Florence Athletes Set for Hall of Fame Induction

News Summary

The Chick-fil-A Florence Athletic Hall of Fame will induct six remarkable athletes and coaches at the Florence Center Ballroom on January 4, 2025. This special event celebrates local sports legends and their contributions to the community, featuring a guest speaker from a prominent college basketball program. With tickets available for $35, the evening promises to honor the rich athletic heritage of Florence and showcase the achievements of those making a significant impact in their sports and communities.

Exciting Times for Florence as Six Athletic Legends Set for Hall of Fame Induction!

It’s that time of year again, Florence! The city is buzzing with excitement as the Chick-fil-A Florence Athletic Hall of Fame has just announced its 2025 induction class. Mark your calendars for January 4, 2025, because you won’t want to miss this special event happening at the Florence Center Ballroom. The evening kicks off with a social event starting at 5 p.m., followed by the ceremony itself from 6 to 8 p.m.. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate local sports legends.

Tickets are available for just $35 each. You can easily grab yours at the Florence Center or reach out to members of the Hall of Fame board for more information. With a guest speaker lineup featuring former Clemson and Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball coach Cliff Ellis, it’s shaping up to be an inspiring evening filled with stories, smiles, and celebration of athletic achievement.

The Star-Studded Inductee Lineup

This year’s class features an impressive roster of six remarkable athletes and coaches who have made significant impacts in their sports and communities. Here’s a closer look at who will be honored:

Pauline Costas: A proud graduate of Florence High School (1943), Costas is not only a former athlete but also a coach in multiple sports, including basketball and tennis. She showcased her talent at Winthrop College and made history as the first recipient of the prestigious Hellam’s Award.
Darryl Page: Known for his time as head football coach at Wilson High School, Page led his team through a stellar record of 127-90 from 1993 to 2012. His coaching expertise brought home several championships, and he was honored with induction into the S.C. Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2023.
Wayne Farmer: A member of the class of 1982 at West Florence High School, Farmer has devoted a remarkable 37 years to coaching various sports, including girls’ track and football. In 2017, he received the honor of induction into the S.C. Track Hall of Fame.
Jimmy Miles: This 1978 West Florence High School graduate made his mark as a dual-sport athlete in football and baseball. Miles has an extensive coaching career and is particularly recognized for launching the football program at Florence Christian School.
Shequita Bacote: Graduating from West Florence High School in 1998, Bacote made her name in softball. She led her team to all-state honors and secured a scholarship to S.C. State University, showcasing her exceptional talent on the field.
Pheobe Clark: A multi-sport star from South Florence High School (1998), Clark excelled in basketball and left an indelible mark, continuing her athletic pursuits at Wofford College where she remains a part of the school’s record books.

A Reminder of Florence’s Rich Athletic Heritage

The induction of this latest class represents the 19th class entering the Chick-fil-A Florence Athletic Hall of Fame, and it is heartwarming to see these athletes receive the recognition they truly deserve. Each inductee has expressed heartfelt appreciation for this honor and stressed how important their hometown of Florence has been to their journeys in sports. This celebration is not just about honoring personal achievements; it’s a communal recognition of Florence’s lasting legacy in athletics.

So get ready, Florence! Gather your friends and family to join in on this wonderful celebration of sports history. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, partake in honoring our homegrown heroes on January 4, 2025. See you there!