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he built a home and stables for his late wife, Kay, a Doris Day look-alike, who was an equestrian aficionado. The acreage provided room for barns and outbuildings to accommodate Kay’s riding habits. There was a pool and acres of shade trees, a recreation haven, the centerpiece being a house with bedrooms for each of the Sapp’s offspring— Jan, Theron Jr., Wade and Molly all coming to the induction ceremony with the highest of appreciation for the honoring of their father, their All-American hero.

Halls of Fame are challenged by narrowing elections down to a manageable number. There will always be issues, even controversies, about who gets elected. Or doesn’t. It is easy to conclude that in many cases such Halls are recognized for those they keep out rather than those they elect.

In Sapp’s case, he initially resisted admission out of unassuming modesty but a supporter got his nomination reconnected to the process. This time around there was great sentiment to honor him with admission into the state’s Hall of Fame.

He greatly enjoyed the weekend although he was ready to return home soon after he arrived. After all, he became a confirmed homebody some time back and couldn’t wait to return to Evans. However, the interlude when he signed hundreds of autograph requests, which brought about gratitude of being in the limelight when his days of yore were recalled.

While his one yard run to end an eight year losing streak to Georgia Tech in 1957 on Grant Field was not his greatest performance, it became associated with greatness for what it represented. He became beloved by the Georgia people. The state Hall of Fame induction banquet confirmed how much the drought breaker remains beloved.