COMETS HALL OF FAME-Inaugural CLASS

Robert “Bob” Poole was born in 1931 in Johnston County and was a 1950 graduate of Clayton High School. The 1950 team won 27 straight games, beating rival Smithfield twice during the season. During the 1950 season Bob Poole achieved a remarkable feat in a game against Corinth Holders, when he scored 67 points. This is a state record that remains in place to this day in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association record book. Mr. Poole played basketball at Furman University and later served two years in the US Army. While continuing his education at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to obtain a degree in social work, he decided to follow a call to ministry and enrolled at Southeastern Theological Seminary. Mr.Poole served as a pastor for several churches during his 30 years in ministry. Mr. Poole passed away January 18, 2022.

Donald “Clyde” Sinclair is a lifelong resident of Clayton and a 1977 graduate of Clayton High School. While at Clayton he played football but left his mark in basketball. Donald was a member of the 1976 state championship team. After graduation he attended and played basketball at Kings Community College and then transferred toNorth Carolina Central University where he graduated in 1981. While at NCCU, he was a member of the basketball team averaging 17.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds and set a school record for assists. On two occasions he was voted Defensive Player of the Year and earned All Region and All CIAA honors.Donald joined the Harlem Globetrotters as a player in 1987. “The Glide” was an outstanding guard and considered one of the Globetrotters best defenders and finesse players. Following the 1998 tour, Clyde was named “Mr. Globetrotter” by his teammates and coaches in recognition of a player who represents the true Harlem Globetrotter spirit. He has also received the Globetrotter Legacy Award and helped represent the team when when they were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Last July the Town of Clayton renamed All-Star Park on Front Street the Donald “Clyde” Sinclair Park.

Travis grew up in Western Johnston county but followed his mother Helen who was a teacher for32years at Clayton in 1984 to become a Comet. Travis had a successful academic and athletic career at CHS, graduating 7th in his class and serving as his class president for 4 years. Over the course of 4 years at Clayton he participated in football, basketball and track and field where his team won 2 state championships, 2 sectional championships and 6 conference championships. Travis eventually earned an appointment to the Air Force Academy where he planned to play football.

Instead of reporting to Colorado Springs Travis decided to stay closer to home and attend UNC-Chapel Hill where he played on Mack Brown’s first football team in 1988. After his freshman year he transitioned to track and field and walked onto UNC’s JV basketball team. 2 years later he earned spot playing for Dean Smith on the UNC Varsity Team. As a senior in 1993, Travis was a member of Coach Smith’s final national championship team that went 34-4, defeating Michigan and the Fab Five in the Louisiana Superdome. Travis graduated as a 2 year letterman winner with a BA in political science.

Johnny Dutch graduated from Clayton High School in 2007 as one of the most acclaimed track athletes ever. He won nine NCHSAS state championships starting as a freshman in 2004 by tying the national freshman record in the 100 meter hurdles at the time. In 2005, as a sophomore he tied the 55 meter national record which he later broke. In 2007, he set a new national prep record in the 55 meter hurdles and was profiled in Sports Illustrated. He was a 2 time NCHSAA State Track and Field Meet MVP, a nine time high school All American and a 3 time High School National Champion in US Track and Field Competitions. At one point he held 4 NC State records at the same time. Johnny attended University of South Carolina, but also had over 13 scholarship offers from some of the top track and field universities across the nation including Florida, Tennessee and University of Southern California. At the University of South Carolina he was an 8 time All American. In 2009 he was the NCAA 400 meter runner up and silver medalist at the 2009 USA

Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Internationally he won 2 gold medals at the 2009 Pan American Junior Track and Field Championships. In 2010, Johnny was the NCAA 400 meter hurdles national champion. He turned professional after his junior year in college signing with Nike and Puma. He is a 3 time US Olympic Trials finalist and had been ranked as high as #2, #3 and #5 in the world during his professional career. He is ranked in the top 25 of the all time in the 400 meter hurdles. Johnny earned a degree in Media Arts at the University of South Carolina specializing in film production. He currently lives in California as a active film maker.

Anissa graduated in 2000 near the top of her class academically and lettering in both basketball and track during her four years at Clayton High. Athletically, it was on the track that she excelled. As a freshman, she captured the 2A State Championship in the 200m, and 3rd in the 100m. Clayton High transitioned to the Class 3A division during her sophomore year; however, this did not stop her from continuing her success on the track. Gainey won the 3A State Championship in the 100m as a sophomore, junior and senior. She also won the 3A State Championship in the 200m as a junior and senior, adding the long jump to her State Championship titles as a junior as well. Gainey won a total of 7 State Championships during her tenure at Clayton High School, going undefeated in regular season competition during this span. As a junior, she was awarded the 3A State Championship MVP. She was voted All Conference MVP her senior year. Additionally, as a senior, she was awarded the Extra Effort Award by WRAL for her athletic and academic accomplishments as well as the News and Observer Track Athlete of the Year. Following graduation, Gainey went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a track and field scholarship. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, with a concentration in Advertising. During her collegiate career she had continued success on the track and in the classroom. As a freshman, she was All-ACC in Indoor and Outdoor, placing 2nd in both the 60m and 200m at the ACC Indoor Championships and 2nd in the 100m at the ACC Outdoor Championships. Her sophomore year, she garnered All-ACC in the 200m by placing 3rd in the event at the ACC Indoor Championships. She was All-America in the Distance Medley Relay at the NCAA Indoor Championships, helping the relay team break an American record in the Distance Medley Relay, she won the ACC Indoor Championships in the 200m, NCAA Indoor Championship as part of the Distance Medley Relay, running the 400m leg of the event, anchor leg of the 4x400m relay that broke an 11-year old Carolina record and went on to become All-America in the 4x400m relay at the NCAA Indoor Championships. During her senior year, she was All-ACC in the 200m, placing 3rd in the event at the ACC Indoor Championships. She was also a member of the 4x400m relay, placing 2nd at the ACC Indoor Championships. In outdoor, she was All-ACC in the 200m, placing 3rd at the ACC Outdoor Championships. She qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 400m, placing in the top 5 at the regional qualifying meet.Academically, Gainey was on the Dean’s List several semesters as a student-athlete, being selected as a member of the NCAA All-American Academic Team and awarded with the UNC Athletic Director’s Scholar-Athlete Award for her success on and off the field. Anissa currently resides in Durham, NC where she works as an HR professional. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends.

