The N.C. State Strength Sports Hall of Fame inducted a dozen power lifters earlier this month in a ceremony at Aycock Rec Center in Henderson, which saved drive time for most of the inductees – most of them live right here in the community.
Henderson inductees honored on Sept. 10 are Joe Daniel, William Hawkins, Bobby Jones, Harry Orr, Casey Orr, Ralph Peace, James Perry, Zelmo Perry, Dennis Renn and Jake Roberson. Paul Bossi and Ed Brooks also were inducted into the hall of fame, according to Harry Orr, who also serves as assistant director for the organization.
And Sara Coffey of Henderson was inducted, “for her commitment, volunteering to fill anything needed to help promote the sport of powerlifting,” Orr said in a statement to WIZS News.
Induction to the Hall of Fame is the highest honor given to the sport of powerlifting in the state, Orr said. “To be from North Carolina and (have) that many people from a small town like Henderson, that makes it special to all of us that live here,” Orr said.
According to its website, there are six induction criteria for candidates to be considered for induction:
- Be a current resident of NC
- Be at least 25 years old
- Have a minimum of 7 years’ participating in weightlifting, power lifting, coaching, refereeing, volunteering and/or strength sports
- Have demonstrated outstanding participation in the categories of Strength Athletes, Lifter, Coach, Referee and Volunteer
- Must submit a written resume with details that specify reasons for the specific category that the candidate wishes to represent
- Be drug-free, with no history of failed drug test
Orr said the organization plans to continue inducting a couple of new members each year.