is also very active in the local community. Mike is employed by Four Oaks Bank & (Dinner music provided by Luke Copeland, West Johnston High School Varsity Track) Hall of Fame Trust Co. in Smithfield and proud to be a part of that institution. He is a volunteer Fireman with the Smithfield Fire Department, an active member of the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Smithfield Parks and Rec. Advisory Board, a head coach for Recognition of Inaugural numerous Parks and Recreation youth teams, Campaign Chairman for Habitat for Humanity Hall of Fame Class ...... Shelley Marsh Bankers Build, and finally an active member of the Princeton Church of God. Mike enjoys many Banquet hobbies, but most important to him is God, family and friends. He is a loving husband and father Athletic Director and cherishes the quality time spent with his wife, Paula Holland Wooten and his two wonderful Johnston County children, Michael Paul and Meredith Wooten.

History of the Introduction of Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame Master of Ceremonies ...... Brent Walston Tonight we celebrate another chapter of the rich history of Johnston County Athletics. In G the fall of 2005, the high school athletic directors and principals met with the Johnston County Athletic Director Schools Administrators and recommended the need to preserve the accomplishments and memo- North Johnston High School ries of the men and women who established athletic history in Johnston County. A Hall of Fame committee consisting of Johnston County School personnel was encouraged to pursue the possi- bility of establishing our own Hall of Fame. After a year of researching other models with Recognition of colleges, high schools and athletic organizations, the committee established their own by-laws and Inductees - Class of 2008 ...... Tim Stevens West Johnston High School continued their efforts. In the fall of 2006, each high school was challenged to find individuals from their communities who were deserving of Hall of Fame recognition as an athlete, coach, or Raleigh News and Observer a support person. The Hall of Fame Committee has met many times during the 2007-2008 school Saturday, April 26, 2008 year planning tonight’s event. We hope that you will enjoy the program as we recognize our own ...... Dr. Anthony Parker athletic heroes. Tonight we are celebrating the 2nd class in this annual event on the last Saturday Closing Remarks in April each school year. The committee would like to thank all those that have supported the Superintendent 6:30 p.m. idea that Johnston County needed to preserve our athletic history. Johnston County Schools Frederick L. Bartholomew, Jr. affectionately known as Mr. Elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1978, Etheridge quickly to associate superintendent. Hinnant was the Johnston County Schools athletic director for ten “B”, Fred was born in Warren County and graduated from Graham became one of the powers in the state House, rising to become a chairman of the House years from 1993-2003 before retiring. High School in Warrenton. During high school he was all conference Appropriations Committee. He introduced the Basic Education Plan which pumped millions of Hinnant’s four year basketball playing career was capped as the North Johnston team in its in football and baseball. dollars into the public school budget for North Carolina. Basketball was not entirely forgotten. first year won the 2A Eastern Plains Conference regular season and tournament titles as well as After high school he attended and played baseball at Louisburg During his 10 years in the House of Representatives, Etheridge was a key player when lawmakers the 2A District 1 title to advance to the 8 team 2A state championship tournament. Hinnant College. Following graduation from Louisburg, he later attended from South Carolina and North Carolina got together for a basketball challenge game. was named all-conference, all-tournament, 2A all-east and all-state from all classifications. He East Carolina College where he received a Bachelor of Science In 1988, Etheridge ran for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, becoming the only concluded his high school career as Johnston County’s leading scorer. degree in Physical Education. He received his Masters degree in non-educator to hold that post. In eight years as superintendent, Etheridge cut the state While the county athletic director, Hinnant was most pleased with helping to upgrade Educational Administration from East Carolina University in 1996. bureaucracy in half and instituted an accountability system that has greatly improved student facilities county-wide”. West Johnston High School was built, track programs were added at Fred Bartholomew officiated high school basketball and baseball test scores. Princeton and North Johnston, and middle school athletic programs were expanded. games in the 1960’s and also played semi-pro baseball with several organizations. He began his In 1996, Etheridge was elected to Congress from North Carolina’s Second District. He is Hinnant and his wife, Julia, have retired to Oak Island, NC and have a son, Richard, and a teaching and coaching career at Smyrna High School where he received Coach of the Year in currently serving in his sixth term. He has used North Carolina common-sense values to guide his grandson, Ricky, who live in Smithfield. both basketball and baseball. In 1964 he initiated the football program at Smyrna High School. work in Congress and has distinguished