Sports royalty was front and center during the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) fundraiser dinner held at the prestigious Fifth Quarter in Somerset on Saturday evening.
Floyd County’s own and NBC sports analyst Kenny Rice returned home to serve as Master of Ceremonies.
“We are just thrilled and honored to have Kenny and his dad here with us for this magnificent event,” Wayland mayor and MSHOF founding member Jerry Fultz said. “Look around this room, isn’t it great to see all these wonderful people supporting our cause?”
Mountain sports has produced 36 state basketball championships, 23 Mr. and Ms. Basketballs, 38 football championships, three Mr. Footballs, six baseball champions and 10 Mr. Baseball and Ms. Softballs.
“I grew up in Eastern, that is the 15th Region. The passion for sports is second to none,” Rice told the packed room. I am just honored to have been asked to be a part of this event tonight.”
The fundraiser will be used to help the completion of Phases 3 and 4 of the historic Wayland Gym complex. The total cost is $750,000. Phases 1 and 2 were completed at a price tag of $569,000. Funds were used to stabilize the building, install HVAC, and renovate the interior.
Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Governor Andy Beshear, was the keynote speaker. He praised the MSHOF board and committee members for their dedication and work to preserve the history of sports..
“This is just a wonderful project the folks here at home have undertaken,” he said. “The history of athletics is something we can all be proud to be a part of in the mountains.”
Once Phases 3 and 4 are completed, the renovation of the annex building, and old high school will follow.
Board member Rusty Justice spoke about the mission and vision of the organization, and its goal of working to preserve the rich history of sports.
Individuals wishing to volunteer or provide financial support are urged to contact Herb Triplett (859-585-7446), or Butch McCoy at [email protected].