Coach Nixon was born in Buffalo, New York and graduated from NC State in 1955. He began his teaching and coaching career at Beulaville High School in 1957 and moved to Clayton in 1959. During his 25 years at Clayton, he served as football coach where his teams were perennial playoffs contenders. Coach Nixon also served as Clayton High School Athletic Director for 15 years increasing the total athletic program from 4 activities to 15 teams in 8 different sports. Coach Nixon has a final coaching record of 203-95-4. After retirement, he served as the Johnston County School’s Athletic Director until 1994. He served as an assistant coach in the North South All Star Game and both as a head and assistant coach in the NC Shrine Bowl. In 1985 he was recognized as the North Carolina Athletic Director of the Year. In 1996 he was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1999. Coach Nixon and his wife Joyce had three children and both of his boys played and coached football. Coach Nixon passed away in May of 2012.

Coach Andy Pleasant is a lifelong resident of Clayton and a lifelong Comet. After graduating from Clayton in 1969 and then graduating from Appalachian State College in 1973, he returned to Clayton High where he began teaching and coaching. Andy began his “career” in athletics serving as Glen Nixon’s manager for baseball, girls basketball and football at the age of 11. During his high school years Andy played baseball and football for the Comets. Andy’s coaching career included girls basketball, boys basketball, football and baseball. He served as an assistant coach for Jeff Adams and helped lead the 1976 team to the 2A state championship. In 1989, he served as an assistant on Coach Gary Fowler’s team as they won the 2A state championship. For all 30 years Coach Pleasant served as the Head coach of the Varsity baseball team with an overall record of 410-262. Upon his retirement in 2003, the baseball field at Clayton High School was named “Andy Pleasant Field”. Andy and his wife Gloria have two children, Paige and Kyle.

Coach Jeff Adams was a lifetime resident of Johnston County. He graduated from Meadow School where he was described as a “speedster” on the basketball team and for shooting a half court basket at the final buzzer to win a game. Jeff attended and played basketball at Campbell College for two years, when it was a junior college. He transferred to Atlantic Christian College, now known as Barton College. There he played baseball and was student body president. Jeff started his professional career at Benson School as a science teacher and coach. In 1966 Coach Adams started his 25 year career at Clayton High School where he taught science and coached basketball, football, baseball, cross country, and golf. Upon his hiring, he was told he would be coaching baseball, basketball, and JV football. Years later he told a former CHS player, “I didn’t know the difference between a football and a hickory nut”. With the help of Glenn Nixon and other mentors, Jeff learned the game of football and was instrumental in the CHS football program as JV coach and varsity scout. Jeff admired and respected Coach Dean Smith of UNC Chapel Hill and modeled his conditioning drills after Coach Smith’s. At least a couple of players were literally run “out of their shoes”. In 1976, Coach Adams led the basketball team to win the NCHSAA 2A Championship. A former CHS principal described him as: “Above all, he exude(d) warmth and caring for students, which has earned him the respect and admiration of both students and colleagues…He (was) quiet but firm, disciplined yet flexible, straightforward yet patient, rational yet tolerant, stoic yet humorous, Christian yet human, and display(ed) that unique insight into humanity that enable(d) him to help the individual needs of his fellow man”.

Reginald Poole was born and raised in Johnston County. He attended Clayton High School. Mr. Poole enlisted in the army at the age of 15 and following a 24 year career in the army, he returned to Johnston County to live and raise four children, along with his wife Mary. He worked for the US Postal Service for 21 years and at Hudson’s Hardware for many years. Although he was involved with many service organizations, his dedication to Clayton High School was at the top of his list. As his children became involved with sports at Clayton High School, their dad also became involved. Reginald was most instrumental in the formation of the Comet Athletic Booster Club during the mid 1960s, where he served as the first president. He was always supportive of whatever was needed to assure that our athletes were successful. Whether he was building things, selling hotdogs, selling sweatshirts, or sitting in the stands, our coaches and students knew that he was there for them. He helped to plan and physically build press boxes and concession stands for our athletic fields. In 2009, the Comets lost a life long friend with the passing of Mr. Poole was a valuable part of Clayton High School.

