CLAY COUNTY-After meeting last week, the selection committee of the newly formed Clay County Sports Hall of Fame (CCSHF) announced Monday they would extend the deadline for nominations for the inaugural 2010 CCSHF class to April 30 “in order to get the best field of candidates as possible to choose from.”

“We are 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,” CCSHF founder Bobby Westmoreland told the HORIZON.  “If there are people out there considering doing this, we want them to go ahead and get them in by the end of the month.”

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.

Submission of a nomination

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.”

Nominations will remain active for three years after their submission.  They can be mailed to:

Clay County Sports

Hall of Fame

1014 Clark Circle

Celina, TN 38551

Selection committee

After the nomination deadline, the 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.