overall team batting average of .308 with Van Weeks having an individual batting average of .293. Playing in Smithfi eld-Selma Legion Park, in a game against Wendell, “Coats and Program Weeks” were the top batters leading Smithfi eld to top Wendell 6-0 in that game. During that same 1951 season, they played a highly recogoized and contested game against Welcome ...... Bennett Jones Asheboro’s McCrary Eagles. Van was in the catcher position when the Smithfi eld Leafs Principal made their appearances in Robert Lawrence Stadium at the National Baseball Congress Clayton High School Semi-Pro National Championships in Wichita, Kansas in the 1950s. In 1951, he along with his Smithfi eld Leafteammates, attended the 1951 World Series watching the New York Recognition of Special Guests ...... Stacey Houser Yankees vs New York Giants. Van continued playing baseball in Johnston County through Athletic Director ATHLETIC the mid-1950’s until he moved his family to Asheboro, North Carolina permanently in Clayton High School 1956 because of his employment with Weeks & Andrews Construction. Van never forgot his Johnston County roots, returning frequently on the weekends to Head Table Introductions ...... Jamie Lee visit with friends and assist with Johnston County sports. When he was asked to help with Athletic Director the lighting project on the original Cleveland Baseball Field and the South Johnston High School fi elds, Van was more than willing to donate the electrical and lighting materials, as Cleveland High School well as, his expertise and manpower, from Weeks & Andrews Construction, to help get the Invocation ...... Bruce Proctor job completed. Always thinking about how to promote baseball within Johnston County, Athletic Director Van, twenty-fi ve years ago, proposed the idea of the “Old Timers Baseball Meetings” an idea that his friend, ‘Spot’ Coats continued to develop. Princeton High School Van Duke Weeks passed away on March 6, 2008, his obituary reading that “as a young man he played baseball with a passion.” Van’s love of baseball has been passed down through the generations in his family to his grandsons and great-grandsons, who have Dinner played with as much passion and love for the game as Van had back in his glory days. His wife Edna Earl Whitehurst Weeks still resides in Asheboro, N.C.; his son Stephen Van Recognition of Past Hall of Fame Classes ...... Kirk Denning Eleventh Annual Weeks resides in Lexington, N.C. and his daughter, Sue Weeks Flynt resides in Winston Director of Athletics Salem, N.C. Johnston County Schools Recognition of Inductees - Class of 2017 ...... Johnston County High School Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame Athletic Directors Johnston County Class of 2007 Class of 2010 Class of 2013 Closing Remarks ...... Dr. D. Ross Renfrow Bruce Coats Ron Avery David Bagwell Superintendent Reginald Ennis Harvey Brooks Joey Barbour Johnston County Schools Athletic Barry Foote Alfred Coats Gary Fowler Doug Parnell Norvell Lee Marion Frazier Robert Poole Andy Pleasant Charles Hooks Hall of Fame Ray Tanner Frank Skinner Raymond Massengill History of the William Wellons Ben Strifert Jim Montague Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2008 Class of 2011 Class of 2014 Tonight we celebrate another chapter in the rich history of Johnston County Athletics. Banquet Fred Bartholomew, Jr. Evelyn Andrews Tol Avery In the fall of 2005, the high school athletic directors and principals met with Johnston Bob Etheridge Clyde Boyette Thomas Jaskson County Schools administrators and recommended the need to preserve the accomplish- Harvey Heartley George Drawhorn Dr. Donnie Jones ments and memories of the men and women who established athletic history in Johnston Dwight Hinnant Amby Foote Mike Vinson County. A Hall of Fame committee consisting of Johnston County School personnel was Glenn Nixon John Kernodle encouraged to pursue the possibility of establishing our own Hall of Fame. After a year Wanda Watkins Sam Narron Class of 2015 of researching other models with colleges, high schools, and athletic organizations, the  Mike Wooten Donald Sinclair E. O. Adams Jr. committee established their own by-laws and continued their efforts. In the fall of 2006, Wayne Stephenson Mickey Bridgers each high school was challenged to fi nd individuals from their communities who were deserving of Hall of Fame recognition as an athlete, coach or support person. The Hall of Class of 2009 Anissa Gainey Fame Committee has met many times during the 2016-17 school year planning tonight’s Jeff Adams Class of 2012 Alfred (Al) Heartley event. We hope that you will enjoy the program as we recognize our own athletic heroes. Mike Atkinson Rickie Boyette John Chris Johnson, Jr. Tonight we are celebrating the 11th class in this annual event. The committee would Clayton High School Genia Beasley Steve Coats like to thank all of those that have supported the idea that Johnston County needed Roy Brown, Jr. Art Medlin Class of 2016 to preserve our athletic history. The Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame exhibit is Waverly Jones, Jr. Elbert Moye Al Byrd located in the West Campus Building on 3rd Street in Smithfi eld. Saturday, March 25, 2017 Shelly Marsh Phil Pittman Twana Jeeter Johnson Dr. Anthony Parker Reginald Poole Deacon Jones Paul Sanderford Jim Laughter 6:30 p.m. Raymond Sugg Susan Wall Photography Compliments of Lifetouch named All Conference his junior and senior years and All-East his senior year. These Instead of reporting to Colorado Springs as an Air Force Academy cadet, Travis James Cole accomplishments allowed Lucas, who came from humble means, to be selected and play decided to stay closer to home and attend UNC-Chapel Hill where he played on Mack James