Coach Fowler is a 1973 graduate of Smithfield Selma High School where he was a wingback and cornerback. Upon graduation from Appalachian State University Gary returned to Johnston County for his teaching and coaching career at Cooper Middle School in 1977. He coached for Cooper Middle School for 3 years before joining Coach Glenn Nixon’s staff. In 1984 when Coach Nixon retired Coach Fowler was promoted from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach. In his 28 seasons as a head coach, Coach Fowler won 13 conference championships, a state championship in 1989 and made numerous trips to state playoffs. His overall record is 215-123-1. During his career, he not only taught his players the game of football but also life. He taught them about family loyalty, a good work ethic and the importance of carrying with them a good name. He never ended a practice or game without telling his players that he loved them. It was important to Gary that Clayton High School and the students had the best in facilities and equipment. He was known in the Clayton community to trade a hat or shirt for whatever was needed to make the facilities better whether it was using equipment, acquiring left over materials from a construction site or loads of dirt. The athletic programs grew and succeeded under his leadership. Coach Fowler and his wife Sue have two children, Drew and Cameron.

Clayton High School fielded their first high school football team in 1952 playing games with 6 men on a field 80 yards long and 40 yards wide. Coach Joe Hicks was hired to coach basketball at Clayton and coached football for the 1st time in 1951 with 4 exhibition games. In one game they lost 57-0 so it was certainly a learning experience. The players raised money to purchase their uniforms and equipment by picking cotton in a local farmer’s field and selling magazine subscriptions. Players on the 1951 team recruited more boys from the school to play a year later. A year later over 21 of the 68 boys in the student body signed up to play football. For some of the players they milked cows early in the morning, work in tobacco during the day, milked cows again in the afternoon and then went to football practice at night. Six man football was played with three lineman, a fullback, quarterback and wingback. The Comets’ offense was known as “shake, rattle and roll”. The Clayton offense featured the passing of Bobby Dodd, with Clark Davis and Eugene Capps in the

backfield usually running behind Winfred Hall, Lamar Lee and Charles Goron. Davis, Hall and Gordon all eventually went on to play football at East Carolina. That 1952 team went 13-0 and averaged 38 points per game and defensively averaged only giving up 10 points per game.

Robert “Bob” Poole was born in 1931 in Johnston County and was a 1950 graduate of Clayton High School. The 1950 team won 27 straight games, beating rival Smithfield twice during the season. During the 1950 season Bob Poole achieved a remarkable feat in a game against Corinth Holders, when he scored 67 points. This is a state record that remains in place to this day in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association record book. Mr. Poole played basketball at Furman University and later served two years in the US Army. While continuing his education at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to obtain a degree in social work, he decided to follow a call to ministry and enrolled at Southeastern Theological Seminary. Mr.Poole served as a pastor for several churches during his 30 years in ministry. Mr. Poole passed away January 18, 2022.

Donald “Clyde” Sinclair is a lifelong resident of Clayton and a 1977 graduate of Clayton High School. While at Clayton he played football but left his mark in basketball. Donald was a member of the 1976 state championship team. After graduation he attended and played basketball at Kings Community College and then transferred toNorth Carolina Central University where he graduated in 1981. While at NCCU, he was a member of the basketball team averaging 17.1 points per game, 7.2 rebounds and set a school record for assists. On two occasions he was voted Defensive Player of the Year and earned All Region and All CIAA honors.Donald joined the Harlem Globetrotters as a player in 1987. “The Glide” was an outstanding guard and considered one of the Globetrotters best defenders and finesse players. Following the 1998 tour, Clyde was named “Mr. Globetrotter” by his teammates and coaches in recognition of a player who represents the true Harlem Globetrotter spirit. He has also received the Globetrotter Legacy Award and helped represent the team when when they were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Last July the Town of Clayton renamed All-Star Park on Front Street the Donald “Clyde” Sinclair Park.

Travis grew up in Western Johnston county but followed his mother Helen who was a teacher for32years at Clayton in 1984 to become a Comet. Travis had a successful academic and athletic career at CHS, graduating 7th in his class and serving as his class president for 4 years. Over the course of 4 years at Clayton he participated in football, basketball and track and field where his team won 2 state championships, 2 sectional championships and 6 conference championships. Travis eventually earned an appointment to the Air Force Academy where he planned to play football.

Instead of reporting to Colorado Springs Travis decided to stay closer to home and attend UNC-Chapel Hill where he played on Mack Brown’s first football team in 1988. After his freshman year he transitioned to track and field and walked onto UNC’s JV basketball team. 2 years later he earned spot playing for Dean Smith on the UNC Varsity Team. As a senior in 1993, Travis was a member of Coach Smith’s final national championship team that went 34-4, defeating Michigan and the Fab Five in the Louisiana Superdome. Travis graduated as a 2 year letterman winner with a BA in political science.

Sharlene is a 2007 graduate of Clayton High School. Sharlene, her sister Audrey and their late mother Teresa were the foundation of the beginning of our women’s golf program in 2001.

While at Clayton Sharlene lettered all four years in golf and was the regional champion her sophomore year finishing 7 strokes ahead of the next closest competitor. That year Sharlene finished 5th in state individually. As a junior she tied for the regional championship and helped lead the Comets to a 3rd place state finish that year. In conference play she was a 4 time all conference and conference golfer of the year.

After earning her business degree in 2011 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sharlene entered the financial services industry as a financial analyst. Sharlene has held various roles in both Finance and Technology throughout her career, currently serving as the Data Center Programs Lead for Truist Bank. In 2012, Sharlene married her high school sweetheart, Troy McLeod and they now share two wonderful boys, Levi (5) and Mason (3). Sharlene is grateful to receive this honor and would like to recognize her late mother, Theresa Gale, for all her efforts in starting the Women’s Golf Program at CHS in 2001 and her father, Dirk Gale, for teaching his girls to swing a club all those years ago.

