James B. “Jim” Maxwell, 84, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by family. A respected attorney and founder of a Durham law firm, Jim also devoted nearly 30 years to building the Jordan High School swim program into a perennial champion. In addition to serving as NCHSAA General Council, he served a term on…
RALEIGH, N.C.—The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2026 induction class. The new members, listed alphabetically, are Chip Beck, Heather Bergsma, Louis Breeden, Leonard Hamilton, Tyler Hansbrough, Richard Huntley, John Isner, Norvell Lee, Eddie Pope, Kelvin Sampson, and Jerry Winterton. The group of 11 will be enshrined during the 62nd annual…
Stephen Spivey, a revered North Carolina high school coach and member of the NCHSAA Hall of Fame, passed away at age 72. Over a career spanning decades, Spivey built powerhouse programs, guided his teams to numerous state championships, and left a lasting mark on student-athletes and the sport across the state.
Jim Taylor, age 79 of Shelby, North Carolina, passed away on October 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy marked by leadership, mentorship, and love for his community. A 2012 inductee into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame, Jim was celebrated for his outstanding contributions to high school athletics across North Carolina. Known for his warm spirit…
Coach Harold Robinson, Jr., 76, of Washington, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Ridgewood Health and Rehabilitation. A legendary figure in North Carolina high school football, Robinson led Williamston High School from 1979 to 2003, earning a .711 winning percentage, two NCHSAA state titles, four runner-up finishes, seven conference championships, and 16 playoff appearances….
Robert Riley “Bob” Sawyer returned to his alma mater, Grimsley High School (then Greensboro Senior High), in 1961 and served as coach—and later athletics director—for three decades. Under his leadership, Grimsley’s swimming teams achieved extraordinary success, winning an unprecedented 15 consecutive NCHSAA state titles and 16 straight conference championships in swimming. Beyond his role in…
Gilbert Douglas Ferrell, 92, of Wilson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gilbert was best known for his long and impactful career in education and athletics. He served with distinction as a teacher, coach, and athletic director in Wilson County, where he influenced generations of students…
CHAPEL HILL — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame is excited to announce the inductees in the Class of 2025. This year’s inductees are a tremendous group of leaders who have left their mark on their communities and the state of North Carolina. The Class of 2025 includes: Brad Allen, Lumberton…
Jack William Groce, a beloved member of the High-Country community, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at the age of 95. For more than thirty years, Jack, or “Coach Groce,” was a coach, educator, and administrator. Jack’s accomplishments as a player, coach, educator, and administrator are numerous. In recognition of those many accomplishments, he was…
Coach Jim Brett of Emerald Isle, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 11, 2025. He passed away peacefully at Carolina East Medical Center with his wife and daughter by his side. Jim grew up in Ahoskie and graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1963, where he was a three-sport athlete. He excelled…
