

SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETIC
HALL OF FAME
SPECIAL AWARDS
BOBBY RICHARDSON SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Named for the Sumter, SC native who played second base for the New York Yankees in the early 1960s, this award reflects the personal character and moral strength of its namesake. The recipient should emerge from a proposed list of individuals who have edified the qualities of perseverance, teamwork, mentorship and sportsmanship. High moral character is essential.
2023 – Charlie Dayton, Greenville
2018 – Tim Bourret, Clemson
2017 – Danny Morrison, Charlotte
2015 – The Jacobs Family, Clinton
2014 – Billy D’Andrea, Clemson
2012 – Bobby Cremins, Charleston
2011 – Les Robinson, Sullivan’s Island
2010 – Armanti Edwards, Greenwood
2008 – Andre Roberts, Columbia
2006 – Sam Gado, Columbia
2005 – Kevin Kimery, Columbia
WILLIE JEFFRIES AMBASSADOR FOR SPORTS AWARD
Named for the longtime head football coach at South Carolina State University and SCAHOF inductee, the recipient should be someone who has brought great honor to the State of South Carolina, who has merited a high degree of national acclaim, and who has demonstrated consistent and spirited diplomacy in building friendships and coalitions that benefit others like his namesake.
2023 - Hootie & the Blowfish, Charleston
2019 - Julian Smith, Charleston
2018 – Sam Wyche, Greenville
2017 – Fisher DeBerry, Isle of Palms
2015 – Dawn Staley, Columbia
2014 – Mike Veeck, Charleston
2013 – John Rhodes, Myrtle Beach
2012 – Steve Wilmot, Hilton Head Island
2011 – Ray Tanner, Columbia
FELIX "DOC" BLANCHARD CITIZEN FOR SPORTS AWARD
Named for the native South Carolinian who captured the Heisman Trophy while at West Point, this award is not necessarily for an athlete, coach or administrator, however, the recipient must have demonstrated a history of support for athletic endeavors that have benefitted the State of South Carolina. The perception is that this person has performed both behind-the-scenes and in leadership roles to advance the value of athletic endeavors in a community or across the State.
2023 – Rex Maynard, Belton
2018 – Louis Sossamon, Gaffney
2017 – Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Charleston
2015 – Gregg Nibert, Clinton
2011 – Shrine Centers of the Carolinas
2010 – Judge Sol Blatt, Jr., Charleston
DOM FUSCI LEADERSHIP IN ACTION AWARD
Named in memory of our longtime board member and inductee, this award is for the individual who is a driving force behind the annual operations and camaraderie of the SCAHOF. The recipient should be recognized amongst peers for service that has profoundly advanced the functionality of the SCAHOF. Typically, this person is an active and indispensable member of the SCAHOF board of directors.
2023 – Doug Bridges, Columbia
2019 – Kay Fortune, Columbia
2018 – Paul Kennemore, Greenwood
2017 – Jay Pitts, Lexington
2016 – Julian Gibbons, Columbia
2015 – Sonny Dickinson, Columbia
2014 – Dennis Powell, Columbia
2013 – Jeff Grantz, Columbia
2012 – Ken Wheat, Columbia
HERMAN HELMS EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA AWARD
Named for the longtime sports editor and columnist of The State newspaper and co-founder of this organization, the recipient is selected from the very best of various media outlets covering sports within South Carolina. The media representative should exude impeccable fairness and dedicated service to the integrity of the industry.
2023 - Willie T. Smith, III, Greenville
2019 - Bob Gillespie, Orangeburg
2018 – Phil Kornblut, Latta
2016 – Bob Spear, Columbia
2015 – Warren Peper, Charleston
2014 – Rick Henry, Columbia
2013 – Ken Burger, Charleston
2012 – Bill Hamilton, Orangeburg
2011 – Ron Morris, Columbia
SCAHOF SPECIAL RECOGNITION
The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Special Recognition for teams or individual accomplishments.
2023
Dawn Staley, USC, Naismith Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year
R.C. LaHaye, Lander Wrestling Coach, The Mat NCAA Division II Coach of the Year
2022
North Greenville Baseball, DII National Champions
University of South Carolina Women's Basketball, National Champions
2021
South Carolina State Football, HBCU National Champions
Clemson University Men's Soccer, National Champions
2018
Clemson University Football, National Champions
2017
University of South Carolina Women's Basketball, National Champions
2016
Clemson University Football, National Champions
2015
University of South Carolina Equestrian, National Champions
2011
University of South Carolina Baseball, National Champions
2010
University of South Carolina Baseball, National Champions