CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
INEZ — The enshrining of 54 champion athletes/coaches and four KHSAA State championship teams on the “Wall of Legends” ignited nationwide celebration as the Martin County All-Sports Hall of Fame hosted its first two induction ceremonies in 2023. Set for April 27, Induction Ceremony No. 3 promises the same team spirit of “all for one and one for all” as 35 more outstanding athletes will come together to celebrate the century-old legacy they co-created.
Hall of Fame president Dwayne Sweeney expressed his overwhelming feelings about the ceremonies.
“I don’t have words to express the enthusiasm and appreciation the athletes and their families and fans have shown for the awards ceremonies and our efforts to preserve the epic achievements of Martin County athletes,” Sweeney said. “It’s like this committee, with a vision, got up to bat, and through God’s winning grace, we’ve knocked it out of the park.”
Roger Harless, HOF vice president and former coach at Sheldon Clark High School, noted there would still be dozens of qualifiers left to honor after the April event, likening it to a fortuitous financial discovery.
“Like finding extra money in your checkbook, that’s a good problem to have,” Harless said, adding that research is ongoing to rediscover every deserving athlete. “Our goal within the next several months is to get current with past inductees and then focus on the ongoing legacy that Martin County High School is forging with new champions emerging every season.”
Criteria for induction for the current Induction Class include First-Team All-State and signed college scholarship, state record holder, two selections of either First-Team All-State, Second-Team All-State or Third-Team All-State, and two Honorable Mentions.
Harless emphasized that information regarding any athlete possibly overlooked in the Committee’s research efforts would be appreciated and given due consideration. (See contact info below.)
A.J. Haney, the Hall of Fame treasurer and former SCHS principal and coach, shared his gratitude for the support that has enabled the establishment of the Hall of Fame, which he claims is second to none in Kentucky.
“All startup costs and operating expenses to date have been covered by the generosity of loyal supporters who invested in ‘the vision,’” Haney said. “Long-term success in the Hall of Fame’s ability to preserve Martin County’s nationally-acclaimed athletic heritage depends on loyal support of local businesses and Martin County sports fans – whether it be monetary donations or memorabilia they are willing to entrust to the Hall of Fame for display and preservation.”
The Hall of Fame and Museum is housed on the second floor of the Roy F. Collier Community Center at 387 Main Street in Inez. The April 27 Induction Ceremony will be held in the center’s gymnasium on the ground floor with a finger-food buffet available at 2 p.m. to kick off the celebration. At 2:30 p.m., sports announcer and Hall of Fame researcher Jack Ward will emcee the presentation of awards.
Attendees are encouraged to bring photos, trophies, uniforms, tournament schedules and any keepsakes from the lives and times of the champions for display at the ceremony to revisit the making of the Legends.
Anticipating the ceremony, Sweeney shared, “We don’t dare try to predict the atmosphere and excitement of this next Induction Celebration. The first two overwhelmingly exceeded our greatest expectations. They were like events of the century.”
The Committee’s game plan: “We’ll just plan this one and let it happen,” said Sweeney. “The spirit and heart of the athletes and fans does the rest.”
He concluded, “It would be my prayer that every Martin County sports fan could experience the magic of these ‘sports family reunions.’ We encourage all previous Inductees to return and join us in this celebration to welcome the new Inductees to their place of honor on the Wall of Legends.”
The Committee will provide two honorary passes for each inductee and/or family member(s). Passes for everyone else 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 or general Hall of Fame information, email mcallsports@yahoo.com or call or text 606-626-5191 or 606-626-0000.
Contributions to the Martin County All-Sports Hall of Fame and Museum are deeply appreciated and can be mailed to John A. Haney, 54 Haney Place, Inez, KY 41224.
