By THOMAS P. WEAVER

HORIZON Editor

CLAY COUNTY-The newly formed Clay County Sports Hall of Fame (CCSHF) is still seeking nominations from residents here and those abroad who have have knowledge of the county’s athletic history for the inaugural 2010 CCSHF class.

“We’ve got 15 to 20 nominations so far, but we want to have a good field to pick from,” CCSHF founder Bobby Westmoreland told the HORIZON Monday. “If there’s people out there that are considering doing this, we want them to go ahead and get them in.

“We will have our next meeting the middle of this month to begin to review what we have received so far and it would be great to have several more to choose from.”

Westmoreland said he initially “got a lot of feedback” from the announcement of the formation of the CCSHF, but he said many of those who had called have yet to submit their nominations.

“Compared to the number of people I talked to after the first article came out, the number of nominations we’ve received so far is less than I expected,” Westmoreland said. “I think many of them just haven’t taken the time to do it yet.

“We may have to extend the May 15 deadline another month or so if necessary.”

According to the initial release from the organization, CCSHF’s mission is to offer a way to “honor and perpetuate the memory of all former Clay County athletes, coaches, and associated persons who have brought pride and distinction to the school system, the county, and themselves.”

“We want to induct contributors from all the communities and schools throughout the county,” Westmoreland said in an earlier interview. “They have all been a part of our athletic history, but, unlike many surrounding counties, we have never had a vehicle to celebrate the great achievements of our county’s student-athletes and sports characters.

“Clay County will now have many exciting opportunities to recognize those individuals and teams who have made valuable contributions to our sports lore throughout the years.”

“With this in place, now all we have to do is encourage people to help us through the nomination process,” he said.

Nomination Submissions

Westmoreland explained he and the selection committee wanted to ensure the nomination process would be “as simple as possible” and said “anyone can submit a nomination.”

He said the qualifications for nominees were:

• they must have ties to or have attended school in Clay County,

• players must have graduated at least 10 years prior to nomination, and

• coaches/administrators and any other contributors must have graduated at least 5 years prior to nomination.

“All we ask is that those nominating someone write us a recommendation letter explaining their reasons for the nomination, including a resume or list of accomplishments the nominee has contributed to the county’s athletic history,” Westmoreland said. “We want to keep the process simple in order to receive the most nominations possible.”

The deadline for nominations, which will remain active for three years after their submission, was earlier set at May 15, 2010 for this year’s class. They can be mailed to:

Clay County Sports

Hall of Fame

1014 Clark Circle

Celina, TN 38551

Selection committee

After the nomination deadline, a selection committee made up of individuals “who are familiar with and who care deeply about Clay County and it’s athletic history” will select the inaugural class.

“The first class will be chosen by the committee, which is made up of representatives from all areas of the county, all age groups, and all sports eras,” Westmoreland said. “After that, the inductees will join them in the vote each year.”

He said the inductees would be announced “sometime around Clay County High School’s football homecoming” next fall at a banquet held in their honor.

For more information about the CCSHF, contact Westmoreland at 261-7278.