Raider magic on full display

May 23—HAMLET — Illustrious legends among the 51-years of athletic history of Richmond Senior High — players, coaches, benefactors — gathered at the Cole Auditorium on Monday evening to be inducted into the inaugural class of the Raider Hall of Fame.

"Over 51 years, the athletic prowess, the legendary games and players, legendary coaches, events and moments have really piled up," said principal Jim Butler. "It made it long overdue that we should have a Hall of Fame."

A visit to Hoke High School a few years ago generated the idea.

"I thought if Hoke High School can have a Hall of Fame, how does Richmond Senior High School [go] this long without one?" Butler said.

A committee was formed about a year ago, and the team of athletic director Rob Ransom, Wendy Wallace, Hal Shuler, former interim superintendent Dennis Quick, Ronald Tillman, longtime RSHS teacher Paula York and Deon Cranford determined who would the most distinguished members of the Hall. It was a "daunting task," but it was narrowed down to twelve honorees.

The inaugural class includes Darryl Barnes, George Whitfield, Walter 'Flip' Ellerbe, Melvin Ingram, Mike Quick, Kathy Ormsby, Tali Robich, Franklin Stubbs, Mike Thomas, Whitney Wright, GR Kindley and Dr. Bill Haltiwanger.

"It was tough to come down to these people tonight," said Dennis Quick. "Can you imagine 50 years of athletic prowess, athletic perfection, of the struggles that they've gone through and the fantastic representation they've made of Richmond County. To bring that all down to these people here. To me that says volumes about the quality of the people that we have here."

Butler noted that everyone in attendance could have easily assembled another 20-30 candidates who would be easy choices for the Hall.

"Those of you here tonight, I don't even need to tell you about the strong athletic tradition at Richmond Senior High," Ransom said. "Numerous titles, conference titles, regional titles, state-level titles — as coaches we all make reference to our strong athletic tradition and our teams and pride that the players should have to play here. The folks that we're honoring tonight played a major role in establishing that tradition. You are what we have based Raider magic on."

Each inductee was recognized by Butler in alphabetical order, and received a personal plaque and jacket courtesy of Jostens. A duplicate of each plaque will be on display at the new RSHS gym.

First to be recognized was Darryl Barnes, head coach of the Raider football team from 1987 to 1990 and from 1997 to 2000. He assembled a record of 110-6 across eight seasons, and was a five-time 4A state championship winner. His team won 44 consecutives games from '97 to '99, a state record at the time. He was the Associated Press Coach of the Year in '97 and '98, and was also a two-time principal of the year.

"Do you believe in Raider magic?" Barnes asked the crowd, and then began regaling the audience with a few of the highlights in some tightly contested playoff games. "This is a team award — This is an award of great players, great coaches, great community support."

Walter 'Flip' Ellerbe is a three time state champion and the RSHS career rushing yards leader with 4,345 yards.

"When [Butler] called me on the phone, it was something that I never thought was going to happen," Flip said. "I just wish my momma and daddy was here to see it. It gives me chills to talk [about tonight.]

"He became the measuring stick for Raider running backs," Butler said. "It was a no-doubter."

Dr. Bill Haltiwanger was a major benefactor for Raider athletics and "touched the lives of so many people."

"He was responsible for the Welcome Wagon cart," Butler said. "That was probably one of the most visible things, because you're talking about somebody who did not like to be visible."

Butler said that even when he was unable to attend games in the stands anymore, he would watch games from his car near the endzone. Dr. Bill, an orthodontist, would also provide many athletes through the years with custom mouthpieces.

"He's been such a big part of Richmond Senior, his whole family," Butler said. "When we talk about legacy members, it was a no-doubter. We're sorry that we didn't get a chance to recognize him when he was still with us, but we're glad to have his family here."

Melvin Ingram, a three-time conference champion, was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

"He might kick off, he might punt, he might line up at running back, he might line up at defensive end, and he might be a linebacker," Butler said. "I looked up one time and he was selling programs." Butler noted that he would continue to give back to the community, visiting with the Hamlet football team a few years ago.

"I'm extremely honored to be apart of [the Raider Hall of Fame]," Ingram said in a pre-recorded video. "Richmond Senior High holds a special place in my heart and it's a place that motivated me not only as an athlete, but a person."

A legacy award went to GR Kindley, a major supporter of Raider athletics through establishing Southern Builders, Inc. and 20 years as the mayor of Rockingham, among many other roles.

"We could not have had so many of the things that we do have now without the help of Mr. GR Kindley," Butler said. "He has changed the landscape of Richmond Senior High School athletics," adding that he continues to fix signage if he notices something amiss, even though nobody asks.

Kathy Ormsby, an individual state cross country champion in 1982 and holder of multiple state records, was the next honoree. She flourished not only athletically, but was the valedictorian for the class of '83. In 1986, Ormsby, set the NCAA record in the 10,000 meters.

"There are so many people that contributed to my athletic success," Butler read from a pre-recorded statement from Ormsby. "It's kind of like a recipe. Take any ingredient out and it's not the same."

In her message, Ormsby reminded the audience that while sports are important, they are not everything, and that there is always someone who is willing to help you.

"I believe God loves us all, and that [through all], in our hearts, our heads, our failures and successes, He is there," Butler read. "He created us to love each other as He Does. Thanks and keep holding on — Kathy Ormsby."

