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By C.Y. Peters

The Carter County Sports Hall of Fame Awards Banquet is set to be a spectacular event this Friday night at 5 p.m. at Milligan University. The air is thick with anticipation as over 100 athletes from Carter County prepare to be honored for their outstanding achievements. This grand celebration will be hosted by the charismatic Richard “Jarfly” Dugger, known for his vibrant personality and deep-rooted connection to the community.

A highlight of the evening will be the presence of Graham Clark, the legendary former Kingsport football coach, who will be the guest speaker. With a remarkable 25-year coaching career, Clark is expected to inspire the audience with his stories of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. His insights and experiences are sure to leave a lasting impact on the young athletes and the audience alike. The banquet promises to be a night to remember, not just for the awards, but also for the camaraderie and community spirit it fosters.

A delectable meal will be provided by Milligan University’s Mark Henry, a former Hampton superstar, ensuring that attendees enjoy both the celebration and the company. The event is not just about recognition but also about bringing together families, friends, and supporters of Carter County sports.

Admission to this prestigious event is $15, a small price for an evening filled with celebration and inspiration. The list of winners includes a diverse group of athletes, each of whom has shown exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the year. Their accomplishments, whether in football, basketball, track, or any other sport, are a testament to the hard work and dedication prevalent in Carter County. As the evening unfolds, each winner will step up to receive their medal, their moment of glory. The Carter County Sports Hall of Fame Awards Banquet is not just an event; it’s a testament to the power of sport in shaping lives and building community spirit.

Athlete Honorees:

Unaka Football: Marcus Shomaker, Isaiah White, Tyler Smith, Connor McKinney

Unaka Golf: Mason Wilson, Emma Taylor, Alexa Henshaw

Unaka Boys Basketball: Mason Wilson, Aiden Walsh, John Hardin

Unaka Girls Basketball: Haley Taylor, Katlyn Dugger

Unaka Girls Softball: Haley Taylor, Taylor Grindstaff, Jill Faust, Grace Stout

Unaka Baseball: Logan Lewis, Jacob Nidiffer, Rylann Crabtree

Elizabethton Boys Basketball: Jackson Hobbs, Andrew Barnett

Elizabethton Girls Basketball: Marlee Mathena, Reiley Whitson, Kayelyn Nave, Michelle Shields, Peyton McGee

Elizabethton Track & Field/Cross Country: Helen Hackett, Madeline Isaacs, Jasey Hyatt, Ashleigh Hyatt, Grace Artz, Liahna Nave, Max Garner, Jerry Behrmann, Cooper Chinault, Cooper Jack, Jeremiah Norris, John Siepert, Jamira Smalls

Elizabethton Soccer: Riley Veron, Drake Teague, Luke Whaley, Will Churchill

Elizabethton Swimming: Morgan Roszel, Kody Broussard, Liam Cannon, Ada Digby, Jasey Hyatt

Elizabethton Football: Zeth Mullins, Mason Ball, Luke Whaley, Andrew Blevins

Elizabethton Girls Soccer: Izzy Lewis, Camdyn Garland, Bella Morris, Savannah Smith, Lauren Meier

Elizabethton Girls Softball: Mollie Johnson, Emma Oquinn, Lela Byrd, Lilly Mcduffie

Elizabethton Baseball: Justin Whitehead, Jackson Buckles, Rhett Slagle, Bryson Rowland

Elizabethton Tennis: Maylie Stout, Zyleigh Bates, Anderson Hallman, Hudson Smith

Elizabethton Golf: Ashlyn Guy, Maely Stout, Dalton Sharp

Elizabethton Volleyball: Krisalyn Elliott, Gracie Kirsch, Bailee Vanhuss, Zyleigh Bates

Cloudland Football: Austin Caraway, Cayden Cordell, Silas Burleson, Kyle Birchfield

Cloudland Baseball: Walker Gouge, Thomas Job, Jacob Stinnett

Cloudland Boys Basketball: Cooper Smith, Eli Morgan, Nick Caraway

Cloudland Girls Basketball: Saharra McKinney, Ryan Turbyfill, Izabella Christman

Cloudland Girls Softball: Bethany Sluder, Saharra McKinney, Ryan Turbyfill, Izabella Christman

Happy Valley Football: JC Andes, Joseph Sowards, Aiden Paul

Happy Valley Girls Basketball: Cayden Anderson, Marcinda Moore

Happy Valley Boys Basketball: DarIian Jackson

Happy Valley Baseball: Drew Blevins, Tucker Shoun

Happy Valley Softball: Ashley Grindstaff

Happy Valley Track & Field/Cross Country: Kaydence Carroll, Josie Zeoli, Tyler Bailey, Jullian Pate

Happy Valley Golf: Cayden Anderson, Grace Hollifield, Colton Pemberton

Hampton Baseball: Chance Point, Jayden Kuhn, Elisha Henson

Hampton Football: Elijah McKinney, Dominque Burleson, Dylan Trivett

Hampton Basketball: Hayden Campbell, Geno Carrico, Michael Anspaugh

Hampton Volleyball: Clare Clark, Abigail Kelly, Maleah Scalf, Chloe Clark

Hampton Girls Basketball: Macy Henry, Piper Helle, Taylor Berry

Hampton Golf: Macy Henry, Ezra Tolley

Hampton Softball: Briley Davis, Mallory Lamb, Lacey Smith, Hannah Smith

Hampton Track: Jackson Smith