Who is the greatest athlete in South Hampton Roads history?
Who’s the greatest athlete ever from South Hampton Roads? Here’s your chance to have your say. The Virginian-Pilot’s sports writers and editors, with help from local sports experts, have created a list of 50 nominees from the five cities: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. These men and women represent 13 sports from as far back as the 19th century. Select your No. 1 choice in our online poll, and then check The Virginian-Pilot’s sports section Dec. 23-27 for our sports experts’ rankings.
Explain your choice in the comments below - or nominate someone you think we missed.
Disclaimer: This is an unscientific sampling of users.
Submitted by ICareAboutVA on Fri, 12/26/2008 at 8:10 pm.
I also nominate Walker Gillette, a graduate of Southampton High School in the 60s who played for UR and the NFL. He broke many records in his successful career and deserves a place in this poll. Hats off to his father, James T. Gillette, Jr., who was indeed the first Virginian to play football for the NFL.
Submitted by damp29 on Thu, 12/25/2008 at 8:53 pm.
Since 1885 there have only been a handful of golfers who have won the US OPEN Championship twice or more.Curtis is one if these golfers.He certainly gets my vote as the most outstanding local athlete.
Submitted by henryph57950 on Wed, 12/24/2008 at 4:41 pm.
In my opinion, David Wright is the top athlete from Hampton Roads. Especially, in these times, when so many young athletes who may be good at their sport, but are not good at setting an example for younger kids to look up to and want to follow in their footsteps. So many of them get into trouble commiting crimes, disrespecting others, demanding freebies, etc. David Wright stands out, not only because of being a star athlete, being a leader for the New York Mets, hitting home runs at the All Star game Home Run Derby in his first All Star game. and hitting the first home run in the game, but also because he sets a good example as a good, clean cut American young man. As one of the youngest baseball all stars, he has come home during the off-season and supports his home area. As one example, he has given to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters with his time as well as his money. He leads a clean life on and off the field. There are many reasons to admire him and he is one who you would be glad to see your children try to follow.
Being great is one thing but being "The Greatest" is something altogether. When I consider the greatest athlete I consider not just who ran the race but who ran the life in the greatest fashion. My vote would be for 1st. Lt. Richard Thomas Shea Jr. Not only did he run great races he accomplished great thing in his all to short life. He ran for Virginia Tech and West Point. he was invited to participate in the 1952 olympics. he chose to run a race against communism and he ran it very well. he earned (some say won) the Congressional Medal of Honor. He ran up that hill so that his men would survive. he died in that battle on July 8, 1953. Dick Shea was the only individual from Hampton Roads to received the Medal of Honor in Korea. He graduated from Churchland High school where he won awards for other things in which he participated. The track sports complex at the United States military Academy (West Point) is named after him.
he would certainly get my vote.
Submitted by tls345 on Tue, 12/23/2008 at 1:34 pm.
You guys really dropped the ball on this one. I suggest you look at your own archives, and find Sheila Hillman she's only the best female basketball this state ever produced. She went to Deep Creek High in the early 80's and was a 3x All-American at Hampton Institute. Pilot please do your homework next time.
Submitted by lawrenceb82104 on Tue, 12/23/2008 at 10:59 am.
All I have seen lately, are atheletes from Hampton Roads going to prison. I remember Iverson being released by Governor Wilder, what a slap in the face to the people he hurt!
Submitted by Rakeman60 on Tue, 12/23/2008 at 9:57 am.
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing (and oldest) sports in the nation (and Canada). However, you never hear about Eric Martin, one of the first local lacrosse players that not only made it into the professional arena, but the first to become an Lacrosse All-Star.
A few highlights: Graduate of Norfolk Academy & Salisbury University, Div. III Player of the Year (2004), Div. III Team Champions (2003-2004), Div. III Defenseman of the Year (2003-2004); Drafted by the MLL (Major League Lacross) to Rochester Rattlers (2004); Drafted by the NLL (National Lacrosse League)by San Jose Stealth (2004); MLL & NLL All-Star Teams (2007-2008).
Martin has taken lacrosse further than any other athlete in Hampton Roads and deserves to be recognized as one of Hampton Roads' top 50 athletes.