Mike Quick, a wide receiver on the 1978 state championship football team and a player on the basketball team, was drafted in the first round of of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He twice led the NFL in receiving yards in 1983 and 1985, and remains tied for the longest NFL reception at 99 yards.

"Most importantly he wanted to thank those who helped him along the way, his teammates, his coaches, and some of this teachers who kept a foot on him from time to time when he needed it," said his brother, Dennis, who accepted on Mike's behalf. "He wants you to know that he appreciates it."

"It's amazing how many times people ask me what's in the water down there," Mike said in a pre-recorded video. "Maybe there is something to that, because there are so many great athletes coming out of there. To be amongst the first class, it's very special to me."

Tali Robich, a three-time all conference player in basketball, soccer, softball, who also played played golf and volleyball, was the next inductee.

"She is a true multi-sports start and an easy choice for our Hall of Fame," Butler said.

After playing college basketball, she became an assistant coach for multiple college teams across the state. Just last month, she ran the Boston Marathon as well.

"I didn't know at the time what sports did for me," Robich said. "You're doing it when you're young because it's fun. Then one days it's 'Well, maybe I can play in college.' Still to this day, everything that I do is because of sports. The character that it builds — [Employers have said to me] We think we can teach you things because you're an athlete."

Hard-hitting pitcher and first baseman Franklin Stubbs, a three-time conference champion, personifies all Raider baseball statistics, Butler said.

"If you judge yourself by Franklin, you probably came up short," Butler said.

Stubbs was drafted in the first round of the 1982 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, later winning the World Series in 1988.

Butler said when he was a nine-year-old kid, he wore a baseball helmet in a youth baseball league that was formerly worn by Franklin with his faded name written in Magic Marker.

"It you would have told me it was Mickey Mantle's helmet, it wouldn't have meant as much," Butler remarked. "That shows you the power of athletics."

George Whitfield accepted the award on Franklin's behalf, recalling when two extra tickets to the '88 World Series courtesy of Franklin permitted him and his daughter to attend.

"My daughter and I rode out on the bus, not knowing I was sitting in Tommy Lasorda's seat! He said 'No, no you sit with Franklin,' Whitfield said. He later received an envelope from Franklin the next day, with a note saying 'Thanks for all the time that you came to get me.'

"That's the kind of guy he was, a great guy," Whitfield said. "I know that he would have loved to been here tonight, and it goes without saying, but he was a great baseball player."

Mike Thomas, a two time state 4A championship quarterback and conference player of the year, also led the nation in punting during his time at RSHS. He was the starting quarterback for the UNC Tarheels in 1995. In 1990, he was drafted by the third round by the Baltimore Orioles, and played in the minor leagues.

"I want to thank my teachers and coaches and teammates that I played with," Thomas said. "I couldn't have done it without you all and thank you for believing in me.....This is home no matter where we go."

Whitfield returned to the podium to become the second-to-last inductee of the night. Butler said he believes that this is the tenth hall of fame that he's been inducted into.

Through Whitfield's 48 years of coaching, he has three state championships at RSHS and a win-loss record of 976-301. He won 14 conference championships at RSHS and was the national baseball coach of the year in 1969 and 1974. He was inducted into the NC High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993. About 90 of his former baseball players have received college scholarships and three have played in the Major Leagues.

"When I called him and told him [about the induction] you would have thought that I just put him in Cooperstown," Butler said.

"Anybody that knows me, knows that my favorite years of my life were spent in Richmond County," Whitfield said after the long introduction. "I'm so proud to be a part of your group."

When he was a coach, Whitfield said he wanted his players to have the best uniforms and to be in the best shape of any athletes around.

"Those are things that I really believed in, and I wanted them to practice the fundamentals, so that when we got into tight games they wouldn't tighten up," Whitfield said.

He also thanked the great players and parents that he was able to form life-long memories with.

"This is a night I'll never forget," Whitfield said. "All of the other Hall of Fames are wonderful, but this is one that I call getting one at home. Thank you."

As the event was approaching the three-hour mark, Whitney Wright, a 4A individual golf and team champion in 2003, was the final inductee. Her senior year, she finished first in the state among golfers and has traveled around the world to play.

"Being a Raider, in my opinion, starts with the community," Wright said. "I want to thank everyone in this community who supports Richmond athletics and holds Richmond athletics of such a high standard of excellence."

She also thanked her parents for the sacrifices they made to support her golfing career.

"After 20 years of living away, I moved back to the area about a year ago, and I look forward to showing up, fostering, and supporting the Raider athletics just like everyone here has done for me," Wright said. "I saw so many faces tonight that brought back so many memories. Hopefully this will give a lot of young people in Richmond County an incentive...[to know] how special this place can be."

Eight of the inductees who were present at the event gathered for a group photo to commemorate the inaugural class of the Raider Hall of Fame. Board of Education Vice Chair Bobbie Sue Ormsby noted that the night was an "outstanding tribute" to excellent representatives of Richmond County.

"Thank you so much for supporting Raider athletics, supporting this Hall of Fame," Butler said to conclude the night. "The committee is already starting to make plans on how we will induct the next group and I know it will be a stellar group just like tonight. I think Raider athletics will continue to add names and memories and ball games and coaches to this great list that we started tonight."

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Reach Matthew Sasser at 910-817-2671 or msasser@yourdailyjournal.com to suggest a correction.