Cole, from Four Oaks, North Carolina, was in the annual Shrine Bowl and the East/West All-Star Games his senior year. His talent Brown’s fi rst football team in the fall of 1988. After his freshman year he transitioned an active sports fi gure at South Johnston High School. also awarded him Outstanding Male Athlete his junior and senior years. to track & fi eld and also walked onto UNC’s JV basketball program. Two years later he Before graduating in 1980, he played Football, Wrestled, While he excelled at gaining yardage on the football fi eld, Lucas also showed a earned a spot playing for Dean Smith on the UNC varsity team. As a senior in 1993, and ran Track. Cole excelled in all 3 sports. He was an promising future in track and fi eld where he placed fi rst in the 100 and 220- yard dash Travis was a member of Coach Smith’s fi nal national championship team that went 34-4, All-Conference Selection in football. His sports activity as well as the 400 and 800 relays. During his freshman year at SSS, Lucas tied the school defeating Michigan in the Louisiana Superdome. Travis graduated as a 2-year basketball culminated in being awarded the Stanley Coats Award – record in the 100 -yard dash at ten seconds fl at. His speed, talent, and confi dence as letterman with a BA in Political Science. one of south Johnston high school’s top athletic awards. an athlete helped the Spartan’s Track and Field Team go on to win the 1980 Capital 8 In 2009 Travis moved to eastern NC and teamed up with his now business partner, Cole attended Chowan College, becoming a member Conference Championship as well as the Roxboro Relays. Lucas was awarded Track and CHS alum Harry L. Smith Jr. In 2011, Travis and Harry’s team won one of the country’s of the football team and was awarded the Most Valuable Field’s Most Valuable Player three out of the four years he was at SSS. During those three most lucrative sport fi shing tournaments, the 53rd Big Rock out of Morehead City, Offensive Player as a freshman. His athletic and academic years, Lucas also spent time on the basketball court. His senior year of high school, Lucas NC. They now own and operate businesses based out of Greenville, NC. Travis was record attracted the attention of Liberty University in made the decision to focus solely on football and track and fi eld. also recently appointed by the governor to serve on the NC Outdoor Heritage Advisory Lynchburg, VA, who offered him a scholarship. The Wanting to stay close to home after graduation, Lucas spent time visiting top local Council, formed to promote and expand outdoor activities for North Carolina’s future University supported his athletic talent to football universities. In the fall of 1980, Lucas found himself on the Tarheels football fi eld, playing generations. team captain, and selection as Most Valuable Offensive Player, his senior year. Those for then Head Coach Dick Crum. While the positon he played so well in high school Travis and Amy Hockaday Stephenson married in 1999. They have a 6 year old recognitions culminated into being voted 2nd Team All-State by the Sports Information was fi lled on the Tarheels Team, Lucas made the switch to concentrate on defensive back daughter, Lily Ann, and they live on the Pamlico River near Washington, NC. He attributes Directors of Virginia. in- order- to play sooner. He started his freshman year on special teams and was named his athletic success to his supportive parents, Gene and Helen, competing with his Looking to contribute to the community, a co-worker introduced him to sports Most Outstanding Freshman following the 1980 ACC Championship Game. The next older brother, Sandy, when growing up and having unselfi sh teammates and coaches officiating. Soon after graduating from Liberty University with a (BS) Degree in few seasons Lucas continued to transform himself into a multi-faceted player following a that shared common goals. When asked about being inducted into Johnston County’s Communication, Cole started offi ciating High school and Recreation League games, move to play right corner back his sophomore year. Lucas went on to play several more Athletic Hall of Fame Travis commented, (1989). seasons with the Tarheels until he re-injured his right knee. The injury ended Lucas’ “I have been extremely blessed over the years to be a part of some special teams and In 1995, Cole joined the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Mid- future as a football player. moments in sports. To have my name mentioned with this group of people who have Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), where he offi ciated; he advanced to the Atlantic Despite the setbacks, Lucas continued his college education and graduated in 1984 meant so much to Johnston County athletics is a privilege. Many former inductees… 10, a higher NCAA division four years later. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration, marking Lucas the fi rst in his Gary Fowler, Andy Pleasant, Glenn Nixon, Jeff Adams, Bruce Coats, E.O. Adams, Dwight Cole offi ciated in the Arena Football League, as well as being selected to offi ciate the family to graduate from college. Later that year, Lucas married his high school sweetheart, Hinnant…are men that helped shape my life on and off the fi eld. I consider it an honor Arena Cup in Davenport, Iowa in 2001, and also the 2008 Arena World Championship Renee Kirby, of Clayton. The two share a daughter, Deidra Lynette. to be a part of their group.” Game in New Orleans, LA. After college, Lucas worked selling cars at local dealerships. At the age of 29, he Cole offi ciated in the 2006 and 2007 National Football League (NFL) Development enlisted in the Army as a Private First Class with a complete reconstructed right knee. League, offi ciating games in Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Lucas went on to serve in three deployments: Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Van Weeks for the NFL IN EUROPE. 