The Calhoun-Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame has announced the 2023 class of new memebrs. This year’s CGCSHF banquet is set for Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Sonoraville Recreation Department. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the event beginning at 6:30. A catered dinner will be served.
The 2023 CGCSHF includes Muriel Box, Carrie Cheeks, John W. Dean Jr., Max Tolbert DeFoor, Michelle Gregiore, and Chuck Ruth.
Also selected by a previous vote by the board was the annual team inductee, the 1974 Calhoun High School baseball state championship squad.
Mariel Box – A decorated gymnast, Calhoun High School’s Box racked up numerous titles and top finishes at the Junior Olympics, U.S. Eastern Championships, Georgia State Championships, as well as the collegiate ranks. A member of the University of Georgia’s 2009 National Championship team, the walk-on finished her career with numerous school and Southeastern Conference honors.
Carrie Cheeks – A multi-sport standout, Sonoraville High School’s Carrie Cheeks excelled in track and field, volleyball, and basketball for the Phoenix, continuing her hoops career at Lee University. The four year collegiate starter and part of the school’s 2015 Women’s Basketball DI National Championship team.
John W. Dean Jr. – A excelling in football, basketball, and baseball at Calhoun High School, Dean signs a minor league contract with the Pittsburg Pirates in the 70s, and played four seasons at the single and double-A levels in the organization as a catcher and third baseman.
Max Tolbert DeFoor – A standout athlete at Resaca High School, DeFoor went on to play both basketball and baseball at Berry College in the 1950s, excelling in both sports for the Vikings. The late DeFoor passed away in 1992 at the age of 58 following a teaching career.
Michelle Gregiore – Following a standout career in the 80s at Calhoun High School, Gregiore continued her basketball career at Emmanuel Junior College where she set the single-game scoring record and is a member of the school’s hall of fame. Continuing her career at Clemson University, Gregiore was a two-year starter for the Tigers.
Chuck Ruth – A Red Bud High School product, Ruth was a multi-sport standout at football, wrestling, and track and field for the Cardinals. Also a member of the Blue Barracudas swim team, Ruth continued his athletic career as a member of the Jacksonville State University wrestling team, and continues to serve his community as chairman of various youth sports organizations and also as a referee and coach.
1974 Calhoun High School baseball team – Prior to the success of the Yellow Jackets on the diamond in the first two decades of the 2000s, the 1974 CHS baseball team brought the hardware back to Gordon County with a AA state title for the school. Coached by Phil Robbins and assistant Larry Harmon, the team included Randall Bell, Lamar Bennett, Scott DeFoor, Al Edwards, Stuart French, Gene Greeson, Freddie Holland, Tommy Holden, Ricky Hollingsworth, Billy Hughey, Gary Lewis, Dennis Miller, Ricky Robbins, Jack Silvers, Keith Smith, Mike Stamey, Tony Timms, and Terry Whitfield.
Made up of 13 members, the latest CGCSHF Board of Directors includes President Chuck Ruth, Vice President Dewayne Bowen, President Emeritus Barry Blevins, Greg Bowman, Andrews Brumlow, Al Edwards, Trent Frix, Todd Holbert, Brent Mashburn, Sabrina Pool, David Scoggins, Blake Silvers, and Dave Stokes.
Athletes considered for induction to the CGCSHF are nominated by members of the public through the website, by emailing [email protected], or by mail at P.O. Box 1575, Calhoun, GA, 30703. A $25 fee is required per application. Team inductees are nominated by members during a board meeting, and voted on by the Board of Directors annually.
To nominate a local athlete for consideration, to become an organizational sponsor, or for more information about the Calhoun-Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame, visit cgcshf.com online.
