Fame to the Name of Mount Holly High.
Each year, we honor individuals who have stood out as the hallmarks of sportsmanship and athletic achievement in the history of Mount Holly, North Carolina.
Where it all began.
Founded in 2006
The City of Mount Holly has an extremely rich sports history, with incredible individuals and talented teams achieving local, regional and state awards. The sepia-toned pictures of the sports heroes were rapidly fading - as were the treasured memories of the victories and competition that lifted up this small town from the hardships of war, economic downturns, and the hard-scrabble routines of small town life.
The people of Mount Holly, who grew up as either a part of or a fan of this athletic tradition, would often comment about the proper way to recognize these accomplishments and heroes, something that would leave a permanent record of the feats that have fueled the heartbeat of Mount Holy for more than 80 years.
In late 2006, several locals met to discuss the creation of a Hall of Fame format. After several meetings, a group of citizens was chosen to create the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame. Research and input was obtained from Art Shoemaker of the Belmont Hall of Fame and Richard Walker of the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame. After much discussion, the initial committee consisted of Eddie Wilson, Lee Beatty, Bobby Black, Will Crist, Bryan Hough, Ray Campbell, and Scott Griffin.
Inductees are chosen because of their accomplishments and their ability to inspire, to awe their fans. Each inductee has been a pillar of the community, who not only gave of their talent but also of their time and effort to make Mount Holly a standout in athletics and the spirit of the community.
Meet the 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees
1978 East Gaston Football Team
“We had a lot of special people, and everyone did their role, whether it was to get water, or pick up footballs, everyone participated.” READ MORE
1941 Hawks
“For their efforts on the field, and for what several did beyond football, the 1941 Hawks are being inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame.” READ MORE
Howard Horton
“He always found a way to play, for mill teams, anything he could do. And I think that’s a credit to him to do all that in that time period.” READ MORE
Sam Brown
“It’s been a long process with a lot of peaks and valleys, but I’ve met some wonderful people and had some great opportunities.” READ MORE
April Harte
“I often smile when I look back at all the memories and experiences I was given because of basketball and other sports I played.” READ MORE
Tyler Berg
“Yeah, I was always the tallest kid. Always the guy under the basket…I started high school at 6’ 6”.” READ MORE
2019 Community Spirit Award
Scott Pope, the recipient of the 2019 Community Spirit Award, has always been a busy man. He grew up on a mill hill in Mount Holly, played two sports in high school, coached four sports starting at age 19, married his high school sweetheart, became a father to two sons, helped build local ball fields, announced play-by-play at games, joined the Optimist Club, became a church deacon, went on nine mission trips - including one to Haiti - ran fundraisers, serves as chairman of several groups at church, became a committee member of the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, and is its acting president. READ MORE