2008 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
1958 BLUE COMET FOOTBALL TEAM (2008)
The 1958 Blue Comet football team experienced the most successful season in the history of the school. Asheboro defeated previously undefeated Hickory High School in the WHCHSAA championship game and finished with a 12 and 0 record. Led by the legendary Coach Lee J. Stone, and assisted by Max Morgan, Sal Gero, and Don Thomas, the Blue Comets rolled up 404 points on offense and allowed only 33 points. Recognized by the NCHSAA in 2005 as one of the top 100 high school teams in North Carolina sports history, the 1958 team has many Hall of Famers from all walks of life.
JOHNNY MCQUEEN, CLASS OF 1977 (2008)
Johnny was responsible for the resurgence of AHS in the 1970’s. He was the leader on teams which won two conference championships, one WHCHSAA state runner-up title and one WHCHSAA state championship. Johnny was a two time all conference player and the 1976 player of the year. An east-west all-star selection, he led his varsity teams to a 69 wins and 5 losses record including a 43 game win streak. He followed his high school career with a standout stint at High Point College.
JB DAVIS, CLASS OF 1962 (2008)
An outstanding baseball player, JB was twice selected all conference and was named honorable mention all state in 1962. He signed and played in the Milwaukee braves organization in 1963 and played until an injury cut his career short. Realizing that education was important, JB finished his degree at East Carolina University. He would eventually joined Stuart furniture and was a catalyst in making what is known as Klaussner furniture/Klaussner home furnishing. He has chaired and been involved in numerous charitable groups in Asheboro and Randolph County. JB is an inspiration and a perfect example of giving back to his community.
MIKE OLIVO, CLASS OF 1963 (2008)
Mike’s exceptional ability, fierce competitive spirit, strong leadership and drive for excellence exemplified his career. a two time state champion in wrestling, he earned an outstanding career record of 86 wins and 11 losses. Mike also excelled in football and participated in the 1st boys home all star bowl game in 1963. After attending Appalachian state university on a wrestling scholarship, Coach Olivo returned to coach wrestling and produced numerous WHCHSAA individual state champions at AHS. He later moved to Reidsville and continued to coach and teach. With a life long commitment to young people and sports, the 1963 Mr. Blue Comet continues to officiate in football, baseball and wrestling after retiring from 30 years of teaching.
LEE JOHNSON, CLASS OF 1963 (2008)
“The Leroy” was an outstanding two sport athlete at AHS. He was named to the 1962 all state football team and participated in the east-west all star game. Lee was a four year captain and starter at Elon College and was named to many all conference teams. He also was selected to play in the east-west shrine all star college bowl game. He continued to play after graduation and was named to the all-navy team in 1969/1970. An avid blue comet supporter, Lee Johnson continues to attend many AHS football, basketball, and baseball games.
WANDA MCINTRYE HARGETT MCDANIEL, CLASS OF 1960 (2008)
“Wanda Mac” was an outstanding athlete at AHS and continues to excel in the NC senior games with many medals. She helped lead AHS to a state title in basketball and was named as the best team player while playing the guard position. Although softball was not a sponsored school sport, Wanda was named to the all state team as a catcher for the Asheboro rockets fast pitch softball team which won two state titles and placed second nationally. She continues to give by volunteering for many civic organizations.
MIKEY MOODY, CLASS OF 1982 (2008)
Mikey Moody has been labeled as one of the “best athletes” to ever attend AHS. A two time all conference player in both basketball and baseball, he was also named to the All-State baseball team and was an Honorable Mention Mcdonalds All-American winner in basketball. As a senior he chose to play football and was named all conference. He helped guide the blue comets to conference championships in football, basketball, and baseball in 1982. He continued his career in baseball and basketball at Pfeiffer College where he garnered All-Conference honors in both sports.
MORRIS WHITSON, COACH (2008)
Morris Whitson was an outstanding role model and coach for the students of the Asheboro city schools. From 1961 to the late 1990’s, Coach Whitson was the king of tennis in Asheboro. He coached many outstanding players and teams during his thirty plus years as a coach and director of tennis for the city of Asheboro. Coach was an educator, a driver education teacher, an assistant principal, a youth baseball coach, a father to many, and a devoted husband. His many achievements and honors are numerous. Coach Whitson passed away in October 2003.
BENNY VONCANNON, CLASS OF 1958 (2008)
Benny was an outstanding athlete at Asheboro High School. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. He was a four year start in baseball, three year starter in football, and a 2 year starter in basketball. Benny was named twice to the All-State football team as well as being selected to play in the Shrine Bowl and East/West All-Star football contest. He attended UNC-CH on a football scholarship. Benny played in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization after college. He returned to Asheboro and joined his family in the trucking business. Benny continued to help the youth by coaching both basketball and baseball in the recreation programs. He passed away in 2003.