Tori went to Clayton High School from 2004-2008 and graduated in the top 20 of her class. Throughout her high school career, Tori played volleyball and was a strong field eventer on the track team achieving the MVP in Field Events for 3 seasons. Her biggest accomplishments were focused in Pole Vault holding the Clayton High School Women’s Pole Vault record of 11’ to this day. In the Pole Vault, Tori was a 2 time Conference Champion, 2 time Regional Champion, and qualified for States 4 times (only taking home the State Championship title in 2007 after recovering from a shoulder surgery in 2006 that resulted from a fall during a meet). Tori also had the honor to compete in the National Scholastic Indoor Track and Field Championship in New York City in 2007. In 2008, she graduated and went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from NC State in 2012. Tori has now worked for Caterpillar Inc. with varying roles over the past 10 years ranging from responsibilities in engineering, process improvement, operations management, and now dealer business development. On a personal note, she has been happily married for 6 years and has a wild 2 year old son named Daniel (also known as D4) who is the perfect blend between her and her husband Daniel. Tori is truly honored to be an inductee to the Hall of Fame this year.

Coach Triplett started coaching in 1973 at East Surry High School in Pilot Mountain. He coached for six years as an assistant football coach, freshman basketball coach, JV baseball coach and boys golf coach. At East Surry Coach Triplett started the golf program and had players qualify for state finals in 1977, 1978 and 1979.

Coach Triplett moved to Watagua High School in Boone in 1979. He coaches assistant football, freshman girls basketball, JV boys basketball and was the head baseball coach. The football team made the state playoffs in both 1981 and 1984. His freshman girls went undefeated in 1979 and hsi JV Boys teams won 2 conference championships.

In 1985 Coach Triplett moved the Clayton High School. He was the head varsity basketball coach for 6 years and then head girls coach for 2 years. He was an assistant football coach from 1986 to 2014 and part of the 1989 state championship staff. In football they were conference champions over 10 times and made many state playoff appearances. From 1992 to 2014 Coach Triplett was the boys golf coach and led them to a State Championship in 2005. They were 12 time conference champions and had many state qualifiers. He was the Coach of the year 9 times. Coach Triplett wants to thank the Comet fans for all the support he was received for so many years at Clayton.

Corey Blackmon has been an essential part of Clayton High School since he joined the football program as team manager 36 years ago. Corey first became involved with CHS in 1987 when his cousin Kareem “Scope” Rowland landed the job as team manager. Kareem asked Coach Fowler if Corey (then a student at the North Carolina School for the Deaf) could be a manager too. Over the past 36 years, Corey aka Mr. CHS has developed his identity through Clayton High School. Through the years Corey has served as part manager, part coach, part friend and part family, according to former Football Coach Gary Fowler. Corey also started assisting with the basketball program at Clayton High School in the 2003-2004 school year. Corey was born with hearing loss in both ears and today partially deaf in the right ear and completely deaf in the left ear. Corey’s degree of hearing loss was not discovered until Corey attended Clayton Primary School, by his kindergarten teacher Mrs. Gloria Pleasant. Mrs. Pleasant is the wife of former Clayton High School Coach Andy Pleasant. Throughout the years the Pleasant’s have continued to be an important element in Corey’s life. Corey won the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award in 1985 presented by WRAL-TV. Corey’s, prize possession is a 1989 Clayton Football State Championship Ring. Even though Corey never attended Clayton High School, no one has a bigger heart for CHS than Corey. He is the true definition of “Comets All In”.

Loomis was a 1971 graduate of Clayton as a sophomore he was All Metro and Honorable Mention All State in Football. As a Junior and Senior he was both All Metro and All State. He was extremely active in the Clayton Community in particular with his work with the Civitan. His name is on the Civitan building as one of the major founders of the organization which helped serve so many young student athletes in Clayton.

Greg Tart was born and raised in Clayton. His parents Randolph and Pat Tart helped start the original CHS Booster Club over 50 years ago. Chief Tart attended Clayton Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1985. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1989 and did graduate work at NC State University. In his athletic career at CHS from 1981 through 1985, Chief Tart was a two-time All-Conference, two time All-Metro, All-East and honorable mention All-State football player. He was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner. Chief Tart said, “I was fortunate to play for Coach Glenn Nixon, Coach Gary Fowler, Coach Andy Pleasants, Coach Jeff Adams, and Coach Jimmy Barbour. These men all have had tremendous impacts on my life as a student and athlete. They all taught me valuable life lessons at I carry to this day.” He began his law enforcement career in 1989 and worked 30 years with the NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). In his career with the SBI, he spent 20 years as a homicide investigator and field supervisor, Raleigh Field Office upervisor, Assistant Director of Field Operations, and retired as Deputy Director in 2018. At the time of his retirement, he oversaw over 600 SBI Agents and civilian employees across the State. After retirement, he did contract work for the UNC system and the NC State Crime Laboratory. In November of 2020, Greg was asked to serve as the Interim Chief of Police in Clayton. After 3 months, he agreed to become the permanent Chief of Police and currently remains in this role. He currently oversees 61 sworn police officers and 4 administrative staff. Chief Tart also serves on the Town of Clayton’s Executive Team. Chief Tart said, “It has been a highlight of my 34-year law enforcement career to serve as the Chief of Police in my hometown”. He is married to Krystal and has two daughters, Lizzie and Izzy. Lizzie graduated from CHS in 2013 and was an outstanding student and all-conference cheerleader.

