Volume 15 • Issue 3 December 2019
Merry Christmas
“Pappy, We moved! Are you really sure Santa Bear will find our new den? December 2019
High Country Magazine
A
T hen & Now
Avery
High
School at 50 Years By Tim Gardner
I
n the mid-to-late 1960s, the Avery County School System in particular, and all of Avery county in general, was faced with the high school consolidation issue. And that raised many issues as communities wrestled with the pros and cons of a one, county wide high school. Local communities identify themselves with their school. Many times, it’s the focal point of such. And consolidation normally involves smaller townships losing a school. While saving money in consolidating schools is a pro, the overall loss of the school becomes a con. For community residents, the closing of the school they attended in the name of consolidation can be considered a negative and parents often want their children to attend the same small school they did. They fear their children will be lost in the large consolidated school, and some contend they won’t be able to aptly identify with the new school and maybe not be as well-educated. Proponents of school consolidation use the quality of education as a selling point. 16
High Country Magazine
Avery County High School was officially dedicated on August 4, 1968. The school grounds contained 34 and-one-half acres.
When three smaller schools like the old Avery County High Schools of Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland consolidate into a larger and single one, the newly-consolidated school can offer more courses and hire more diverse faculty members with teaching expertise in specialized areas, thus allowing the school to offer them in curriculum. This would include advanced classes in mathematics and science, and other areas of study such as drama, arts and various foreign languages. School consolidation either fixes budget shortfalls and creates good schools or can severely harm a sense of community and negatively impact local economies. The ability to save money is another huge selling point for schools considering consolidation. When schools consolidate, unused school buildings can be sold, torn down or used for other purposes, and utility and maintenance costs are reduced. Transportation costs can also be reduced as fewer school
December 2019
buses will be needed to cover longer routes. Some of the money saved as a result of consolidation is a result of cutting jobs. Smalltown schools are often one of the largest employers in the town, and when a school closes it can have a horrid financial effect on a community. School workers who are laid off will face much stiffer competition for those same positions in the consolidated school and face a good chance of not getting hired. But as is explained later in this article, a great majority of employees from Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland High Schools transferred to Avery County High to work — most in the same positions they had at the former. Some in educational leadership roles have revealed that the money spent on schools is partially returned to the local community as school employees spend a lot of their salaries at local businesses; by closing smaller schools, consolidation takes that money out of the small-town community. That has consistently proved to be true in Avery after the consolidation. Despite the debates and (sometimes bit-
December 2019
High Country Magazine
17
Old Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland High Schools
C
losed following the 1967-68 school year with the consolidation to a new county-wide high school in Avery County were Cranberry, Newland and Crossnore High Schools. Each had its own unique and distinctive qualities which provided an identity that set it apart from the others. Each was founded in the early 1920s, but according to research none remained open for the 50-year milestone that Avery High has obtained.
N
Newland High School
ewland High was located in the county seat. Its nickname was the Indians and its colors were blue and white. Students from the town and around its immediate region attended the school. Avery County County Commission Chairperson and Newland High graduate Martha Jaynes Hicks remembers it as a place of friendship and family. “The teachers at Newland High were all local and they took us kids in and treated us like we were their own children. They didn’t treat us any different. We all still stay in touch, too, as we have a special affection for one another,” Hicks said. The Newland alums, old friends, teachers and students alike sing their old school song in unison when they get together, which goes like this: “There the bond of friendship strengthens, there’s where duty charms. We’ll grow close to alma mater, trust in her guiding arms.” Although Newland High (like Crossnore High) has long been demolished, its “Old Rock” Gymnasium still stands and is considered a county landmark. It houses the Avery County Parks and Recreation Department and Tommy Burleson Court.
C
Crossnore High School
rossnore High’s nickname was the Highlanders and its school colors were orange, black and white. It served students from its immediate area, the Pineola and Jonas Ridge sections, plus many in the far southern end of the county. “I really enjoyed attending Crossnore High,” Roger Carpenter, a member of the Class of 1965 declared. “I have many fond memories from there and it gives a special feeling when I get to visit with my old high school classmates.” One facet about Crossnore that was different from Cranberry and Newland High Schools was that a number of its students were housed on campus—some of whom lived there as their parents couldn’t afford to take care of them. At a recent Crossnore High Reunion, a roll call of others revealed seven former students in attendance who attended school there, but did not become an alumnus because they did not officially graduate. A motion was made and passed to adopt the seven students into the Crossnore class of their projected graduation year. 18
High Country Magazine
December 2019
ter) opposition in Avery County to closing Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland High Schools and having a new, single county-wide high school, Avery County High came into fruition, then soon-after became one of the county’s focal points. And now, 50 years later, just like Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland High Schools, it stands as a sterling example of the best in education — both academically and athletically. Tommy Burleson (Class of 1970), perhaps Avery High’s most famous alumnus, who will be detailed further in this story, offered these glowing comments about the school: “I was fortunate as was so many others to have the privilege of attending Avery County High School. It has helped many not only become better educated, but become better people, better contributors to society and better in their chosen professions.” Avery County High School, home of the Vikings and whose school colors are red, black and white (both as chosen by a student committee when the school was formed), is located 10 minutes west of Grandfather Mountain, near Newland, the county’s seat. It’s home to students in grades 9 through 12. Avery High is approximately 15 miles from Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, and 30 miles from Appalachian State University in Boone.
The Start of a New County-Wide High School
Avery County High School was officially dedicated on August 4, 1968. The school grounds contained 34 and-one-half acres and cost $23,000. An option on the land was obtained in January 1964 with the consent of the Avery County Board of Commissioners. It was purchased in the spring of 1965, following approval of the state-wide school bond issue the preceding November. After the local school bond passed in July, 1965, architects Coffey and Annas of Lenoir, NC, were called in to draw plans for the new school. Leatherman Clearing and Grading Company of Vale, NC won the grading bid and excavated the site in late 1965. Bids on the school building itself were opened on March 16, 1966. Costs of the school building’s construction came from: State Bond-$298,997.17; County Bond-$900,000.00; and Appalachia Grant $268,634.00. Grants for the new school were received from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation ($30,000.00) to equip the library and Crossnore School, Inc. ($10,000.00) for science equipment. The contractors were McKnight, of Augusta, GA, General; Electric Wiring Company, Inc. of Hickory, NC, electrical; Rogers Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc. of Asheville, NC, plumb-
1969 Pictures From The 1969 Year Book
Michael Martin Lacey
Lana Sharon Buchanan
John Blackburn
Donna Andrews
1969 Salutatorian
1969 Valedictorian
Mr. Avery County High
Miss Avery County High
Robert Boyd Tate Captain Basketball Team
Student Council Mr. Roderick Hall (Sponsor), Marsha Carpenter, Mitch McKnight, Judy Greene, Chuck Stafford, Bobby Crenshaw, Tommy Suddereth, Sidney Wise, Dan Vance, Phillip Pritchard, Jerry Wise, Susie Lewis, Gail Bare, Norma Jean Clark, Pam Hughes, Robin Brooks, Rachel Shook, Edwina Young, Kathy Hughes, Terri Weatherly, Ann Tate, Jean Mitchell, Mary Ellen Estep, Freida Hartley, Dixie Miller, Sherry Brooks, Pam Ellis, Jim Anderson, Jock Ollis, Greg Holden, Tom Evaul.
Gregory Brian Holden Governors School
First Homecoming Court
Karen Elizabeth Kistler
Jane Platt, Bobby Jennings, Sharon Carpenter, Mike Mathis, Jean English, Gary Edwards, Susie Pittman, Brad Blalock, Judy Greene, A.D. Ollis, Connie Buchanan, Claude Cuthbertson, Dawn Dellinger, Greg Holden, Jean Mitchell, Mike Townsend (not pictured)
President, National Honor Society
Varsity Cheerleaders Brenda Kay Wiseman Homecoming Queen
Captain Anne Tate, Thelma McClellan, Bettie McGuire, Sara Cuthbertson, Susan Platt, Mary Louise Moldenhauer, Debbie Flowers, Debbie Oaks
Richard Bracey was hired by the Avery County Board of Education as Avery High’s first principal. He served ten years in the post (1968-1978). December 2019
High Country Magazine
19
C
Cranberry High School
ranberry High School’s nickname was the Wildcats and its colors were green and white. Students from that community as well as those from Banner Elk, Elk Park and down the US Highway 19-E-Toe River corridor to the Plumtree and Speer communities attended it. And the school is still going strong through the Cranberrian Corporation, a local nonprofit, which owns and manages the property at the old high school site. Those facilities have been continuously renovated to try to achieve the classrooms’ original state after falling into disrepair following the school’s closure. Old Cranberry High currently hosts a variety of community events, including weekly bingo and group festivities which the Corporation makes available. The corporation paid $150,000 for the property in the 1980s and began hosting various events in the area during the decade. A large volume of volunteers have donated numerous hours each year to keep old Cranberry High going strong. A recent current tax value of the property was listed at $636,400. The corporation depends heavily on its successful bingo nights to generate income to fund its efforts. For more information about Historic Cranberry High School, visit its Facebook page.
The old Cranberry High School Building as it looks today. The Cranberrian Corporation owns and manages the property and the facilities have been continuously renovated to try to achieve the classrooms’ original state after falling into disrepair following the school’s closure.
Avery High Reunion October 26, 2019 20
ing; and Moser Plumbing, of Asheville, heating. When originally built, the school included 119,000 square feet of floor space. The school then had 38 classrooms, a band rehearsal room, music rooms, vocational shops, four science laboratories and a gymnasium with a 2,300-person seating capacity. It’s often said the more things change, the more they stay the same. A local illustration of that can be found in Avery County High School. During its 50 years, the school has undergone numerous changes over the decades including fluctuating student enrollment numbers and curriculum additions. Despite that, the importance of a solid education there has never changed. Avery High’s first principal was Richard Bracey and its current one is Phillip Little. Richard Bracey was a graduate of the University of North Carolina who moved to Avery County to be principal of its new consolidated high school after serving as principal at West Montgomery High in Mount Gilead, NC and before that at Laurel Hill School in Scotland County, NC, which consisted of students in grades one through twelve. Bracey’s son, Bill, a graduate of Avery High’s Class of 1971 recalled the transition of his father becoming Avery High’s inaugural principal. “My father had worked in those school systems down in the far Southeastern part of the state for a longtime and felt he had accomplished all he wanted in both,” Bill Bracey shared. “However, he still wanted to keep working in education, but desired a change in where. He didn’t want to move really far away and he loved mountains. So, when he found out about a new high school principal’s opening in Avery County, he applied for the job. He was fortunate enough to be granted an interview by the Avery County Board of Education members and was hired. “It was somewhat odd that while almost all of the new Avery High’s teachers and other employees were previously in the same roles at either Crossnore, Cranberry or Newland High Schools, the Board of Education hired a principal for the new
On October 26 this fall over 50 people attended the First Annual Avery County High School Reunion in the high school’s gym. The event was organized by a new group called the ACHS Alumni Association, led by Danica Goodman and Phillip Greene, The purpose of the reunion was to invite all classes from the past 50 years from Avery High to get together for a social event. Danica Goodman commented on this year’s event, “There was much excitement and everyone was engrossed in conversation as they shared memories. We had an amazing time!” Plans are to hold the second reunion next year on the Saturday after homecoming and continue the event into the future.
High Country Magazine
December 2019
December 2019
High Country Magazine
21
This recent picture of Avery County High School, its ongoing new construction additions and renovations to old facilities, many of its sports and other facilities and the majestic mountains it sits beneath was made from a drone’s view. consolidated school from outside the county with no previous connections to the county or its school system. But I think the Board of Education members wanted to make sure they got the most qualified person to be the chief executive officer of the new high school. And with my father being an outsider with his educational background coming here to join teachers, administrators and other faculty who had spent much of their careers in the Avery School System, it was a win-win situation of sorts. This is because my father brought new, fresh ideas and a new presence to complement the faculty base who had already been in the school system.” Bill Bracey said his father spent many hours in preparation for his job interview and then after he was hired, for the opening of Avery County’s new high school. “Once he applied for the Avery High opening, my father began studying and trying to learn all he could about the county and its school system,” Bill Bracey said. “He wanted to make a positive impression with the school board members about his knowledge of the county and its educational history. Then, once he was hired and our family moved to Avery County, one of the first things he did was get yearbooks from the last years of Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland High Schools. He did that so he could learn the names and faces of the students who had been juniors, sophomores and freshmen at those schools. He studied those names and faces for many hours. And on the 22
High Country Magazine
first day of the new Avery High, my father went out to where the school buses unloaded students for classes and he called at least half of them by name when they went past him into the school. They had stunned looks on their faces, like how does this new principal
Bill Bracey, son of Avery High’s first Principal, Richard Bracey, is a 1971 graduate of the school. know me when he’s never met me before. But I think that pleased them and was beneficial to the new school getting off to a good start.” Bracey added that his father was generally pleased with how his tenure at Avery High turned out. “While there’s always ups-anddowns and a principal is not always going to please every student, faculty member, parent or others associated with a school, my father
December 2019
was grateful that he had the chance to work at Avery High, actually end his professional career there and live in the county for many years after his retirement,” Bill Bracey noted. “But he was more pleased with how things went at the school during his tenure as there were minimal problems and many people seemed to be excited about the direction the school was headed. Perhaps his top accomplishment as principal was getting the county’s dropout rate, which was around 50 percent right before the high schools were consolidated down to approximately 25 percent, or cut in half, in just three or four years. He worked hard to cut the dropout rate and make students want to remain in school and get their diplomas. “There were some county residents and others who had graduated from Crossnore, Cranberry and Newland High Schools who were opposed to the high school consolidation. But I believe most of the students who would be attending the new school were generally excited about it. And they helped it get off to a good start with their enthusiasm and pride about being a Viking.”
Current Principal Speaks of 50-Year Milestone and His Philosophies for A Prosperous High School
Little served as an assistant principal at Northwood High School in Chatham County, and at Southeast Randolph Middle School in
2019 Pictures From November 20, 2019
Avery High’s gymnasium is one of the largest of any school in the region.
The Avery High cafeteria is known for the delicious meals served there.
Avery High’s Library contains thousands of books and educational materials.
One of the classrooms in Avery High’s pod-constructed building.
Phillip Little is in his second year as principal at Avery High. He is regarded by his fellow-educators for his sound leadership and the innovative philosophies he provides to students, faculty and other employees as the school’s Chief Executive Officer.
December 2019
High Country Magazine
23
Avery County High School has always had a distinctive physical appearance and it will be enhanced even further with this spiffy main entrance as part of the 56,468 square-foot additions and 19,974-square-foot renovations project that is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2020. Randolph County, NC before becoming employed by the Avery School System. But he was already familiar with Avery County and the North Carolina High Country as he graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone and did his teaching internship at ACHS. According to Avery Board of Education officials, Little was hired in the Avery Schools System because he is very strong in instructional areas, is student oriented and a good team builder. Celebrating the school’s golden anniversary, he said the milestone is significant to the history of the school, as this served as a demonstration of commitment, perseverance and resilience. “It means the school has overcome all the challenges of the years and galvanized the support of students, parents, staff – past and present – as well as the community in order to reach this achievement,” Little noted, then said: “How do we get our students to achieve, and then how do we sustain that? As principal, you always want to listen and learn. The reason things are the way they are is because they work, so you don’t ever come into a situation and change things without understanding the culture, the people here and the needs of the school. I worked hard to find out all I could
about all three and I’m pleased with how well Avery High is educating our students and preparing them for life after they graduate.” Beaming with pride, the principal then stated: “Over the last six decades, not only have we expanded physically, but we have assumed our place in society as intellectual leaders and shapers of education that well-match any school in the area, state or nationally in my estimation.” Little added that Avery County High School is built on the concepts of a collective commitment and an inherent belief in partnership. “The significance of our 50th is much bigger than any one of us individually; it is about our collective commitment.”
Various Alumni Return to Avery High Faculty Posts as School Has Tremendous Academics Growth
Many alumni have returned to Avery High as faculty and staff. Former teacher, assistant principal and principal Pat Edwards and teachers Hank Williams and Missy Poteat are a few examples. Many other graduates have become politicians, researchers, military officers, business owners and model citizens in the Avery Coun-
ty community and around the world. Current Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr. (Class of 1981) is proud of the institution’s successes, stating that, “I bask in the glory of Avery County High School.” An academic advantage Avery High student has of which its administrators and faculty are most proud is that the school offers a one-to -one computer initiative (laptops for all students and staff since 2011), a schoolwide wireless network, STEM and Freshman Academies as well as extensive collaboration with Mayland Community College.
