Swinging for the Fences author Chris Gentilviso would like to thank the following individuals:
- Professors Paul Cuadros (Chair), Ryan Thornburg and Mandy Locke for their willingness to serve on the thesis committee and their unwavering assistance with the project.
- The Park family for their generous financial support in assisting with thesis-related travel and research.
- UNC School of Media and Journalism Dean Susan King; professors Tom Linden, Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Ferrel Guillory, Deb Aikat, Laura Ruel and Eric Ferkenhoff; teaching assistant Amy Nelson; program coordinators Ann Schmitt and Casey Hart, and accounting technician Angelena King for their support with the proposal/project.
- Marian Inabinett, Teresa Loflin, Crystal Williams and the entire staff/set of volunteers at the High Point Museum for access to archives, assistance with scanning resources, provision of workspace and the opportunity to present the project.
- Marcellus Joyner and the staff at the Heritage Research Center of the High Point Public Library for assistance with print & DigitalNC resources.
- David Bryden and the High Point University Archives, Smith Library, High Point, N.C. for assistance with digital newspaper archives.
- Patrick Chapin, Amber Williamson, Sarah Belle Tate and the staff of the High Point Chamber of Commerce for access to the Chamber Cheers event series; Brittany Butterworth and Hilton Ferguson for their presentations at Chamber Cheers and Nicki Skipper for access to the String & Splinter Club.
- The High Point Market staff for assistance with student credentials.
And the following individuals for their willingness to be interviewed or assist with information related to the project:
- Dr. Nido Qubein, Judy Ray and Jeannie Derrow of High Point University
- Braxton (Brack) Culler IV of Braxton Culler, Inc.
- Aaron Clinard
- Jim Armstrong, Anne Andrews & Benjamin Briggs of the High Point Historical Society
- Will, Curtis & Cody
- Greg Suire & John Thomas of the High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms
- Josh Nifong & Josh Foster of Duke University Athletics
- Christian Heimall of the High Point Rockers
- Janee Jarrell & the staff of the Scoop Zone
Last but not least, my parents, Richard and Ellen for their support, and the entire city of High Point for its hospitality at a key moment in the area’s history. Play ball!
