CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — The “Wall of Legends” at the Martin County All-Sports Hall of Fame will grow by 35 award plaques Nov. 24. The second round of inductees will take their place among the “LEGENDS” during an induction ceremony at the Roy F. Collier Community Center in Inez.

Hall of Fame directors say they are honored to host the milestone event.

HOF president Dwayne Sweeney, still elated from the overwhelming success of the first induction ceremony earlier this year, conveys the “team spirit” Martin Countians have displayed.

“Our community is onboard, heart and soul, with this effort to recognize and honor our sports heroes and to preserve our history of champions that has earned national recognition,” Sweeney remarked.

“Fans and family members from across the nation rallied to honor their heroes at our first awards ceremony when 24 athletes and coaches, two state champion basketball teams and one state runner-up basketball team were inducted.”

Sweeney exhibits high regard for the legacy he is helping to preserve.

“Our history is loaded with so many great athletes and coaches,” he said. “This time we’re inducting 33 iconic celebrities, along with Sheldon Clark’s back-to-back state championship wrestling teams, both coached by Jim Matney. We’re a small county with a huge number of champions.”

Roger Harless, HOF vice president and former Sheldon Clark High School coach, notes the directors “are still playing catch-up.”

“We’ve got a hundred years of legends to represent in the All-Sports Hall of Fame,” remarked Harless. “Most of the earliest qualifiers were inducted in the first round. Dozens of additional qualifiers are already slated for induction after this second round.”

Harless commends the ongoing legacy: “From its first season, Martin County High School is competing right in step with our winning tradition. New champions emerge every season.”

Qualifying career achievements considered for induction into the Hall of Fame include: professional athlete, All-American, Mr. or Miss Kentucky Basketball, state championship team, first-team all-state, Division 1 college, inductee of a distinguished hall of fame, distinguished coach.

Harless notes the directors would appreciate and “give due consideration to information regarding any athlete possibly overlooked in the committee’s research efforts.” (See contact info below.)

The Hall of Fame and Museum found its home on the second floor of the Roy F. Collier Community Center at 387 Main Street in Inez. The Round 2 Induction Ceremony Nov. 24 will take place in the large conference room on the center’s third floor. A finger-food buffet at 2 p.m. will kick off the celebration. At 2:30 p.m., sports announcer and HOF reporter Jack Ward will emcee the presentation of awards.

Attendees are encouraged to bring photos, trophies, uniforms, tournament schedules – and any keepsakes from the life and times of the champions to re-visit the victories.

In addition to winning stats, Martin County’s century-old legend encompasses commendable sportsmanship, applaudable team spirit and avid fans. HOF treasurer and former SCHS principal and coach AJ Haney projects, “Our long-term success in preserving Martin County’s nationally-acclaimed heritage depends on the support of loyal fans – whether it be monetary donations or memorabilia they are willing to entrust to the Hall of Fame for display and preservation.”

Haney reports true-blue support.

“We can’t express enough appreciation to the fans who have lived up to their reputation by donating the funds needed to cover startup costs and all our operating expenses to date,” said Haney.

“For the committee, the All-Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is a ‘heart thing,’” Sweeney confided. “We’ve all been deeply touched by the gratitude of the families of inductees as well as the athletes, themselves, who have been awarded the recognition they deserve on the ‘Wall of Legends’ for their contributions as sports champions. Coach hype for the big event: We’re ‘fired up’ to be privileged to make another footprint in Martin County athletic history with this Round 2 Induction Ceremony.”

The Hall of Fame Committee will provide two honorary passes for each inductee and/or family member(s). Passes will be $5 each for students and $15 each for other attendees, payable at the door until all seats are filled.

To plan efficiently for seating and menu items, the Hall of Fame Committee requests advance notification of plans to attend using either contact option below.

For Induction Ceremony information or general Hall of Fame information, email mcallsports@yahoo.com; call or text 606-626-5191 or 606-626-0000.

Contributions to the MC All-Sports Hall of Fame and Museum are deeply appreciated and can be mailed to John A. Haney, 54 Haney Place, Inez, KY 41224.