For immediate release
SCAHOF Contact: Tony Ciuffo, tc.scahof@gmail.com
SCSM Contact: Chandler Mack, chandler.mack@scmuseum.org
COLUMBIA, S.C., May 15, 2025 – The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame has finally found a home, sixty-five years after inaugurating its first class of inductees.
The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and the South Carolina State Museum are proud to announce a unique partnership that will honor the Palmetto State’s greatest individual athletes along with its rich sports history. The State Museum will serve as the Athletic Hall of Fame’s “home” as the best center to help recognize the nearly 350 members already enshrined and those who will forever follow.
The formal announcement will be made on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum as part of the SCAHOF’s annual President’s Reception. Media is invited.
The State Museum, which features four floors of exhibitions housed within the historic Columbia Mills Building, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia at 301 Gervais Street.
“This is another terrific day in the history of athletics in South Carolina, and we’re thrilled to partner with the South Carolina State Museum,” said SCAHOF Executive Director Andy Solomon of Charleston. “Since our inception we’ve lived by word of mouth, during our annual induction ceremony and banquet, and most recently the internet and social media.
“And as we say in sports, this is a ‘game changer’ for us both.”
The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, formed in the late 1950s by the South Carolina Association of Sportswriters, inducted its first class in 1960. The class included Rex Enright (USC), Walter Johnson (Presbyterian), Banks McFadden (Clemson), Dode Phillips (Erskine), Frank Selvey (Furman) and Steve Wadiak (USC). Clemson football coach Frank Howard served as the organization’s first president.
"South Carolina is filled with a sports history that’s rich and we’re delighted to share the wonderful stories and accomplishments of our inductees,” Solomon added. “To have a physical place to call ‘home’ was something we've wanted for decades and difficult to bring to fruition. Thanks to the state of South Carolina and the State Museum’s board and administration, as this dream is finally coming true."
“The State Museum is committed to preserving and sharing objects and stories that reflect the history and culture of our state,” said State Museum Executive Director, Amy Bartow-Melia. “We believe this partnership will help us further enhance our ability to spark curiosity and inspire learning in our guests and highlight the amazing achievements of South Carolina athletes.”
The 10-member induction class of 2025 includes Lower Richland High’s Richard Seymour, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, World Cup standout Clint Dempsey of Furman and Coastal Carolina baseball coach Gary Gilmore, who led the Chanticleers to the 2016 NCAA title.
Also being enshrined include the University of South Carolina’s All-American catcher Landon Powell and five-time WNBA All-Star and Olympian Shannon Johnson of Hartsville; Clemson offensive lineman Harold Olson, who helped the Tigers to the 1958 and ’59 ACC titles and Susan Hill-Whitson, the most celebrated tennis player in Clemson history; and Ralph Lundy, who led Erskine and College of Charleston soccer to unprecedented heights. Erskine basketball legend Don Whitehead and Claflin’s storied women’s basketball coach Nelson Brownlee will be enshrined posthumously.
Being recognized with the Willie Jeffries Ambassador for Sports Award will be Kerry Tharp of Darlington, and the South Carolina All-Sports Officials will be honored with the Bobby Richardson Sportsmanship Award. Jim Hudson of Columbia will be presented the Felix “Doc” Blanchard Citizen for Sports Award, while Pete Iacobelli will be bestowed the Herman Helms Excellence in Media Award.
The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame’s 63rd Annual Induction Ceremony & Banquet honoring the class of 2025 is set for Monday, May 19, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The SCAHOF event is the largest annual celebration of Palmetto State sports stars under one roof. The traditional introduction of past inductees, the “Walk of Legends,” is one of the event’s highlights, along with the enshrinement of 10 new inductees and recognition of our award recipients.
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