The Sports Hall of Fame was created to honor those who impacted the athletic department at RJ Reynolds, including players, coaches, and administrators. As we celebrate 100 years of RJR, nine new inductees join the growing list…

Thomas Stuart Beach – Basketball Coach 1949-1952

After being a successful student-athlete as a basketball player at UNC and Appalachian State, Beach brought his expertise to RJR as a coach. He led the men’s basketball team to a state championship in 1949 and coached the team from 1949-1952. He was also voted Coach of the Year during his time at RJR.

Austin Boehme – Football / Baseball / Track / Track & Field 2003

Boehme excelled in football, baseball, and track while a student at RJR. He received the MVP award in both track (senior year) and baseball (junior year)

“My athletic career at Reynolds was incredible,” Boehme said. “I had great coaches and teammates, a lot [of] which I still keep up with today. Some of my favorite memories were: making it to the third round of the state playoffs in football my senior year, winning the CPC tournament in baseball my senior year as well as making the playoffs the same year, [and] placing 3rd in the state in the 55m in indoor track my senior year which was ten spots better than I did my junior. None of these things would have been possible without the support of my teammates and coaches, and they deserve all of the credit!”

After high school, Boehme received a scholarship to play baseball at Elon University. He transferred to Mars Hill University three years later to finish his collegiate baseball career. 

 “I am very honored to be inducted into the Reynolds Hall of Fame,” Boehme said. “There have been some tremendous student-athletes and coaches come through this school, and I am humbled to even be mentioned with these men and women. [I hope my] legacy would be [to] always work hard and fight for what you want. Don’t go through the motions at practice cause hey, you’re going to be there for 2-3 hours no matter what, so you might as well make the most of it. The same thing goes in school or a career.”

Dalton Clower – Football / Track 1941

Clower was a part of both the football and track teams during his time at RJR. He won four state championship titles, one in the mile relay (1939) and the other three in the 440 yards, and was a football team captain. 

Sergeant Major Lewis Green – Football & Golf Coach 2005-2016

Lewis Green was an influential part of RJR during his 26 years as a teacher, football coach, and golf coach.

“My dad loved Reynolds; it was the first and only job he ever had after a 25-year military career,” L. Green’s son Buck Green said. “I remember the pride he had when he was named teacher of the year, but the bigger compliment for him was when he was named Coach of the year. The entire time I was gone on deployment, he made sure to write me emails every day, and he would sign the messages ‘Dad- Coach of the year.’ Those are the things I still look back at and laugh out loud because he truly wore that label as a badge of honor.”

B. Green remembers his father fondly as the person who supported him in all his endeavors and was very passionate about his work.

“I honestly hope his legacy will be about the love he had for that high school and the people in it,” B. Green said. “I also hope he is remembered not only for leading the team to a state championship but also that he was the first-ever black golf coach at Reynolds and he was responsible for the first-ever Black golfer at Reynolds, which was me. Those are the things that he always talked about, and he really felt as if he broke down barriers at the school and got more eyes on the golf program.”

Korel Mack – Football / Track 2007

Mack participated in football and track during his time at RJR. 

“I learned many life lessons in hard work, discipline, pride, how to win gracefully, and how to get back up after a loss,” Mack said. “As a hurdler, the ‘getting back up’ part at times was very literal! I also forged some lifetime friendships that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

He still holds the top three records in the 55, 100, and 300 hurdles and was a part of two state championship teams (2005 outdoor track and 2006 indoor track).

“I’ve loved sports and competition ever since I was little. I always strived to be the best at whatever I set out to do, which made me fiercely competitive. I had a lot of success and accolades over the years, but being inducted into the RJR Sports Hall of Fame brings an entirely new feeling of validation to the time and energy I devoted to my craft. There are few feelings like it.”

Following high school, Mack received a scholarship to UNC Charlotte, where he won three conference championships. 

Eddie Pinnix – Basketball / Golf 1970

Pinnix participated in basketball and golf over his four years of high school.

“I have many wonderful memories of my time at RJR,” Pinnix said. “Sports were much more than just playing the game. I developed lasting friendships through the practices, the travel, the losses, or the thrill of the wins. Most importantly, it was the teachers and coaches that instilled in us how to act both on and off the court. They demanded hard work, punctuality, and above all, our best.”

He describes the impact his coaches had on his life. They often went out of their way to show their care for the athletes; one of his teachers would even write individual notes to every team member before a game.

“The induction into the RJR Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honors that has happened in my life,” Pinnix said. “It would not have been possible without the help of my teachers, coaches, teammates, and

friends. I have been blessed with a remarkable support group that is always encouraging and helpful. I would hope that I return my gratitude for all the wonderful people that inspired me by helping others to strive to be their best. I believe that a strong work ethic, faith, and love are the greatest characteristics that a person can portray. I hope that as I live, each day I can impact others with these traits.”

Pinnix went on to East Carolina University to continue his golf career and obtain a degree in urban planning. 

David Plummer – Football / Track 1971

Plummer graduated in 1971 following successful track and football careers. He lettered in both sports and was all-city/county in football for three consecutive years while receiving all-conference recognition in 1969 and 1970. He received a four-year scholarship for football to NC Central and is also a member of the WSFCS hall of fame.

Kim Goodson Toompas – Basketball 1977

Toompas was a standout women’s basketball team member during her time at RJR. 

“Playing basketball at RJ Reynolds was a true honor, and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame meant so much to me and my family,” Toompas said. “It was a blessing to receive All-District honors and Conference Player of the Year in 1977.”

Along with these accolades, Toompas was featured in Sports Illustrated her sophomore year because of an awe-inspiring championship game performance. She led the team to victory by scoring 36 of their 47 points. 

“I came from a long line of Goodson athletes, so it was an honor to represent them with this Hall of Fame induction,” Toompas said. 

She continued her basketball career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Anne Pearce Weaver – Basketball / Baseball / Soccer / Field Hockey 1938 

Weaver was a four-sport athlete at RJR playing basketball, baseball, soccer, and field hockey. 

“She was the captain of at least two of those teams and was voted most athletic and best all-around athlete,” A. Weaver’s son Pat Weaver said. “Unfortunately, there were no conferences for women’s sports at the time, and therefore no conference championships were possible.”

P. Weaver remembers his mother as an advocate for physical activity for everyone. She cared significantly for the health of the community.

“Mom always had a goal for everybody to keep moving no matter what your age,” P. Weaver said. “She always encouraged sports activities and movement every day. After leaving RJR, she went to Women’s College (now UNC Greensboro) and earned her degree in Physical Education. She served as Recreation Director at the Winston-Salem YWCA for 23 years.”

Not only did she have a profound impact on RJR, but also on the community. She was even nationally certified as a basketball official and continued to stay involved. 

“I hope her Hall of Fame legacy will be active participation and excellence for girls and women in all sports, including those that are life-long activities,” P. Weaver said.