himself as a strong spokesman for public education, a Mr. “B” moved to Princeton in 1970 and became the principal of Princeton High School. balanced budget, first responders, and working families. Glenn Richard Nixon was born in Buffalo, New York. He During his 28 years as principal, he initiated many educational and athletic programs for both Four institutions of higher learning have seen fit to confer honorary degrees on Etheridge. graduated from North Carolina State University in 1955. He began middle school and high school. He was instrumental in establishing one of the first two sports They are Campbell University, Fayetteville State University, Pfeiffer College and Shaw University. his teaching and coaching career at Beulaville High School in 1957 medicine programs with a Nationally Certified Trainer in the Johnston County School system. He was also inducted into the Campbell University Sports Hall of Fame. and moved to Clayton High in 1959. During his tenure, he oversaw construction of a new football field, renovation of the high Etheridge and his wife Faye have three children, Catherine and her husband Tim Otto, During his 25 years at Clayton High School, he served as football school gym and construction of the middle school gym. He also helped with tennis courts, two Brian and his wife Meredith, and David and his wife Casey. They have five grandchildren. coach where his teams were perennial playoff contenders. During new baseball fields and softball fields with lights and irrigation as well as a new field house. his 15 years as the athletic director, he increased the total athletic Mr. “B” has held various leadership positions within the Carolina 1-A conference and Harvey Delafone “Bones” Heartley began his basketball program from four activities to fifteen teams in eight different sports. served on the Board of Directors for NCHSAA from 1982-1986 as well as the NCHSAA career playing for Coach Reginald Ennis at Johnston County Training Following his retirement from coaching, he served as the Johnston Executive Committee during the same time. School, later named Johnston Central High School in Smithfield. County School’s Athletic Director until 1994. Fred Bartholomew was elected to the Johnston County School Board in 2000 and served During his outstanding high school career he served as captain of Glenn Nixon has a final coaching record of 203-95-4. He has as chairman from 2002-2007. He has played an instrumental role in ensuring that the district’s his team, was named All State for 1950-51, and selected as a member served as an assistant coach for the North South All Star Game in 1971, assistant coach for the construction program forged ahead, leading the cause for two successful bond referendums. He of the all tournament team for 1950-51. Shrine Bowl in 1975, and as head coach of the Shrine Bowl in 1982. He was recognized as the was elected to the North Carolina School Board Association as an All State Board Member. Harvey Heartley played for Coach John McClendon at North North Carolina Athletic Director of the Year in 1985. Coach Nixon was named to the North Mr. “B” still resides in Princeton with his wife, Deanna. He is the proud father of three Carolina Central University. While at NCCU, he attained many honors Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1996 and to the North Carolina children and grandpa to four. such as all CIAA player 1954-55, 3rd team All American 1954-55, Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1999. and NCCU Most Valuable Player 1954-55. He was inducted into During his coaching career he was recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has Congressman Bob Etheridge was born in Sampson County, the NCCU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and his jersey retired to hang in the NCCU gymnasium served on several boards within the NCHSAA including their board of directors from 1979- but spent all of his school-age years in Johnston County. He attended in 2000. Many people do not realize that he also played baseball for two seasons. 1983. Cleveland School, a union school that housed grades K-12. He Coach Heartley began his college coaching career at Buckland High School in Gates County. Since his retirement, Coach Nixon has put his time and energy into his hobby of creating graduated with the class of 1959. His team won the Roanoke Chowan girls championship in 1955-56 and also the tournament beautiful portraits in pastels. His work has been featured in numerous art shows. Etheridge played both baseball and basketball at Cleveland championship. He was named Roanoke Chowan Girls Coach of the Year. Coach Nixon and his wife of 55 years, Joyce divide their time between their home in School for Coach Bruce Coats, who coached both sports. The growing He began coaching the Cooper High School Eagles in Clayton where his 1963 team won the Clayton and their beach home. They have three children, Rich, Mick, and Julie and eight teenager was a hard-hitting second baseman as a freshman and Wake-Johnston Boys Basketball Championship and went on to win the NCHSAC State 2A Boys grandchildren. Both of his sons have played and coached football. His oldest grandson has sophomore but was moved to first base his final two years when he Championship. He was named Wake-Johnston Boys Coach of the Year. played on the college level and is currently coaching and his other grandson is playing college grew beyond six-feet tall. On the basketball team, Etheridge In 1967, Coach Heartly coached Raleigh’s