Rod Clark was a 4 year letterman on the football, basketball and track teams. During his high school career, he earned numerous awards and accolades including; most outstanding athlete, 2A MVP in the state championship game, Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award, 2A 1st Team all east, News and Observer all triangle team all in 1989. In 1990 he was recognized as News and Observer MVP and earned a spot on the NCHS Eas-West All Star team. Rod went on to attend Elon University and 2006 inductee into their Athletic Hall of Fame. At Elon he was a four year starter on the football team and earned first team all conference accolades both as a sophomore and senior. As a junior he was 2nd team all region and first team all region as a senior. In 1992 he was a second team all American and an honorable mention all American in 1994.

Corey graduated from Clayton High in 1993. He was an all conference QB for the football team and a 3 yr letterman in baseball. He was a 2 time All-State and 2 time Capital Area Conference player of the year. He starred at NCSU and was drafted in the 1st round by the Texas Rangers in 1996. He played with Rangers, White Sox and Angels organizations, making a MLB debut with the Rangers. Lee also spent time playing in Japan and was a NPL Champion with the Nippon Ham Fighters. Corey was an All-Star at the A, AA, & AAA levels through 12yrs of professional baseball. After retiring, Corey was the pitching coach for the Czech National Team for 9 yrs and currently is the pitching coach and coordinator at Pro5 Baseball Academy. Corey married Allyson Paschal also of Clayton High. They live in Clayton and have 4 children.

Robert Poole is a life-long resident of Clayton and a 1976 CHS graduate. He was a member of the 2A State championship basketball team. He made all- conference in baseball 3 years and in football his senior year. He earned 13 varsity letters during his 4 years at CHS (4 in track, 4 in baseball, 3 in football and 2 in basketball). He was named the MVP in football his senior year and was also named Athlete of the Year. He was also a member of the Johnston County American Legion baseball team that played for the state championship his senior year.

After he graduated from CHS, he was awarded a baseball scholarship to UNC Pembroke. Robert began coaching Babe Ruth baseball during the summer of his freshman year and continued coaching youth baseball in Clayton for the next 30 years. He also was a volunteer coach at Cooper Junior High School football with Gary Fowler and Clayton JV football with Jeff Adams. Mark Bogle, a player who played under Robert Poole said, “So grateful to have had Robert Poole as a coach

growing up. He taught me how to play baseball the right way and encouraged me to be the best that I could be. My hope is that I can have the same positive impact on players I coach. Congratulations Robert on your induction into the Clayton Booster Club Hall of Fame!” After graduating from college, he started a career with the US Postal Service in 1981 and retired in 2021. He also joined the US Air Force Reserves in 1986 and served 32 years until he retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in 2018. During that time, he was deployed 7 times, including 4 to the desert. Robert is married to Lisa Blinson Poole of Clayton and has 3 sons (Ryan, Corey and Casey Poole) and 2 bonus sons (Harrison and Holden Denny). Fortunately, they all reside in the area.

Butch Bailey was born October 26, 1957 in Clayton where he has lived his entire life. Butch attended Clayton Elementary School, Cooper Middle School, and graduated from Clayton High School in 1976. Butch’s mom, Grace Bailey, was a Clayton High School Female Athlete of the Year in 1950. Butch’s dad, Bill Bailey, for many years, could be seen at nearly every baseball game played in Clayton!

Butch was a three-year varsity letterman in football, a four-year varsity letterman in baseball, All-Conference baseball three years, and a high school All-American in baseball. In 1976, Butch pitched a perfect game against Apex High School, which still stands as the county’s only high school perfect game.

Receiving a baseball scholarship to Methodist University, Butch played four years at Methodist and was a starting pitcher for each of his four years as a Monarch. While serving as a starting pitcher for Methodist, the Monarchs were Conference Champions three times, earning a National Tournament bid one year. After a successful college baseball career, Butch graduated and started his career at Evans Plumbing where he has worked for the last 41 years.

For years, Butch has given back to the youth of Clayton Community as a coach. Butch coached baseball 5 years for Clayton Civitan Little League, coached various sports for the Town of Clayton and YMCA, and coached Purpose Driven Baseball for several years - shaping the lives of many young adults along the way.

Butch and his wife Rhonda, who he married in 1989, are both active members at Generation Church in Clayton. He and Rhonda have one son, Brett Bailey - Clayton High School class of 2013, and one daughter, Alex Bailey - Clayton High School class of 2022.

Butch Bailey is a proud, lifelong Comet who even today can be seen in the crowd at various sporting events at Clayton High School. He is the epitome of a COMET!

The 1989 Clayton High School football team electrified and brought the Town of Clayton together like only high school football could. Coach Gary Fowler was in his 5th year as the Comet Head Coach after taking over for the legendary Glenn Nixon who had held that position for 25 years. In 1989 the Comets had 9 seniors returning from the 88 team that lost to James Kenan in the 2nd round of the 2A state playoffs. The 89 season started without even playing a scrimmage as an event was canceled at SSS due to heavy thunderstorms. They traveled down to DH Conley to kick off Week 1 with Coach Fowler not knowing exactly what to expect but the Comets came home with a 19-6 win. The offense was led by Quarterback Darren Banks, Tailback Rod Clark and Fullback Chris Watson and an offensive line that utilized their quickness to the maximum. Clayton’s run first offense was aided by a team philosophy of Coach Fowler who preached defense and taking time off the clock to shorten games, keeping it close into the 4th quarter.

