Hall of Fame announces three inductees

The Burke County Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the inductees for the 2023 year.

• Gary Leonhardt - Retired as the director of the City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Department after a 48 year career. He helped establish the Burke County Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Morganton Aggies Baseball Franchise.  He was instrumental in completing the Catawba Greenway from the soccer complex through Catawba Meadows, phase 1 and 2 of Catawba River Soccer Complex, Morganton Aquatic Center, Catawba Meadows Park, The Red, White and Bluegrass Festival, creating numerous youth and adult programs and expanding senior trips/programs.  He was director when the Morganton Little League All-Stars went to the Little League World Series in 2004 and when the Morganton Big League All Stars Girls Fast-Pitch Softball qualified for the 2015 Big League World Series.
• Jimmy Powell – Jimmy was drafted in the eighth round of the 1974 NBA draft. He played for Middle Tennessee State University. He returned to Morganton and was a teacher, coach and mentor. Jimmy was hired in 2007 by the City of Morganton on a part-time basis as an umpire and building/field supervisor. The time and effort he put forth in his teaching, coaching and officiating truly makes a difference in the community. He resides in Morganton and continues to give back to the community as a referee of many sports.
• Wayne Owens – (1902-1973) This award will be given posthumously. Wayne was the Director of Sports and Youth Activities at the Valdese Community Center for almost 20 years. He coached the Valdese Little League baseball teams, the women’s softball teams and the adult men’s basketball team. He formed after-school sports leagues and won the 1958 State Biddy Basketball Tournament in Gastonia. He lost his left arm at a young age, but never let that stop him from playing or coaching sports. The gymnasium at the Valdese Community Center is currently being renovated and the new basketball court will be named the “Wayne Owens Court.”

The Hall of Fame was developed in 1993 by retired Parks and Recreation Department Director Gary Leonhardt. It was established to recognize the noteworthy sports traditions of Burke County by honoring and memorializing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to sports traditions in Burke County.

To be inducted in to the Hall of Fame the nominee must be someone who had brought state or national attention to Burke County through their contribution to sports. A reception to honor the inductees will be held at the Morganton Community House on May 25^th from 6–8 p.m. Tickets will be available for advanced purchase only starting on April 3rd at the Collett Street Recreation Center for $25. There will only be 140 seats available, so make sure to secure your spot soon. No tickets will be sold the night of the event.  For more information please call the Collett Rec Center at 828-438-5350.

To see all past inductees, visit The Burke County Sports Hall of Fame.