The Mountain Amateur Athletic Club has unveiled its 2026 Hall of Fame class, which includes notable coaches and athletes from Western North Carolina. The five inductees are Scott Conner, Tim Clifton, Norm Witek, Annette Wise, and Sheila Ford Duncan, each recognized for their exceptional contributions to sports. Lifetime Achievement Awards will go to Gary Ayers, Pete McDaniel, and Kent Briggs, with the induction ceremony scheduled for October 4 at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Conner boasts a 116-41 record with nine conference titles, while Wise is celebrated for her prolific performance in multiple sports during her high school career.

By the Numbers
  • Scott Conner: 14 seasons as Reynolds head coach, 116-41 record, 9 conference titles.
  • Sheila Ford Duncan: Averaged over 20 points and 20 rebounds per game, all-time leading rebounder with 2,200 rebounds.
  • Norm Witek: Coached Brevard College cross country for 47 years, leading to 4 national championships.
State of Play
  • The Hall of Fame inductions recognize significant contributions in athletics over the years.
  • Community members and former athletes are expected to gather for the induction ceremony in October.
What's Next

As the induction date approaches, anticipation builds around potential discussions and tributes celebrating the achievements of the honorees. Further promotions for the event are likely to attract more attendees and raise community interest in local athletics.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Hall of Fame class highlights the importance of recognizing local sports legends, serving as an inspiration for current and future athletes in Western North Carolina. Their achievements reiterate the impact of dedicated coaching and athletic excellence in community development.