JACKSONVILLE–The Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is proud to announce John Liles of Swansboro High School and Billy Joe Morgan as this year’s inductees into the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Hall of Fame.

     The Hall of Fame was created in 2002 and recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the sporting community while in Onslow County as an athlete, coach or special contributor.

     Deadline to purchase tickets and obtain a base pass is Friday, February 20th by 5 pm. Information about tickets to attend this annual event can be obtained by calling the Jacksonville – Onslow Sports Commission at (910) 347-3141 x 248. 

     John Liles has created his legacy in track and field. His high school and collegiate career prepped him for his success at Swansboro High School.

     His career at Barton College was highlighted by a NAIA Carolina Conference and District 29 javelin titles. He was named MVP of the team his junior and senior seasons and still holds the career record in points at Barton College.

     Due to his standout performance at Barton, he was inducted into the Barton College Hall of Fame in 2000.

     After college, he was hired at Swansboro Middle School and led the track and field team to 16 out of 17 Onslow Athletic Conference Championships. He has coached the Swansboro High School girls track and field team and during his tenure has posted a 316-7 record with 17 conference championships, 12 East regional titles and 17 individual state champions. He has been selected as Coach of the Year for either the boys or girls track and field teams 10 times since 1978. John continues to coach the girls track team, assists in conference and regional meets and is a mainstay in the area indoor track program.

      The other inductee does not have a background in high school athletics, but Billy Joe Morgan was an integral person in the start of youth soccer in Onslow County in 1975.