POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Friday was a successful day for the debut of the Pearl River Community College Athletics Hall of Fame's new format. Presented by Keith's Superstores, the celebration began with a golf tournament at the Bridges Golf Club and was bookended by Hall of Fame banquet at Hollywood Casino.  

"Friday's celebration was truly one for the ages," Pearl River athletics director Scotty Fletcher said. "My heart was filled with pride and joy, watching our former Wildcats get together and reminisce on their

memories in the Maroon and Gold. Two words are often used to describe your time at Pearl River Community College. They are 'special'and 'family.'

"It was an honor to learn from our four inductees about how Pearl River made a lasting impression on their lives and how their time here holds a special place in their hearts. We are excited and look forward to growth of this event in the future."  

GOLF TOURNAMENT

PRCC held a successful golf tournament that included a closest to the pin competition and longest drive competition sponsored by Slap Ya Mama BBQ sauce. Paw Paw's Campers and Cars was the hole-in-one sponsor.

Pat Martin, Steve Begley, Bruce Pomponio and Robbie Wilkinson beat out a field of 26 teams for first place in the tournament. The team that finished in second place included Craig Franklin, Todd Meitzler, Jody Herring and Kurt Smith. The third place finishers were David Pisarich, Paul Eyster, David Boyd and Rich Chase. The winners of the closest to the pin and longest drive competitions were Madison Deluach and Alan Dedeaux.  

HALL OF FAME BANQUET 
The evening was punctuated by a lively banquet. The Class of 2021 was the first to receive a special maroon blazer with the Pearl River Athletics Hall of Fame logo emblazoned on it and was comprised of football's Randy Boyette, women's soccer's Hannah McCarty, baseball's Jake Smith and men's basketball's Darral Willis, Jr. 

Boyette was humbled to be part of the event.

"I thought the event was very well done and I'm thankful that for Pearl River," Boyette said. "I'm awestruck, humbled and flabbergasted about it. There are so many words I could use to describe it. Just being able to look back and remember all of the things I was blessed to be able to do. 

"It means a lot to a guy like me. It's a tremendous blessing. 

McCarty felt that the new format made the event special. 

"It was very nice having a separate ceremony for the inductees instead of it being intertwined with other things like it usually is," McCarty said. "It was all very nice, and I am very honored to be here. It's a great honor. 

"Pearl River shaped me, and it was some of the best years of my life." 

Smith was honored to have his name etched in Pearl River's storied Hall of Fame. 

"Today was so good," Smith said. "The golf tournament was amazing. I was able to see so many people that I played with and my former coaches. Then it was followed up by this great banquet and induction.

This honor means everything to me because I'm from the area.

"I've seen the talent that has come through the area, so for me to be honored as one of the Hall of Fame members is incredible." 

Willis took a break from playing professional basketball and soaked in the evening.

"The event was great," Willis said. "It turned out wonderful and a lot of people showed up. I appreciate that I was inducted into the Hall of Fame. It's something that I will never forget and I'm glad to have been part of it. 

"The jackets are awesome, it's glued to me. I haven't wanted to take it off." 

Before the banquet's conclusion, Cayce Seal's memory was honored by PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood and his father, Doug Seal, who spoke to those in attendance.

HOW TO NOMINATE 

Know someone who's deserving of consideration to be included in the Class of 2022? You can nominate them by visiting PRCCAthletics.com/hof/Hall_of_Fame_nomination_form. 

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