THOMASVILLE – On Thursday night members and guests of the Thomasville/Thomas County Sports Hall of Fame gathered at Thomasville High School to induct six new members at the 29th annual banquet. Laughs were had, stories were shared and emotions flowed as six outstanding individuals were honored by their community.

As founding board member Bill Rainey made note of, it’s the athletics that get these people nominated, but it is their character and how they inspire future generations that gets them into the Hall of Fame.

The night began with the Hall of Fame recognizing and honoring two students, a male and a female, from Thomas County Central, Thomasville High School, Brookwood and Thomas University. These representatives of their schools were not only recognized for their stellar play on the field, but for their outstanding character and hard work in the class room.

After dinner was served and enjoyed, the new members of the Thomasville/Thomas County Sports Hall of Fame were inducted. Lamb Andrews, Daryl Cleveland, Tex Hamm, Mike Posey and Levale Speigner were all in attendance. Alex Mash was unable to attend due to an accident. His brother, who announced that Mash was okay, accepted the award on his behalf.

Between the six inductees were some truly remarkable achievements. Years spent playing professional baseball, two alumni of the Canadian Football League, state championships, a man who could bench press 500 pounds in high school, an NCAA Basketball National Championship and the inventor of the high five.

The night was filled with speeches and great moments like Cleveland ogling at Andrews 500 pound bench press, Andrews encouraging everyone to follow Gods path for them and Posey quoting a poem by CT Studd saying, “Only one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last”.

Thomasville State Champion and Auburn legend Levale Speigner said he couldn’t believe that he was still thought of in the community.

“I’ve been gone for a little while so just the fact that I was thought of and honored was a great surprise and I’m grateful to have that opportunity to stand before these folks tonight,” Speigner said. “You know, I used to sit in these same seats during our football and baseball banquets and just the memories of being back on campus brought back a lot of emotion.”

NCAA Basketball National Champion, Louisville Cardinal and Central Yellow Jacket Daryl Cleveland said the fact that he was even thought of was an honor.

“I come to Thomasville at least three or four times a year anyway,” Cleveland said. “Just the idea that they thought about me after so many years. I mean, it’s been over 40 years and somebody’s really thinking about me. That’s one thing that I really appreciate.”

The night ended with pictures and hugs as the six new inductees relishing in their moment.

Congratulations to the 2023 Thomasville/Thomas County Sports Hall of Fame inductees.