Sports Wall of Fame Honorees: (left-to-right) Greg Armstrong & Paul Schiffel representing Franke Bell (Swimming) unable to attend due to illness. Phil “Big Daddy” Neely (Golf), Judy Rose (Director of Athletics/Coaching), Robert “Git” Brown (Golf), Vicki Hamilton (Director of Athletics), Stephen Joyner, Sr. (Director of Athletics/Coaching).
By AAGD STAFF
The Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course and the Sports Academy at Revolution Park, located in Charlotte, N.C., was the site of the 5th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, an awards recognition event hosted by the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department.
During the May 17, 2018, evening which ran from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., W. Lee Jones, Director, Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department, welcomed a large crowd who enjoyed snacks and refreshments inside of the beautiful facility. Afterward, Brian Cox, Chairman, Mecklenburg County GolfAdvisory Council shared the Wall of Fame purpose. He was followed by Norman A. Mitchell, Sr. who presented even more insightful history of the Revolution Park (Dr. Charles Sifford) Golf Course and Richard Van Dyke read a Role Call of past honorees.
The 2018 program honored six individuals for their civic and community achievements. “The “Wall” was started five years ago by the Citizens Golf Advisory Council composed of volunteer golfers who wanted to preserve a rich tradition of golfing history associated with Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. In 2016 the recognition expanded to include all sports,” says James Alsop, CPRP, Park & Recreation Manager. “The objective is to keep as much local sports history alive as possible and to expose it to everyone.” The Sports Wall Of Fame, located at the Revolution Park Sports Academy, serves to honor outstanding Mecklenburg County athletes, coaches, and teams who have contributed significantly either to the development of athletes or to the excellence of sports programs in the area or brought national and/or international recognition to Mecklenburg County.
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Held annually, during the third Thursday in May, the Sports Wall of Fame Selection Committee reviews nominations in advance and makes selections. Any citizen of Mecklenburg County may nominate any individual (living or deceased) to be considered for induction into the Sports Wall of Fame. Individuals are nominated in one of six categories: Golf/Athlete, Coach/Manager, Multi-Sport/Combination, Contributor, Senior, or Team. The nomination form is available online at their website. The deadline for 2019 nominations is January 31, 2019.
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2018 Sports Wall of Fame Brochure
Honorees Career Highlights
Franke Bell, (Swimming)
1954-Present: Provides swim programs for disabled & underprivileged children
2015: International Swim Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee
1992: Coached Olympic Gold Medalist Mel Stewart
1989: NC Swim Coaches rename annual award to The Franke Bell Award
1964 and 1968: Swimming World Magazine Olympics Correspondent
Robert “Git” Brown, (Golf)
1997: Pioneer in Integrating Golf: 50 Years of History at Revolution Park
1997: National Black Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
1975-1976: Griertown Open Champion
1967: Tied Lee Elder for 2nd at Gillespie Open – Greensboro
1950’s: One of the first African Americans to play at Revolution Golf Course
Vicki Hamilton (Athletics)
1994-2011: Director of Athletics, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
2008: N.C. High School Athletic Director’s Hall of Fame
2005: Organized FOOTBALL MOM’s 101 via partnership with NFL Carolina Panthers
1997: Founding Board Member, First Tee of Greater Charlotte
1994: 1st Female District Director of Athletics, N.C. Public Schools
Stephen Joyner, Sr (Basketball)
2005- Present: JCSU Director of Athletics
2018: Winningest Men’s Basketball Coach in JCSU History & CIAA Winningest Active Coach (10 CIAA Division Titles)
2014: John B. McLendon, Jr CIAA Hall of Fame Inductee
2001: NCAA Division II South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year
Phil “Big Daddy” Neely, (Golf)
2012: Urban League 19th Annual Golf Champion
2002: National Black Golf Hall of Fame Inductee
1990: Ridgewood/King Cobra Amateur Tournament Champion
1988: Schweppes Open and TPC Sawgrass Champion
Judy Rose, (Athletics)
1990-2018: Director of Athletics, UNC Charlotte
1st Female Named to NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Committee
2013: Added Football & Opened $45M UNC Charlotte Stadium
2011: Women’s History Hall of Fame Inductee
2003-2004: President, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics
