Multi-sport player Sapp to be honored
Ralph Sapp, one of North Augusta High School's most successful multi-sport athletes, will be honored Jan. 30 in the North Augusta Sports Hall of Fame's induction ceremony, along with Pat Collins, Lee Sheridan and Paul Knox.
He attended North Augusta schools through the 12th grade. As an eighth-grader, he was elected as a high school cheerleader but turned to sports upon reaching ninth grade and adding some size to his frame. A member of the Yellow Jacket squad that included the bulk of the 43-game unbeaten streak, Sapp was the quarterback of the undefeated 1957 team that was denied the opportunity to compete for the state title. He was invited to play in the Shrine Bowl All-Star game his senior season.
Sapp also played basketball for four seasons and made the Augusta Herald All CSRA Team. He played baseball for three seasons and also found time to participate on the track and field team for North Augusta, setting the state high-jump record that stood for 27 years. He also played on the first golf team at NAHS during his senior year.
He attended the University of South Carolina for two years before beginning a career at DSM Chemicals in Augusta.
Golf would continue to be a key sport for Sapp as he joined the Professional Putters Association in 1961. He was the national runner-up in 1962 and 1965 for the national Professional Putters title. He competed twice on national television playoffs for the leading money winners on the Professional Putters Circuit.
He also contributed to baseball by coaching in the Palmetto Seniors Baseball League as well as a Pony League team for three seasons. His 1979 team advanced to South Carolina's title game.
After a 32-year career at DSM, he continues to enjoy hunting, fishing and golf, having shot his age several times on the golf course. He and his wife, Billie, continue to reside in the North Augusta area, which their children Rhonda, Ralph III and Randy also call home.
