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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Graham Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony
2. Successful storytelling at Graham Sports Hall of Fame
The next edition of inductions for the Graham Sports Hall of Fame is set to take place on Saturday night, promising a night filled with stories and memories. The induction class includes notable individuals such as Burton Cates, a championship football coach, and Shelby Hall, a multi-sport standout. Among the inductees is also the 1998 boys’ golf team, who have already started sharing their fond memories of their time at Graham High School. The Hall of Fame banquet begins at 6:00 p.m., with a golf outing scheduled for Saturday prior to the induction ceremony. This year’s Hall of Honor inductees are Buster Goodman and the late Jimmy Perry, who have made significant contributions to Graham-area athletics over the years.
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1. Graham Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony
2. Stories from Graham Sports Hall of Fame induction
By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
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When the next edition of the Graham Sports Hall of Fame takes place this Saturday night at Graham Recreation Center, it will be a night filled with stories of triumph and achievement.
The induction class for this year is particularly special, boasting individuals who have left a lasting legacy at Graham High School. Among the inductees is the 1998 boys’ golf team, a group that has already begun reminiscing about their time together.
One of the team members, Nolan Myrick, shared, “We can all tell stories,” as he reached out to former teammates in anticipation of the induction banquet starting at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The Hall of Fame class also includes Graham resident Burton Cates, a highly successful football coach at Eastern Randolph; Shelby Hall, a versatile athlete at Graham; Nikki Wilborn, a key player in the girls’ basketball team’s three consecutive appearances in state finals; and the 1998 Graham High School boys’ golf team.
Coached by the late Gary Moser, the golf team consisted of Justin Dixon, Shaun Griffith, Joey Hall, Wayne Jordan, Matt Linens, Marty Predmesky Jr., and Myrick. Moser’s unique coaching methods, such as requiring each player to sink 10 consecutive 4-foot putts before practice, have left a lasting impression on the team.
Griffith, the team’s top golfer, went on to compete in amateur tours, while Hall brought a vibrant personality to the group. Many of the team members still reside in Alamance County, and a golf outing is planned for Saturday prior to the induction ceremony.
Wilborn’s Basketball Journey
Nikki Wilborn played a pivotal role in Graham’s success on the basketball court, leading the team to a state final under coach Kyle Ward. Her individual achievements and leadership were instrumental in the team’s accomplishments.
After her high school career, Wilborn continued to excel in basketball at Greensboro College, where she made a game-winning shot that propelled her team to the NCAA Division III Final Four. She credited her success to the supportive environment created by Ward and softball coach Mike Williams at Graham.
Although she stepped away from coaching after a stint at Western Alamance, Wilborn remains passionate about basketball while pursuing a career in clinical research for pharmaceuticals.
Shelby Hall’s Multifaceted Talents
Shelby Hall, a 2011 Graham graduate, showcased her versatility by participating in multiple sports during her high school years. From gymnastics to track and field, basketball, tennis, and softball, Hall’s dedication to sports was unwavering.
Her standout performances in track and field earned her a scholarship to UNC Wilmington, where she excelled as a heptathlete. Hall attributes her success to the support of her coaches, family, and the foundation laid by her gymnastics coach, Sarah Myers.
Currently working in financial advising, Hall continues to stay competitive, recently participating in an ultimate frisbee event in northern Virginia.
Burton Cates’ Coaching Legacy
Burton Cates, a 1970 Graham High School graduate, has made a name for himself as one of the most successful high school football coaches in North Carolina. With over 360 career coaching victories, mostly at Eastern Randolph and Lee County, Cates has established a remarkable coaching legacy.
Despite his coaching accolades, Cates remains humble, attributing his success to the support of those around him, especially his wife Janet. He continues his coaching career at Eastern Randolph, working alongside his son Foster Cates.
Hall of Honor Inductees
Joining the Hall of Fame inductees are Buster Goodman and the late Jimmy Perry, both integral figures in Graham-area athletics. Goodman, a dedicated supporter of Graham High School sports, served as an aide for various teams and sports over the years.
Perry, known for his contributions to youth sports officiating, was a respected figure in the local sports community. His involvement as a game official and booking agent left a lasting impact on the sports landscape in Graham.
As the induction ceremony approaches, the stories and memories of these remarkable individuals will take center stage, celebrating their lasting contributions to Graham High School and the community.
