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The Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame (RCSHOF) now has tickets on sale for the 2025 RCSHOF Induction Ceremony. The event will take place April 24 at The Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College beginning at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.Foundationshows.org or at the Foundation $30 each. A small service fee will be applied to online orders. Quantities are limited, so purchase tickets in advance of the event.
This year, the RCSHOF will honor an outstanding class of five individuals.
DR. WADE BYRD
Dr. Wade Byrd was an outstanding athlete not only on the football field and basketball court for R-S Central, the Spindale native also excelled in two sports at Duke, football and Men's Lacrosse. On the gridiron, Byrd captained the Blue Devils to a #14 National Ranking in 1957, and the prestigious Orange Bowl game vs. #4 Oklahoma on New Year's Day in 1958. Byrd also played Men's Lacrosse his Senior season at Duke in 1959, earning All-American Honorable Mention status. After graduation from Duke, Byrd embarked on a distinguished military career in the Marine Corps before becoming a lawyer and judge, retiring in 2019.
DAVID DAVIS
Not only did David Davis excel at one sport during his time as a student athlete in Rutherford County, he did it in three: football, basketball and baseball. He won numerous awards during his career as a R-S Central Hilltopper from 1978-82, including being named as team MVP in each of the three sports his Senior season. After graduation, Davis went on to put up impressive numbers in football at three different colleges and then had a successful high school basketball coaching career.
After concluding an outstanding prep career at R-S Central (1978-82), Davis made a name for himself on the college gridiron at three different programs as a Wide Receiver. He was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team at NC State and a Junior College All-American at Taft College in California. He finished his career at Baylor, averaging 19.2 yards per catch in two seasons with the Bears.
DR. WARREN T. FORNEY
Dr. Warren T. Forney has not only made impacts on gridirons here in Rutherford County and Clemson, but off the field, he has made lasting contributions as a motivational speaker and with humanitarian work in Africa. The Rutherfordton native played on the Defensive Line for the R-S Central Hilltoppers from 1986-1990 and was named to the Shrine Bowl after his Senior season. At Clemson, Forney was a major part of the Tigers' success from 1991-1995, winning several awards and honors before becoming an entrepreneur and philanthropist. His best season with the Tigers came as a Sophomore when he posted 83 tackles and 4.5 sacks. As a Senior, Forney helped guide Clemson to the Gator Bowl and was named to the All-ACC Academic team for three seasons. Forney also received the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award after the 1995 season, given to the most courageous football player in the ACC.
After graduation, Forney was part of General Electric's Africa Initiative, helping to bring sustainable electric power systems to the continent. This work along with many other endeavors led Forney to receive Clemson's lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
LARRY ROSS
Coach Larry Ross was equally at home coaching on the high school level as he was the AAU circuit. He founded the Forest City Heat AAU program, winning several prestigious tournaments, including a National Championship. During that time, he also coached the East Rutherford Lady Cavaliers for 20 years, picking up approximately 400 wins in the process.
Ross founded the Forest City Heat Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) program in 1998 and it is still going strong today. He won State and National Championships at multiple age groups. Ross oversaw the development of numerous professional and college players. They include former NFL player Brandon Spikes, current NBA player Ish Smith, along with former Clemson Tiger Gabe Devoe and Georgetown's LJ Peak. Due to his impact on those athletes and countless others, Ross was elected to the AAU Hall of Fame in 2024.
As impressive as Ross' accomplishments on the AAU level were, his accolades coaching the Lady Cavaliers might have been more impressive. Over a 20 year career in Forest City, Ross led the Lady Cavs to approximately 400 wins. Ross passed away April 10 2023, but his legacy lives on as the former Cool Springs Gym was renamed in his honor.
CONNER STROUD
Conner Stroud is one of the most decorated young athletes in Rutherford County history. The 24 year-old Rutherfordton native is already a two-time Paralympian in Wheelchair Tennis and is currently ranked as the 33rd best Men's Wheelchair Tennis Player in the world by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), winning numerous awards, medals and honors on his ascent in the rankings.
Stroud was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) which left him without femurs, hips, ankles or knees. That did not slow him down though as Stroud won three straight Gold Medals with Team USA at the International Tennis Federation Junior World Cup. During his time in the Junior Division (age group), Stroud rose to a #2 Word Ranking while also playing for the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Tennis Team.
Stroud is currently ranked as the 33rd best Men's Wheelchair Tennis Player in the World and has represented Team USA in the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics. He is currently training for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit the RCSHOF website rcshof.org or call the Foundation Box Office at 828-286-9990.
