Press release

ROCK HILL, S.C.  —   The South Atlantic Conference will induct four members into the 2024 Hall of Fame Class, the league announced.

Receiving honors will be Wingate alum Sean Barnette, Lenoir-Rhyne alumna Kat Rivers Roberts, and Catawba alum David Thomas.  The SAC will also honor the recipient of the Conference’s Distinguished Alumni Award, which will be awarded to Newberry alumna Dr. Peggy Barnes Winder.

“We are extremely honored to induct these four individuals into the SAC Hall of Fame,” said SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz. “These men and women have embodied what it means to be a SAC student-athlete in both academic and athletic excellence during their time at their various institutions, as well as success after graduating. We look forward to celebrating their numerous accomplishments on May 20.”

 Thomas, a 2008 graduate of Catawba, was a four-year member of the Catawba Indian baseball team where he earned numerous awards including being a three-time All-SAC selection, a two-time All-American, two-time ABCA Gold Glove award winner, 2006 SAC Tournament MVP, 2008 SAC Player of the Year, and 2008 Southeast Region Player of the Year.

A switch-hitting outfielder, Thomas is the all-time SAC leader in hits (344), runs scored (281), total bases (583), and runs scored in a season (84 – 2006). In addition to his individual accolades, Thomas played in a record 226 games with 157 victories, including three SAC Regular Season Championships and the 2006 SAC Tournament Championship.

After graduating from Catawba, Thomas became the first of a league-best 16 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft picks from Catawba. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 14th round of the 2008 MLB Draft and spent five years playing professional baseball in the Athletics’ organization.

The 2024 South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame Banquet will take place as a part of the Conference’s Spring Meetings in Greenville, S.C., on May 20.