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…
In December, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2025 induction class. The new members, listed alphabetically, are: The group of 11 will be enshrined during the 61st annual induction celebration on the evening of Friday, May 2, at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel Joseph S. Koury Convention Center, starting at 5 p.m. Their induction…
Whiteville, NC – Robert Linwood Hedgpeth passed away on November 6, 2024, at Shoreland Health & Retirement Center. Coach Hedgepeth graduated from Pembroke State University in 1964 as an NAIA all-region baseball player. After finishing up his playing days, Hedgepeth began his legendary baseball coaching career in 1967 at Massey Hill High School and moved…
Jamestown, NC—Inducted in the NCHSAA Hall of Fame in 2005, Mike Raybon passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024. A public Community Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in the Mike Rayb on Gymnasium at Ragsdale High School. Click to read the full obituary. From the 2005 Hall…
CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association welcomed the newest members of the NCHSAA Hall of Fame to the offices in Chapel Hill on Tuesday for a luncheon and reception. The Class of 2024 received their induction plaques and were sized for their Hall of Fame Rings, which will be given to…
Indianapolis, IN – The four coaches in this year’s class have coached an astounding combined 194 years (48.5 average) and claimed a total of 43 state championships in volleyball, football, swimming, and baseball. These four remarkable individuals include Paula Kirkland, who won 1,088 volleyball matches at Dorman High School in Roebuck, South Carolina, and led her…
William Bruce Peterson passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the age of 85. He was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame in 1994. Bruce was born on May 2, 1938, in Yancey County. His family moved to Buncombe County, and he attended elementary school…
Boyce Deitz, 74 of Sylva, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. A full obituary will be here when available. Boyce Deitz was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame earlier this year after a phenomenal career as a coach and athletic director at Swain County High School and then serving his community in many…
