FIVE NEW MEMBERS HAVE JOINED ROME-FLOYD SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Five brand new members have joined the Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame. The group was officially inducted into the Hall on Monday evening during a banquet and ceremony at the Forum River Center.

The inductees for 2020 included Jaleel Riaz, Charles Smith, Toryan Smith, Charles Culberson and Charlie Culberson. It marked the first time in Hall of Fame history that father-son combinations were honored.

Both of the Smiths were recognized for their contributions to college football.

Charles (the father) played for UGA, while Toryan (the son) played for Notre Dame.

Charles Smith indicates that sports ‘saved his life’. He has passed on the life lessons that he learned from sports on to his son.

Charles Culberson has passed down his love of baseball to his son, Charlie, who has spent the past two seasons as a member of the Atlanta Braves. The elder Culberson states that he taught his son to work hard, never give up and be coachable.

Kim Culberson enthuses that she was very proud to see both her husband and her son be inducted into the Hall on the very same night. She is also thankful for the support of this community for her family.

By the way, baseball season is right around the corner. Kim attests that she is ready for it!

Riaz was noted for his passion for tennis as both a player and coach. He has given tennis lessons to hundreds of Romans over the last four decades.

Also at Monday night’s banquet, 14 local high school seniors were honored as the 2020 recipients of the John C. Pinson Jr. Outstanding Student Athlete Scholarships.