Friday, December 20, 2013

2004 AHS Sports Hall of Fame

Posted by don at 4:39 PM

2014-2004 AHS Sports Hall of Fame Link

http://asheboroahs.ss3.sharpschool.com/students/athletics/hall_of_fame___forms
2004 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
RED O’ QUINN, CLASS OF 1943
Red O’ Quinn was truly a pioneer. A letterman in football and baseball, O’Quinn won many awards in basketball at Asheboro high school. After being discharged in the Navy in 1946, he enrolled at Wake Forest where he played basketball and football. He led the nation in pass receiving and was drafted by the Chicago Bears. After a short stint in the NFL, O’Quinn became a legend for the Montreal Allouettes. He has been inducted in both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He is deceased.
RONNIE JOHNSON. CLASS OF 1964
Johnson was named to the All-State baseball team in 1964. He was also an All- Conference performer in basketball and football, and was a member of the 1963 WNCHSAA championship football team. Johnson was a three sport letterman at Asheboro high school and named “Mr. Blue Comet.” He attended Louisburg College and Atlantic Christian where he starred in both baseball and basketball.
STAWBERRY WHELESS, CLASS OF 1960
The “Strawberry Blonde Passing Wizard” quarterbacked the Blue Comets from 1957 thru 1959. He helped guide the 1958 team to the WNCHSAA state title and the Blue Comets were 30-4 with “Strawberry” at quarterback. After a one year stint at VPI, he transferred to Elon where he still ranks very high in many passing categories today. According to Lee J. Stone, “Strawberry” was one of three best quarterbacks he ever coached. The former “Mr. Blue Comet” passed away in 1997.
CHARLES HODGES, CLASS OF 1969
Not only did Hodges excel in football for the Blue Comets, he was a tremendous track athlete as well. An All-Conference performer in football, Hodges rushed for over 1000 yards in each of his three seasons. He was a champion long jumper and sprinter. Hodges is a 1973 graduate of Winston-Salem State University.
He continues to be a leader in the community and finds time to officiate high school football.
CHARLIE CHAPMAN, CLASS OF 1967
Charlie Chapman was an outstanding team player in football, basketball, and track. He was All-Conference in football, co-captain of the basketball team, and tri-captain of the track team. He was a member of a WNCHSAA state title team in football. After graduating from Western Carolina University, he began a career in coaching. He returned to AHS and served in many capacities. He was an assistant football and basketball coach. As a Student Activities Coordinator, he helped to make AHS a statewide recognized sports program. Coach Chapman continues to assist the Blue Comets as a testing assistant and loyal fan.
JAMES YORK, CLASS OF 1951
James “Brother” York was an outstanding athlete at AHS from 1947 to 1951. An All-State performer in both football and basketball, he was also an excellent baseball player. He was selected to play in both the Shrine Bowl and the East/West All-Star games in football. York received a football scholarship to Duke University. He passed away in 1997, but will be recognized as one of the greatest athletes in Asheboro High School history.
DON REDDING, CLASS OF 1955
Redding was an All-State performer in basketball and a member of the 1955 WNCHSAA champions. He was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl for football. Redding was a three year starter in football at UNC-Chapel Hill. He was drafted by the NFL Chicago Bears in 1959. He pursued a career in finance and served in many different capacities in numerous civic organizations. A devoted family man, Don remains very active in the Rams Club at UNC-Chapel Hill.
MARK LEGGETT, CLASS OF 1959
Leggett was MVP of the legendary 1958 football team that was undefeated and is one of the greatest players in NC history. An All-State performer in football, he also was a state champion in wrestling. Mark received a scholarship to Duke University and received All-ACC and All-American honors. An outstanding business leader, Mark Leggett’s name still conjures memories of his galloping down the field for another Blue Comet touchdown.
GAIL “GAILBO” HARRIS, CLASS OF 1961
“Gailbo” was truly ahead of her time. She led AHS to a state title in 1960 while scoring 45 points in the championship game. An All-State selection, Harris once scored 57 points in a game. Although softball was not a school sponsored sport, Gail Harris was very well known for her play. After graduating from college, she continued to work in education and was an award winning principal. She retired in 2003.
DARRELL MOODY, CLASS OF 1966 Darrell Moody was the talk of the town in the 1960’s. He led AHS to two WNCHSAA football titles. An All-American in football, he was also All-State in baseball and lettered in basketball. He received a scholarship to NC State University. After graduation he returned to coach and teach at AHS. Moody continued to coach 27 years in the NCAA at various programs. He now serves as a scout for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.
DAVID “CHICKEN” JARRELL, CLASS OF 1951
David Jarrell was included in Lee J. Stone’s list of the 20 best players he ever coached. He was an Honorable Mention All-state performer who helped Asheboro to the South Piedmont Conference Championship. Jarrell was also an outstanding third baseman. A 25 year manager for Carolina Power and Light Company, David continues to display his leadership qualities as being the present Mayor of Asheboro.
DAVID MOODY, CLASS OF 1973
An All-State selection in both football and baseball, David followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Darrell. Moody played both football and baseball at NC State. He has also served as head coach in both football and baseball at AHS. This former “Mr. Blue Comet” not only played in the East/West All-Star game, but also was selected to coach in the game. David Moody served as an administrator at AHS and is currently the principal at Jordan Matthews High School.
SCOTT RUSH, CLASS OF 1970
Scott Rush was a three-sport letterman. He was All-Conference in football and baseball. Scott played in the East/West Boys Home All-Star football game. He attended Elon College and excelled in both football and baseball. After graduation, Scott returned home and opened a very successful sporting goods store. He was also a founding member of the Blue Comet Booster Club. The former “Mr. Blue Comet” passed away in 1996, but his spirit continues to be a large part of Blue Comet athletics.