Ligon High School team through a successful football now. developed an accurate jump shot that, together with his height, season winning his second state championship for the NCHSAC Boys 4A. Two state championships made him a key part of the school team, particularly during his senior year. were not enough - he won the NCHSAC Boys and Girls state tennis championships in 1967-68. Wanda Watkins was born in Johnston County and grew up in The son of tenant farmers, Etheridge worked for two years after high school graduation The St. Augustine College men’s basketball team was successful under his leadership winning the Cleveland community. She graduated from South Johnston High saving enough money to enter Campbell College in the fall of 1961, the year Campbell moved the 1973 NAIA Men’s basketball championship and the 1983 CIAA Southern Division Men’s School in 1975. Then attended Campbell University where she from a junior college to a four-year institution. During the two years after high school graduation, Championship. In 1984 Coach Heartley was named the CIAA Coach and Athlectic Director of received her Bachelors degree in 1979 and her masters in 1983. Etheridge grew more than two inches to his mature height of 6’6” and played basketball for club the Year. His team was a NCAA Division II runner up. Watkins was an outstanding female athlete at South Johnston teams in the Raleigh area. As son of an educator, he was motivated at an early age to pursue excellence in both playing volleyball and basketball, which were the only sports offered Arriving at Campbell as a day student, Etheridge took advantage of Campbell Baskbetball education and athletics. His principle that he promoted in the classroom, on the court, and in his for females during this time. She was an All Conference point guard Coach Fred McCall’s offer to all students of a week-long tryout for the basketball team. At the personal life was and still is - Conceive it, Believe it, and Achieve it. He believes that one should for four years and was a member of the 1974 NCHSAA State end of the tryout period, Coach McCall tossed the young Johnston County man a uniform. After dream big dreams and then work hard to pursue and attain them. Champion girls’ basketball team. Watkins was also selected to play one semester, Etheridge was accorded a scholarship for tuition and after the first year was on Through his example, most of his players became productive, law-abiding citizens. Though in the 1975 North Carolina Association East-West Basketball Game full scholarship for basketball. he is now retired, he continues to promote academics and athletics by sharing his philosophy and in Greensboro. With his height and a deadly jump shot from the corner, Etheridge became a go-to player principles with youth and adults throughout our state. Her outstanding athletic ability allowed her to play at Campbell University where she as time went on and he matured. What was his points per game average? “I don’t recall,” he says, became the first female athletic scholarship recipient. While at Campbell she achieved the “I never kept up with that.” He does remember one game against High Point College where he Dwight Hinnant graduated from North Johnston High School following honors: captain of the basketball team in 1978-1979, captain of the softball team scored 24 points in the first half. “They put two people on me in the second half, and I got only in its inaugural year, 1965-66. Hinnant, the new school’s first student from 1977-1979, basketball team MVP in the 1978-1978 season, and she was also recognized as four more,” he chuckled. Etheridge served as co-captain of the team his senior year and has body president, played baseball and basketball at North Johnston Campbell University’s most outstanding female athlete in 1978 and 1979. always accorded Bruce Coats and Fred McCall status as “my mentors when I was growing to after having played both at Micro High School his first three years. Her leadership ability led to Watkin’s appointment as a graduate assistant coach of the maturity.” He followed his successful high school basketball career by playing women’s basketball in 1979. She became the school’s first full-time assistant coach the following Etheridge married Faye Cameron just after college, was called into the U.S. Army and on basketball for four years at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC. year. Watkins also served as Campbell’s softball coach in 1981, and a year later she was named his discharge settled down in Harnett County. He later owned a building supply store and a radio Hinnant returned to Johnston County in the mid 1970s after teaching the women’s head basketball coach, where she continues in that role presently. Coach Watkins station, was vice president of sales for Sorenson-Christian Industries and later served four years and coaching in Stanly County for three years. His career in school has accomplished many milestones. She is the winningest coach in women’s basketball at Campbell, on the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. He took a leading role in consolidating the administration saw him go from assistant principal to principal at and her 27 seasons at one school ranks 28th all-time among coaches in NCAA Division I county’s small high schools and began a life-long interest in improving public schools. Wilson’s Mills to principal at Clayton HS to assistant superintendent Women’s Basketball history. Her 409 career victories rank her as the 37th winningest active