STANDING IN THE HALL OF FAME

January 2023

BY CODY DALTON & CASSIDY COLLINS

Red Hawks rise above all the time – not just on game day. This message was the heart of the CVCC Athletics Hall of Fame, where people across the community gathered to celebrate our sports teams and recognize six outstanding individuals who served the college through varied talents. With a catered meal served by current athletes, special music performed by Country singer and former Red Hawk Baseball player Bryce Hensley, and speakers from the CVCC Foundation, the cozy evening was threaded with a spirit of gratitude and excitement.

Current athletes were eager to thank these alumni and coaches for their commitment to the game and to their education. Most team members felt their participation in sports has had a large influence in their confidence and motivation throughout their college journey. “What I like most are the life experiences and lessons we learn,” said Aden, a Red Hawk athlete during the 2022-23 season. “But most importantly, the future it creates for us at the collegiate level. In a sense, it’s a creation of both memories and opportunities.” of Catawba Valley’s two-time All-Americans in golf, won a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship, and set a CAA tournament record. Bryson Bowman is Catawba Valley’s first MLB Draft Pick, and ShaNiya Lester is the only CVCC basketball player, male or female, to score more than 1,000 career points. Coach Shannon Hudson led her volleyball teams to 143-straight conference victories and 179-straight region wins, while Tommy Edwards led the Women’s Basketball team to rank as high as third nationally. And, in addition to his 30 years as the Director of LAC, Tim Peeler published three novels and continued to teach community college courses at a local institution. As only the second class to be inducted into the CVCC Hall of Fame, these individuals leave behind a legacy which will continue to grow and encourage all current and future Red Hawks. and... we talked about baseball and the program. I was sold from that spot. I called him that day and made my commitment for two years at Catawba Valley. had a chance to leave here after one year, but I told coach Pait and my teammates that I had bonded with that was going to stay here for two years. It was the best decision ever made. would not go back and leave after one year after all the friendships I made and championships we won.”

Hall of Fame inductees included Travis Bland (Men’s Golf 1993-95), Bryson Bowman (Baseball 2012-14), Tommy Edwards (Women’s Basketball Head Coach 2009-13), Shannon Hudson (Women’s Volleyball Head Coach 2009-19), and ShaNiya Lester (Women’s Basketball 201618). Additionally, the Red Hawk Spirit of Service Award was given to Tim Peeler, who served as Director of the CVCC Learning Center for 30 years (1992-2022).

Overall, through the generosity of sponsors and attendees, the Hall of Fame raised over $10,000 for CVCC athletics, which is a great accomplishment. Although a college program, athletics do not receive any state funds, which means that organizations like the CVCC Foundation and the kind donations of many individuals are the engines that keep these programs running.

“Thank you for being a leader and mentor to all of our student athletes,” David Farr, CVCC Foundation Board Chair, addressed the inductees. “You have set the bar high, and you push all of us to strive to do great things, not only on the court or field, but in the classroom and our community. Your achievements have allowed the Foundation board to go out and tell your story, about not only your achievements in athletics, but about your successes once you left CVCC.”

Every inductee, whether athlete, coach, or college leader, had an impressive track record and a captivating story. Travis Bland is one

Most alumni, like Bryson Bowman, were eager to share their stories of success and growth. “My senior year (of high school) didn’t know where I was going to go or where I was going to play or what I was going to do,” Bowman, CVCC Baseball alumni, recalled. “(Former CVCC head baseball coach) Frank Pait came up to me, called me,