After Week 1 the Comets won their next 7 in convincing fashion before Warren County gave the Comets everything they could handle but a couple of scores late kept the Comets at 8-0 and eventually 10-0 going into the 2A state playoffs. The 89 boys opened up the postseason with a 27-6 win over West Brunswick where the defense caused three turnovers and the team rushed for 351 yards. In the 2nd round they faced a 12-1 Wallace Rose Hill team and were quickly down 14-0. The Comets woke up quickly and took a 21-14 lead into halftime. The Comets came out on fire in the 2nd half and won 42-22. In Week 3 the Comets achieved their goal of practicing on Thanksgiving and had to go on the road to face East Bladen, another number 1 seed. The defense and special teams were outstanding that night in what Coach Fowler described as the coldest night of his life but the Comets returned home with another win to send them to the Eastern 2A finals with a 34-6 win.

The Eastern 2A finals pitted the Comets hosting a highly touted Farmville Central team led by a QB who was one of the best players in the state. For the first time the whole season the Comets were down in the 2nd half 8-7 but another turnover caused by the defense led to a game winning TD by Rod Clark sealing win number 14.

The Comets were planning on hosting a State Championship game only to have a winter storm hit the area on that Thursday which covered the field in mainly ice. In true Clayton fashion the town had come together to get the field prepared only to have it destroyed. Once again the town game together with people bringing four wheelers from all over out on the field breaking the ice and removing it. Originally the game was postponed to Saturday and then to Monday. By Monday the Comets were ready to host a 10-4 Monroe team that touted one of the state’s best running backs. Coach Fowler was quoted as saying he didn’t remember everything he said to the team but one thing stood out, “They don’t know where Clayton is, we are a small country town, so let’s show them where Clayton is.” The game itself proved to be a defensive struggle as an Eddie Sasser field goal early in the 2nd quarter were the only points on the board. In the 4th an interception return deep into Rebel territory led to a 1 yard TD by Chris Watson and the Comets were up 10-0 with 8:33 left in the game. In true Comet fashion the defense dominated the 4th with a fumble recovery and a Deon Williams interception that he took to the house to give the Comets a 16-0 lead. The clock eventually ran out and Clayton captured the 1989 2A State Championship.

Dr. Richard Alioto was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Department of Orthopedics. In 1994 he completed a one- year sports fellowship at the University of Missouri Kansas City and worked with the Kansas City Chiefs. After practicing for 2 years in Pittsburgh he was hired by Duke and Johnston Health in 1997 to begin an orthopedic practice in Johnston County.

With a goal of becoming the local team physician in the community where his family lived and children would attend school, Dr. Alioto also had a strong desire to improve not only the access and delivery of advanced sports medicine care but also of orthopedic surgery. In 1998, he approached the county athletic directors about providing pre-season physicals for the upcoming academic season for the high school athletes. With a number of volunteer physicians and first responders, this program has continued to this day and has provided over 5K physicals over the years along with the health benefit of screening for cardiac or other orthopedic conditions affecting the athletes. Each of the county schools have participated in the program. More recently, concussion impact screening and follow up care has been incorporated for those schools wishing to participate. In 1998, Dr. Alioto also approached football coach and AD, Gary Fowler, along with head soccer coach, Keith Jenkins, about providing volunteer coverage for home soccer and football games. By 2000, he was covering home soccer games for both men and womens’ teams along with covering both the home and away football games: a schedule which persisted for 25 years.

By working with the athletic trainers directly and providing his immediate access, the Clayton athletes have had excellent orthopedic care. Besides his volunteer work within the Clayton High School community, Dr. Alioto has been a strong supporter of Clayton athletics both as a fan and financial supporter of the fundraisers. In early 2023, Dr. Alioto organized the Johnston Health medical staff and successfully encouraged the staff to donate $20K for the purchase and teaching of 14 AED units which will be placed in each of the county middle schools at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year to allow for immediate response in the event of cardiovascular emergencies.

Within the Johnston Health medical community Dr. Alioto has served the growing medical staff as a two term Chief of Surgery, as Vice Chief of Staff, and as President of the Medical Staff. He was elected and served for 6 years as a member of the Hospital Board of Directors. In 2007 when the hospital announced plans to build a hospital in our Clayton community, Dr. Alioto proactively led a group to purchase and develop the Spring Branch Medical Park which sits adjacent to the hospital and consists not only of his UNC office practice but 10 other medically related Medical Office Buildings. Dr. Alioto feels that his involvement with Clayton High School over the years has made his work as an orthopedic surgeon both enjoyable and rewarding. It is humbling to be considered and recognized by the people of this community for this prestigious honor.

Darren L. Banks was born and raised in Clayton, North Carolina. From 1988 through 1991, Mr. Banks attended Clayton High School. During his tenure in high school, Mr. Banks participated on numerous sports teams, and helped lead his team to several conference championships. One of his biggest accomplishments was being the football team’s QB during his high school playing career. In 1989, he helped lead the Comets to an undefeated regular

season, and eventually would lead them to a State Championship title. To this day, he still holds the school record for most consecutive wins for a QB, which is 25. Outside of football, Mr. Banks also participated in track and field. During his track and field career, Mr. Banks was a state finalist in the relay events.

