WRAL's Tom Suiter joining Twin County Hall of Fame

Former WRAL Sports anchor Tom Suiter is joining an elite group of 10 people who will be inducted Nov. 14 into the Twin County Hall of Fame, which honors notable natives of Edgecombe and Nash counties.

The Twin County Hall of Fame Class of 2013 also includes photographer Walter C. Bryant, professional baseball player Ralph “Mike” Caldwell, late educator Cyrus Melvin Edson, late community activist Benjamin E. Fountain Sr., pediatrician Dr. Henry Boone Grant, photographer Charles Killebrew Jr., late football player and coach William “Bill” Murray, late community activist Deborah Sloan Kornegay and former public health educator Jennie Douglas Taylor.

Suiter, a Rocky Mount native, joined the staff of WRAL in Raleigh in 1971 as a sports reporter. Ten years, later he became the sports anchor and began two long-lasting series: “Football Friday” and the “Extra Effort Award.” The first focuses on high school football games around the state; the second recognizes scholar-athletes who shine on and off the playing field.

Suiter has received 17 Emmy nominations and numerous Associated Press and United Press awards. In 1990, he was recognized as the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year. He was inducted last year into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.