New School Construction and Facility Renovations
Avery High began to need facility improvements in the 1970s and has received several during various time intervals. It’s currently receiving massive new construction and renovations at a cost of approximately $20 million. These phased additions and renovations center around a new addition to the front of the building, which will house the main entrance and lobby, as well as classrooms. The renovations will be extensive and include science facilities to meet state safety standards and updates to ensure compliance with the
(Above) As per its architectural firm, Boomerang Design of Charlotte, NC, an aerial view of how the new Avery High additions and renovation will look from their exterior when completed. (Right). A peek of the interior of the new main entrance lobby in the high school. 24
High Country Magazine
December 2019
“A modern and beautiful facility that has 24 new classrooms that will allow our students to maximize their potential and also us to address some concerns that we have had about safety with our facilities.” Americans with Disabilities Act. The project is underway in phases that is not interrupting the school’s normal schedule or restricting the use of its current facilities. The main part of the project is a new addition to the front of the building that would house classrooms and be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and meet state safety standards. The project required fiber and sewer lines running to the school to be relocated, as well as temporary changes to the main entrance and parking areas while the main addition is being added. After the addition is completed and functional, the 100and 200-pod sections of the school will be sectioned off and demolished, after which the side parking lot will be reconfigured, followed by various renovations to existing areas. There is also potential to add new art and technical classrooms at additional cost where the pods were previously occupied as well as a new auxiliary gymnasium and an auditorium. “This will be monumental for the students of Avery County,” Little said. “It will create, for them, a modern and beautiful facility that has 24 new classrooms that will allow our students to maximize their potential and also us to address some concerns that we have had about safety with our facilities.” Little added the project will also be “a milestone for the community at large.”
A Multitude of Academic Changes Over 50 Years
Today, as in years past, you’ll find the high school’s 400 plus students making their way through the doors of Avery County High School to get to their first-period classes. Some are holding their cellphones, music streaming through earbuds. Others are treating it like a normal day as they leisurely make their way inside. The scene would have been hard to imagine in that first Avery High school year of 1968-69 — before cellphones and streaming music apps. Indeed, fifty years have brought significant change, said Career and Technical Education teacher Dewayne Krege, who has either been
SHAPE SKIS DEMOS PERFORMANCE JUNIOR
AREA’S NEWEST & BEST
SKI & BOARD
RENTALS
SNOWBLADES CLOTHING BOARDS BOOTS
EVERYTHING TO GET YOU ON THE SLOPES!
Great People. Great Equipment. Great Service.
Reserve Your Gear Online: SkiCountrySports.com ACROSS FROM THE ENTRANCE TO SUGAR MOUNTAIN IN BANNER ELK
828/ 898-9786
Thanks for Giving Skiers 50 years of Downhill Thrills, Sugar Mountain!
MOUNTAIN LAND Live a quiet life . . . come to the mountains!
OPEN 24/7
LARGE TRACTS! mountains4sale.com
Mountain Land C O M PANY
828-263-2340 December 2019
High Country Magazine
25
“Things change,” Krege declared. “Buildings get bigger, programs get bigger. But what really keeps me going is the spirit of this school. It’s phenomenal and its always been that way.” a student or worked at the school for twentyfive years. From paper to the early years of computers, Krege said the way he’s taught students has advanced. Back then, Krege said, everything was done by hand. Teachers recorded grades in a gradebook and took attendance on paper. But over time, new technology emerged, as Krege acknowledged. “There is always the fundamental part to teaching and learning that will never change — and that aspect will always be pure. But you can’t overlook the tremendous advantages of digital media and other computer-related technology. The Internet truly has made a colossal impact on how teachers instruct, and how, and what all, students can learn. “Students want teachers to care about them and who want them to learn. And if they know you truly care about them and want what’s best for them, they will work harder to excel in your class. One thing that has not changed, Krege added, is the spirit of Avery High. “It’s a community, and this community has always been very strong,” he said. “I am very fortunate to be able to teach at Avery High. We have some of the best teenagers and students ever. We teach them differently now, but the students are still the same.” “Things change,” Krege declared. “Buildings get bigger, programs get bigger. But what really keeps me going is the spirit of this school. It’s phenomenal and its always been that way.” During his time at the high school, the teachers’ talent and dedication struck Krege as one of the school’s great strengths. Although many of his colleagues have since retired — some after a full career spent at the high school — that energy hasn’t changed; today’s teachers possess the same enthusiasm and dedication, he said. Inside Avery County High School’s front entrance, reminders of five decades of change are on proud display. Keepsakes line the halls, creating a daily reminder for students and teachers of the growth that has shaped Avery High into its rich academic and sports-filled community it is today. Trophy cases packed with academic and sports accolades create a sort of museum of the school’s history. Avery County High has long been comfortably settled into its identity as a school 26
