Nine honored as the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018

Nine athletic figures from the past and present were honored as part of the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018 on Saturday night. The event, held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, drew a large crowd that gathered to reflect on the class’ outstanding achievements.

The Pre-Modern Era’s Paul B. “Pop” Austin, Dan A. Kirkland and James T. Skipworth along with the Modern Era and Current Era’s Rudy Allen, the late Sam McQuagg, Scott Miller, Angela Jerman Ormsby, Karen Hill Waters and Moe Williams were inducted into the Hall’s 2018 class. The six members of the Modern Era and Current Era had their chance to address the audience, with McQuagg’s grandson Trip stepping in to memorialize his grandfather.

“We recognize them in large part because they are all people of dedication and of purpose,” Hall of Fame chairman Jim White said. “They have a significant impact on the quality of life for us in the Chattahoochee Valley.”

Each individual who spoke shared stories from their past that led to great triumphs and ultimately their spot on the stage Saturday.

Allen spoke of being the first African-American in the Eastern Little League and later Eastway Junior High School before his football pursuits blossomed. Ormsby proved herself against the boys on the golf course, Waters stayed dedicated to swimming even when injuries hampered her, Miller changed his plans and kept his play-by-play work in Columbus and Williams showed why he was the running back to beat as the new guy at Spencer High School.

Allen began the night as the first inductee to speak. While sharing his experience was worthwhile, it meant just as much to the former Kendrick High School and Georgia Tech quarterback to sit back and take in what the others had to say.

“This event was first-class,” Allen said. “It was well done, and it was moving just to hear the athletes tell their stories of how they persevered.”

Ormsby shared Allen’s thoughts on the ceremony, explaining the setup was one fit for a banquet in New York City. Ormsby took great pride in being one of the Hall’s newest members, especially considering the people she’s known in the golf community who have gone in before her.

To be among the other eight members in this year’s class was equally special.

“This group of fellow inductees, the amount of accomplishments we’ve all had is insane,” Ormsby said. “It was one of those special things to enjoy this with them and to hear their stories.”

Ormsby took a lot from the words of Williams, who pointed out all those who spoke shared the common thread of faith, family and dedication to their sport. As the closing speech, Williams made sure not to linger very long at the podium, but that didn’t make his message any less effective.

At one point, Williams emphasized support — a message echoed throughout the night — when he explained how important those around each of the class’ members were to help them all reach this pinnacle moment.

“Everything all of us have accomplished was because we had people in our corner,” Williams said. “It’s amazing when you have people in your corner who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.”

This story was originally published February 4, 2018 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Nine honored as the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018."