Yogi Boothe Hightower is my #1 pick. She was not only a great athelete, she also was and is a great role model and mentor for many young women who hold high respect for her.
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50 Greatest Athletes
Not only should Mike Voight be on the list, he should be WAY up there. Certainly ahead of 10-15 of those on there. He was a machine at UNC.
50 Best Athletes in South Hampton Roads
I also nominate Walker Gillette, a graduate of Southampton High School in the 60s who played for UR and the NFL. He broke many records in his successful career and deserves a place in this poll. Hats off to his father, James T. Gillette, Jr., who was indeed the first Virginian to play football for the NFL.
Curtis Strange
Since 1885 there have only been a handful of golfers who have won the US OPEN Championship twice or more.Curtis is one if these golfers.He certainly gets my vote as the most outstanding local athlete.
David Wright gets my vote
In my opinion, David Wright is the top athlete from Hampton Roads. Especially, in these times, when so many young athletes who may be good at their sport, but are not good at setting an example for younger kids to look up to and want to follow in their footsteps. So many of them get into trouble commiting crimes, disrespecting others, demanding freebies, etc. David Wright stands out, not only because of being a star athlete, being a leader for the New York Mets, hitting home runs at the All Star game Home Run Derby in his first All Star game. and hitting the first home run in the game, but also because he sets a good example as a good, clean cut American young man. As one of the youngest baseball all stars, he has come home during the off-season and supports his home area. As one example, he has given to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters with his time as well as his money. He leads a clean life on and off the field. There are many reasons to admire him and he is one who you would be glad to see your children try to follow.
greatest athlete
Dear Sir,
Being great is one thing but being "The Greatest" is something altogether. When I consider the greatest athlete I consider not just who ran the race but who ran the life in the greatest fashion. My vote would be for 1st. Lt. Richard Thomas Shea Jr. Not only did he run great races he accomplished great thing in his all to short life. He ran for Virginia Tech and West Point. he was invited to participate in the 1952 olympics. he chose to run a race against communism and he ran it very well. he earned (some say won) the Congressional Medal of Honor. He ran up that hill so that his men would survive. he died in that battle on July 8, 1953. Dick Shea was the only individual from Hampton Roads to received the Medal of Honor in Korea. He graduated from Churchland High school where he won awards for other things in which he participated. The track sports complex at the United States military Academy (West Point) is named after him.
he would certainly get my vote.
Leo ruffing
LaShawn Merritt is Hampton Roads Greatest!
Undoubtedly the greatest athelete is LaShawn Merritt..representing P-TOWN to the fullest! NOT JUST IN HAMPTON ROADS EITHER..Congrats LASHAWN!:)
Sheila Hillman
You guys really dropped the ball on this one. I suggest you look at your own archives, and find Sheila Hillman she's only the best female basketball this state ever produced. She went to Deep Creek High in the early 80's and was a 3x All-American at Hampton Institute. Pilot please do your homework next time.
Great Atheletes?
All I have seen lately, are atheletes from Hampton Roads going to prison. I remember Iverson being released by Governor Wilder, what a slap in the face to the people he hurt!
What Happened to Eric Martin/Lacrosse?
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing (and oldest) sports in the nation (and Canada). However, you never hear about Eric Martin, one of the first local lacrosse players that not only made it into the professional arena, but the first to become an Lacrosse All-Star.
A few highlights: Graduate of Norfolk Academy & Salisbury University, Div. III Player of the Year (2004), Div. III Team Champions (2003-2004), Div. III Defenseman of the Year (2003-2004); Drafted by the MLL (Major League Lacross) to Rochester Rattlers (2004); Drafted by the NLL (National Lacrosse League)by San Jose Stealth (2004); MLL & NLL All-Star Teams (2007-2008).
Martin has taken lacrosse further than any other athlete in Hampton Roads and deserves to be recognized as one of Hampton Roads' top 50 athletes.
Yogi Boothe Hightower is my
Yogi Boothe Hightower is my #1 pick. She was not only a great athelete, she also was and is a great role model and mentor for many young women who hold high respect for her.