High Country Magazine
with a strong foundation in education — and educators and students alike say it’s given the school an opportunity to fulfill its vision and mission statements better than ever before. Those read: VISION: Avery County High School will empower all students to graduate ready for college, careers, and life in a global society. MISSION: Avery County High School will ensure all students are challenged with meaningful and rigorous courses which are aligned with individual interests and future plans so they will graduate prepared for postsecondary opportunities. Avery High has received many awards and distinctions recently for its academics, including: Advanced Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS); ABC’s of Public Education, School of Distinction-2009-2010; Top Ten Highest Graduation Rate 2011-2012; North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Certificate of Achievement- 98.2 percent Graduation Rate 2013-2014; 96.9 percent Graduation Rate 2014-2015; 97.3 percent Graduation Rate 2015-2016; 97.4 percent Graduation Rate 2016-2017; and 95 percent Graduation Rate 2017-2018; Honor Unit with DistinctionAvery JROTC Department of the Army, 201617; and in 2019 a Top 20 percent-ranked school according to Great Schools.org and a Top 40 percent-ranked school, by US News and World Report. Retirements through the years of longtime faculty members — some of whom spent their entire careers at the school –have been replaced with a younger crop of teachers. The younger teachers have brought new ideas to Avery High’s classrooms, but their predecessors left a strong legacy to build upon, declared Hank Williams, a 1985 graduate who now teaches mathematics. He said Avery High’s engaging academics and successful athletics programs prepared him for life after high school, and he “always knew” he wanted to come back as a teacher. “It feels like family,” he said. “I love being part of the school.” Many faculty members agreed that the biggest change they’ve seen at Avery High hasn’t related to the students themselves; rapidly evolving technology has totally changed the way teachers teach and students learn. Williams said that even though technology has changed the way teenagers interact
December 2019
with the world, the students themselves are fundamentally the same. “I think students are still students,” Williams shared. “Hopefully, teachers never get to a point where they can’t relate to that. I still think most can; that’s why they remain good teachers.” Avery High, which has had thousands of highly-accomplished students such as Jock Ollis, who received the coveted Morehead Scholarship in 1970 to attend the University of North Carolina, has always prided itself in providing challenging academic instruction. Educators there maintain that focus has sharpened in recent years as they explored the best way to excel as a small school. Avery High’s students are taught there to balance their own desire to succeed with compassion for their classmates. “I think students want to be their best and for their fellow-students to do the same,” Williams added. Avery High’s current small size has become one of the school’s most profound strengths, Little noted. Students aren’t lost in the shuffle, and older students value their younger counterparts, who become integrals members of sports teams, after-school clubs and other school activities.
A Bright Academic and Athletics Future Likely Awaits
When Avery High opened fifty years ago it had several hundred more students then it currently does. But Little said he feels Avery has carved a niche for itself as an academically and sports-engaging high school. “Our students have a tremendous amount of course choices for a high school, regardless of size, because of our online options and partnership with Mayland Community College. For somebody who appreciates a quality school, Avery’s it.” As he looks ahead, Little said he sees Avery High continuing to embrace its identity as a close-knit community rooted in academics and athletics. He declared: “That’s my hope: That Avery can in fact grow and be even stronger in 10 years — both academically and athletically — than it is now.” Avery County High School is inviting the community to come and celebrate 50 years of Viking Pride during school-wide activities throughout the remainder of this school year. For more information, please visit the Facebook page of Avery County High School Alumni Association or the phone the high school at (828) 733-0151. t Some pictures used in the article were provided by Avery County High School, Bill Bracey and Tim Gardner.
