GOLDSBORO, NC — More than 400 people filled the Forrest Kirk Keller Auditorium on the campus of Wayne Community College last Friday night for a George Whitfield Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that organizers described as unlike any before.
Legendary coach George Whitfield, joined by emcees Wayne Alley and Shane Aube, welcomed 30 new inductees into the Iconic George Whitfield Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of honorees to 719.
The evening opened with special recognition for Arendell Parrott Academy head football coach Matt Beaman, who led the Patriots to a perfect 13–0 season and a state championship this past year.
From there, the ceremony became a virtual “who’s who” of sports figures whose influence has extended well beyond wins and losses, honoring individuals who have made lasting impacts both on and off the field or court.
Among the local inductees were University of Mount Olive President H. Edward Croom; John Crooks, longtime golf coach at Campbell University; Jesse Lancaster, longtime baseball player and coach at UMO; Wilson Raynor, football standout and former New York Jets draft pick; Leo Lockhart, respected longtime referee and umpire; and Ron Lievense, longtime Barton College men’s basketball coach.
Whitfield also took time to recognize Hall of Fame alumni who returned for this year’s ceremony. Addressing the crowd, he encouraged attendees to submit names of others deserving recognition, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring no worthy contributor is overlooked.
The evening served as both a celebration of past achievements and a reminder of the enduring legacy of sports excellence across the region.