2008, and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010. Throughout his military career, Lucas Van Duke Weeks, born on August 16, 1924, was raised His offi ciating career culminated in 2005 when he was selected to offi ciate in the was stationed all over the world such as Hawaii and the Netherlands. While stationed in in the Cleveland Community of Johnston County by Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This created the opportunity to offi ciate in one of the Fort Polk, Louisiana, Lucas and his unit were deployed to Nicaragua for a humanitarian Herbert E. and Lula Coats Weeks. He attended Cleveland most prestigious football conferences in the nation. mission. Soldiers were tasked with rebuilding infrastructure, bridges, and roads following School until1941. Van began playing baseball in Johnston After graduating from Liberty University, Cole enjoyed a 20-year career as a state a devastating storm. County in the Cleveland Midget League and played Employee with the Virginia State Lottery. After that successful career, he promulgated After 22 years, three combat tours, and one humanitarian mission, Master Sergeant throughout his high school years as “fond memories of his business skills into entrepreneurship, starting a service company named D&S Lucas retired in 2012 with numerous medals including the Bronze Star and the games played were remembered at the 1942 Cleveland Specialties (named after his two daughters, Diana and Shimira). Meritorious Service Medal. After spending time in the Charlotte area, Lucas relocated School Class Reunions”. He would play for whomever Cole recognizes that the opportunity to offi ciate and travel wouldn’t have been to Columbia, SC where he now spends his time working with charitable organizations, needed a player, whenever and where ever he could play possible without the love and support of his beautiful family, Magnolia, Diana and mentoring under-privileged children, and serving other Veterans. baseball. On one occasion, he fi lled in on a team that Shimira. Cole presently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he enjoys his family, needed a catcher. Not having a team jersey, he dawned traveling, and spending time at the beach. his Cleveland pinstripes and was mistaken for one of the Travis Stephenson professional players for the Cleveland Indians. Van also played basketball for Cleveland School and was a player on the Cleveland Darryl Lynn Lucas Travis Stephenson grew up in the McGee’s Crossroads School Basketball Championship team. Having only outside basketball courts to play A decorated athlete, a military soldier, and a area of western Johnston County where he attended upon, Van would, on many occasions, clean the courts so the basketball games at Cleveland humanitarian are just a few words that describe Johnston Cleveland School. He followed his Mom, Helen, then a School could continue. As a junior, he was recruited in basketball by UNC-Chapel Hill; County native and Smithfi eld Selma High School graduate Clayton High teacher who later retired after 32 years of however, college dreams did not come to fruition as Van, at the age of 17, dropped out Darryl Lynn Lucas. Born in Wilson, NC, Lucas is one of service to Johnston County education, to Clayton and of high school just shy of graduation in order to work. In 1942, after his father’s death, eight children to the late Robert Lee and Earlene Lucas. became a Comet in the fall of 1984. he returned to Smithfi eld in order to care for his mother and siblings. Following the death of his father when he was a young Travis had a successful academic and athletic career Van was drafted into the U.S. Army on September 18, 1944. While in service, he child, Lucas, his now single mother, and siblings relocated at CHS, graduating 7th in his class, serving as his class played baseball whenever he could strike up a game among his fellow servicemen. to Selma in the early 1970s. Years later, Lucas went on to president for 4 years, president of the Beta Club and Van was discharged from service and returned to Johnston County on May 23, 1946. attend Smithfi eld Selma High School and quickly became eventually earning an appointment to the Air Force Upon his return from service, Van played baseball, in the catcher position, in several the athlete to watch. Academy where he planned to play football. Over the Johnston County Leagues, the Johnston County American Legion Baseball League, the During his time at SSS, Lucas excelled at every sport course of 4 years at Clayton High while participating in Cotton Blossom League, and the Textile League. Memories from when Van played semi- he played. In football, Lucas gained more than 2,500 football, basketball and track & fi eld, he and his teams professional baseball for the Smithfi eld Leafs in the late 1940s and into the 1950s, are all-purpose yards as a runner, receiver kick, and punt won 2 state championships, 2 sectional and regional championships, and 6 conference prevalent in the memory of his son, Steve Weeks. The Smithfi eld Leafs also known as “The returner. Lucas was also credited for hundreds of tackles and over 25 interceptions championship. Travis also set conference and state records in track & fi eld throwing Smithfi eld Nine” were a member of the Central Carolina League aka Central Carolina Loop. during his three years as a Spartan. His talent on the fi eld was evident as he was the discus and was awarded several other all-conference, local and regional honors. During the 1951 season they topped the Central Carolina League standings boasting an