Inside the classroom, he was also a focused and driven student. Due to his competitive nature, both on the field and inside the school building, Mr. Banks became a two time award winner of the “Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award.” This award was given to athletes across the state of North Carolina who excelled both inside the classroom and on their respective sport’s field or court.

After high school, Mr. Banks would continue his pursuit of excellence, only this time at North Carolina A&T University. While attending A&T, he would not only be a student, but he would also serve with the United State Air Force. His commitment to excellence in all things would lead him to a 22.5 year military career. During those years, he showcased several quality traits; those being selflessness, bravery and top notch leadership.

Upon retiring from the military, as a “Master Sergeant,” his heart helped lead him back to a place that helped shape who he was as a person, Clayton High School. Returning to Clayton High School meant he must trade out his student role for a “coach role,” something the military helped shape the very traits that every coach should possess.

However, coaching football is only a small percentage of what he actually does at Clayton. He helps pass on wisdom, work ethic and leadership to student-athletes on a daily basis. His dedication to his craft and helping the youth is something that everyone in the town is proud of.

In closing, Mr. Banks’ journey is something that should be celebrated and cheered in the community. The journey is a testament to his resilience, strength and unwavering spirit of “Comets” making a difference in the community and beyond.

At Clayton High School Chris Eaves was a 4 year member of the golf team and was awarded all conference 3 times. In 1992 he was the NCHSAA 2A State Runner up and in 1993 he was the 2A Regional Champion and finished in the top 5 of the state that year. After high school Chris went onto Methodist University where he was an all conference golfer in 1997 and 1998 as a member of back to back national championship teams. In 1998 Chris was an Honorable Mention All-American golfer. In 19 college golf tournaments he was a 1 time winner and finished in the top 10 in 7 of those tournaments.

While at Methodist Chris competed in the CGA as an amateur golfer where he continued to build on his impressive golf resume. He was an North Carolina 4 ball champion, 2 time runner up for the NC amateur and a 2 time winner of the Taylor Made Club Pro-Am. He also won the Wilmington City Amateur tournament and finished in the top 5 of 4 of the other NC Amateur tournaments. Chris also represented the Carolina’s in what is called the Captains Putter Matches today which is competition of the top amateur golfers from the Carolinas and Virginia where he was victorious.

From 1998 to 2005 after graduating from Methodist Chris turned pro where he one 7 tournaments on mini tours and finished in multiple top 10’s over the years in other tournaments. The biggest highlight of his professional golf career was qualifying for the 2002 PGA Michelob Championship at Kingsmill Resort in Virginia.

Chris said, the following “First of all, my family and I are extremely proud and honored to be nominated. This is a true testament of hard work and determination to be chosen as a member. Without the greatest support from my mom, dad, and brother growing up, this wouldn’t have been possible. They pushed me and supported me beyond all measures. I am so thankful to know they will celebrate this as much as I will.

To be able to share this with my brother, Clint Eaves, I am beyond PROUD!! He deserves this just as much as I do. He has given back to Clayton High School and the community more than anyone will know. This will be an outstanding and amazing night.

Tonya D. Payne is the daughter of Diane Payne. Tonya is a 1992 graduate of Clayton High school where she played 4 years of both varsity volleyball and basketball. Tonya made her mark on the basketball world receiving multiple all conference and all regional recognitions. In 1991 she helped lead the Lady Comets to a conference championship. Upon graduation from Clayton High School in 1992 Tonya was afforded the opportunity to attend Campbell University on a 4 year athletic scholarship. Per our research Tonya was the first female basketball player to receive a Division 1 scholarship. She played for the Campbell Camels up until her senior year where she unfortunately tore her ACL. She went on to graduate from Campbell with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and years later went back to school to obtain her MBA. Tonya currently works with the United State Postal Service and is the mother to 2 young men, her 19 years old son Zyon and 17 year old son Zacai. Tonya would like to thank God for all that she has accomplished, without him, I am nothing!

Gennilee Eisenmann Jackson graduated Clayton High School in 2005 and Lenoir Rhyne University in 2009. In her time at Clayton High School, she played 4 years of varsity softball and competed in Cross Country and Track for all 4 years. She was an all conference performer and state qualifier in every year of her high school career in cross country and track. She had multiple school records that held for close to 15 years to only be broken over the past few years by current UNCW distance runner Chandler Coughlin. Gennilee was also a 4 year starter on the Varsity softball team and batted over 600 her senior season helping her team advance to State Final 4 at Walnut Creek that year. Gennilee’s love for running and record-breaking times got the attention of several small colleges in the area, where she signed with Lenoir-Rhyne University. At the college level, Gennilee was awarded All-SAC Freshman team, three-time All-SAC honoree, and competed in the NCAA Division II National Championship race in 2007. She was team captain throughout high school and college.

Following college Gennilee Jackson returned to Johnston County and became a Cleveland Middle School Ram. From 2010-2017, she coached Volleyball and Track and Field and taught physical education. An opportunity to teach in Wake County allowed Gennilee Jackson to relocate and teach at Dillard Drive Magnet Middle School where she continues to coach Volleyball and Track and Field. While her running days are slowing, her love for sports and getting today’s youth active has continued to grow.

