I recently sent a letter to the editor asking that y’all thank all of your heroes for shaping your lives (“Coach instilled a love of mathematics,” about Gilbert Sprinkle, March 25). It is my hope and prayer that everyone who read that piece took it to heart.

Now I would like to recognize the new members into the Rowan County Sports Hall of Fame. (You don’t think an ol’ miser like me can’t have heroes that can be the age of his grand young’uns?) I have fond memories of all you guys: 

Julianne Treme, with your much-to-be-compared run in tennis.

Donte Minter, you’re legendary, not only as an athlete, but as a gentleman as well.

Doug Rice, with that style of voice that was meant to call racing.

Andre Steele, those Robert Steele genes are really something; they have served you well.

And especially to Kenno Shoaf. You put the human into human being.

Thanks to all of you for all the memories.

This is a threefold letter, with part three being a request that is so right. It is just wrong that the award can’t go to those who are not lifelong residents of Rowan County.

Prime example: Anyone familiar with Catawba College knows the name Whitley. Both stalwarts, not just for their school but community as well. Nan Whitley is a true living legend in Catawba athletics. Between her softball and lacrosse teams and their legendary status, you’d think she was a lock to be in. You guessed it — not a lifelong resident. Come on, guys. Don’t Pete Rose this.

I’m pretty sure that Mr. Pulliam (RIP) and Mr. Benson, Mr. Eaton and Mr. Brier and all the others wouldn’t mind too much.

— Andy Canup

Salisbury

Editor’s note: You’re in luck. The Hall of Fame’s criteria do not require  inductees to be  born in Rowan. The group’s mission statement says:

“The Salisbury-Rowan Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals and/or teams, living or deceased, who are native to, or have worked or performed in Rowan County. The inductees must have made significant contributions to the dimension of sports by their participation and performance, and made a positive impact on sports, locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.”

Nomination forms can be downloaded at http://www.salisburync.gov/Departments/ParksandRecreation/Pages/Sports-Hall-of-Fame.aspx.