Greater Mount Airy
Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
from April 20, 2008
Hall of Fame Inductees included:
Newton "Corky" Fowler - Newton Fowler grew up in Mount Airy and played baseball and football for the Granite City Bears. He played 1st base and outfield for four years, and guard, tackle, and end for three years. His play helped win the Class A State Football Championship in 1946, and he was named All Conference in football in 1947. Corky has an extensive background of public service in the communities in which he lived, and retired as General Manager of Phillip Morris USA in Cabarrus County.
Dennis France - Dennis France was an outstanding wrestler at Mount Airy Senior High School and at Appalachian State University. His senior year his wrestling record was 19-1 which led him to the Northwest 3A Conference Championship and the North Carolina State Championship at 134 pounds. He wrestled at Appalachian State University from 1972-1976, and was captain of the team and Most Valuable Wrestler in 1975-1978.
Todd Greenwood - Todd Greenwood began playing football in the Little League with the North Main Rams. He continued into Junior High School, adding basketball and tennis to his sports achievements. In his senior year at Mount Airy, the Bears were undefeated in the regular season, and he was voted Northwest 3A Player of the Year. Todd received a football scholarship to Virginia Tech and was the only true freshman in Hokie history to start the opening game of the season.
Keri Whitehead Campbell - Keri Whitehead Campbell began her early tennis skills in the state of California. Her family moved to Mount Airy in 1981, where she began tennis lessons with Polly Cox, and progressed rapidly through the age brackets earning the #13 ranking in 1989. Her singles and doubles play at Mount Airy High School became legendary, with the State Team title in 1987 and three consecutive state doubles titles with her partner Christine Sanders. In 1990 she enrolled at Abilene Christian University where she became the first female from Mount Airy to receive a college tennis scholarship.
The Granite City Award was presented to:
Polly King Cox - Polly King Cox is a genuine tennis legend in Mount Airy and the state of North Carolina. Her coaching of the young tennis players of our area has produced a trophy case full of tennis championships at Mount Airy High School. In addition to her teaching skills, Polly has organized numerous tennis events over the years, and mixed the love of the game with the principles of exercise, fellowship, and fun.
This wonderful event took place at The Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mount Airy and was presented by the City of Mount Airy Parks and Recreation Commission, and The Greater Mount Airy Sports Hall of Fame.
National Anthem performed by members of the Mount Airy High School Show Choir
Invocation by Rev. Vladimir Strejcek
Welcome by Mayor Jack Loftis
Remarks by John Moore, HOF Chairman
Hall of Fame Committee: John Moore, David Beal, Ronald Boyles, Ben Cooke, Betty Smith, George Speight, Gary Pruett, Mayor Jack Loftis, Don Brookshire City Manager, and Catrina Alexander of Parks and Recreation.