Gennilee currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband Nathan Jackson, a Cary Police Officer and her three children, Carson Jackson (6 years old), and her two step children, Lily Jackson (17 years old) and Kane Jackson (16 years old). She visits Johnston County regularly and will always be a Comet.

Vonda Ferrell is a 1975 graduate of Coats High School, Coats, NC. After high school she attended Campbell University where she earned a BS degree in Social Studies, Science and Physical Education. Vonda has 2 daughters who attended Clayton HS where they both excelled in athletics.

Coach Ferrell began her career at Apex High teaching Physical Education while coaching volleyball and girls track. Coach Ferrell soon found her home in Clayton and immediately began her life long career at Clayton HS in 1985.

She said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to accept this recognition into the Clayton Coaches Hall of Fame. While I am unable to join you in person, please know that my heart is with each of you as we celebrate the collective achievements and legacies of Clayton HS. My journey at CHS has been nothing short of extraordinary.” While at Clayton, Vonda taught Health/PE and coached both men and women’s tennis, girl’s basketball and softball for close to 20 years.

“To the administration, faculty, staff and especially the coaches, thank you for your support. The continued friendships we share will forever be with me. And last, but certainly not least, to my family and friends, I thank you for your love, support and encouragement. Your belief in me was always the driving force behind my accomplishments at CHS and I am so grateful. Though I am not physically present to accept this honor, please know that I am touched and grateful for this recognition. I am proud to call myself a member of the CHS Coaches Hall of Fame. Thank you once again for this incredible honor. Go Comets!”

Stacey Houser is a 1982 graduate of Middletown Area High School in Middletown, PA where he was a three-sport athlete playing baseball, football, and wrestling. His wrestling career ended with him being the winningest wrestler in school history.

Choosing between wrestling for a college in Arizona or playing football in WV, he chose football and arrived in Athens, WV at Concord College in the fall of ‘82. His best-laid plans shifted, and he moved from playing football to playing baseball. That decision produced a 4-year letterman and 3-time WVIAC All Conference baseball player. Another shift took Stacey from a social work degree to teaching. His love of working with kids won out and off he went with his college sweetheart turned wife to Franklinton NC where he began his teaching and coaching career in 1988 at Franklinton High School, coaching both football and baseball.

After admiring the Clayton athletic program for many years, in the fall of 1995 Stacey joined the Clayton High staff assisting Hall of Fame coach Gary Fowler in Football and Hall of Fame coach Andy Pleasant in baseball. During his first 8 years he was part of many conference championships and created lifelong memories.

Coach Pleasant retired and in 2004 Coach Houser took over the baseball program leading the team to the state playoffs 14 straight years, and winning five conference championships. Many of his players went on to play college baseball and 4 ended up getting drafted with 2 making it to the big leagues. Coach Houser was named Conference Coach of the Year 4 times.

In 2013, Stacey became Athletic Director upon the retirement of Gary Fowler. Under his leadership, Clayton High School won the Conference Wachovia Cup several times as the Conference Best Athletic Program. Stacey was both A. D. and Baseball Coach until his retirement in 2017. One of his greatest pleasures during his coaching career was watching students be successful on the field and in life.

Clint Eaves had the opportunity to see the transition of Clayton High School in a number of ways. He was a student from 1986-1990, teacher and coach from 1998-2001, Assistant Principal from 2002-2008 and Principal from 2008-2016.

As a student Clint played Golf for four years (1986-1990) and was All Conference twice and the golf team won 3 conference championships. He also played Varsity Football for three years (1987-1989) where they won 3 conference championships, the 1989 Eastern Championship and the 1989 State Championship. The two greatest memories Clint had was the 1989 Football season (finishing with a 15-0 record and State Championship) and playing golf his Senior year alongside his brother-Chris Eaves.

From 1995-1998 Clint taught Math and coached Football, Basketball, and Softball at Plymouth High School. In 1998 Jerry Smith took a chance and hired Clint to teach and coach at Clayton High. From 1998 -2001 he was a Math teacher and coached various sports-Varsity Basketball- Assistant for Steve Smith, Football Assistant for Gary Fowler and his crew, JV and Varsity Assistant Softball with Vonda Ferrell.

In 2002, Mr. Smith asked him to come aboard as an Assistant Principal. He served in this role until 2008 when Mr. Smith retired. In 2008 Clint graciously accepted the offer to become the Principal at Clayton High School and worked alongside MANY great staff until 2016. During those years I helped CHS transition from the largest school in the district to a smaller school when Corinth and Cleveland opened in 2010. We quickly grew again and were over 2000 students by 2016. Another daunting task was finding a successor for Gary Fowler. Our committee named a new coach and I was able to name Stacy Houser as Athletic Director. We also named the Football Complex, Nixon-Fowler Stadium.

Eighteen of my twenty-nine professional years were spent at CHS. During those years the staff(s) I worked alongside had many great accomplishments, athletically and academically. Many athletic championships were won and Clayton High School achieved a school academic grade of B before I left in 2016. As I look back, I hope I was a good friend, teammate and leader.

Since 2016 I have served as the Principal at JCPS Early College (2016-2018), Director of Career and Technical Education for JCPS (2018-2020), and most current Principal of Meadow School (2020-2024).

As I did in 2016 when I left Clayton High School, I challenge you with these words from Tim McGraw- “Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal, don’t cheat, don’t lie…Don’t expect a free ride from no one, don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why. Bitterness keeps you from flying. Always Stay Humble and Kind.”

2024 Inductees