December 2019
High Country Magazine
27
The AHS Vikings - A Glowing Sports History
A
very High has had tremendous success in various sports-both men’s and women’s. The school fields varsity teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, softball, soccer, swimming, track and field, volleyball, wrestling and cheerleading. Avery has been classified as a 3-A, 2-A and is currently a 1-A size school as governed by the North Carolina High School Athletics Association as is part of the Western Highlands 1-A, 2-A Conference. The Avery High football, soccer and track and field stadium is named after Nestor J. MacDonald and has an accompanying field house (opened in 1998) on its south end. The Vikings also have one of the largest gymnasiums of any area school with basketball games, volleyball matches and wrestling meets held there. A baseball/softball field also sits on campus and an ROTC firing range and repelling tower are also located on the sports facilities grounds. Avery’s top athletics accomplishments include winning numerous conference championships in football, men’s and women’s basketball, golf, volleyball and other sports as well as having many individual sports champions. Avery’s soccer team has also played for a state championship and its 1968-69 basketball team finished third in the State 3-A Tournament. Avery High’s women’s basketball teams won 59 consecutive conference basketball games in the late 1970s-early 1980s and the men’s basketball team accomplished a similar feat in the 2010-current decade, reeling off 58 straight conference wins. Several top Avery High athletes went on to excel on the collegiate level and a couple in the professional ranks. A former prep All-State and All-American Basketball player, the seven-foot, twoinch tall Burleson, went on to become a college All-American and was starting center on the 1972 United States Olympics Team. Those honors preceded his seven-year career playing professionally for four teams (Seattle Supersonics, Kansas City Kings, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls) in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Also, Terry Smith a standout player for the Vikings in the early-to-mid 1970s, went on to play football at Furman University and then for the National Football League’s (NFL’s) New England Patriots. 28
High Country Magazine
Northwestern Conference 1969-70 Co-Champions - Coach Bruce Daniels, R.D. Daniels, Brad Blalock, Billy Watson, Gerald McKinney, Alton Franklin, Tommy Burleson, Gary Edwards, Jim Trivett, Cotton Trivett, Kenny Ward, Coach Charles Franklin Avery’s Vikings even had the very rare feat of having three players from the same basketball team—the school’s first of 196869—go on to play collegiately: Burleson at
Avery County’s most noted basketball star, Tommy Burleson, was featured solely on the cover of Sports Illustrated while playing for the North Carolina State University Wolfpack. Burleson attended both Newland and Avery High Schools and was a prep and collegiate All-American player. North Carolina State University, where he helped lead the Wolfpack to the 1973-74 National Championship and a phenomenal
December 2019
57-1 record his junior and senior seasons; guard Bobby Tate at Appalachian State University and forward Kenny Ward at Mars Hill College. According to the 1969 Avery High yearbook, Burleson averaged 30 points and 29 rebounds per game during the 1968-69 season. Another top athlete at Avery was John Mark Bentley, an All-State and All-American wrestler, who compiled an astonishing 144-0 individual wrestling record as a Viking, winning four state titles and capped by the 1997 Individual National Championship. Bentley wrestled at the University of North Carolina, where he also was an All-American and the 2001 Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of The Year. He is currently the head wrestling coach at Appalachian State University. And one of Avery’s most versatile athletes ever is Terry Gardner (Class of 1971), the first four-sport letterwinner in school history, who starred in football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. Gardner scored all the points in Avery High first-ever football win—over Morganton in 1970. He intercepted a Morganton pass late in the game, then ran for a touchdown and kicked the ensuing extra point to rally the Vikings from behind to a 7-6 win. Mike Pusey (Class of 1975) was another exceptional Avery athlete in three sports-football, baseball and wrestling. He threw a no-hitter in baseball and went on to play football at Western Carolina University, where is became one of its all-time great quarterbacks, still holding several school
Avery High’s first basketball coach Roger Banks, who later achieved stardom as a college recruiter. passing records. Also, Avery Running back Judge Avery (Class of 1980) was the 1979 Western North Carolina’s Football Back of The Year as chosen by the Asheville Citizen-Times. More top and accomplished Viking athletes through Avery High’s first 50 years have included: Champ Robert Young, Lena Ingram, Jimmy Pusey, Damon Smith, Eva Briedenthal, Jan Brewer, Tim Singleton, Bruce Shomaker, Missy Poteat, Jacki Cantrell, David Wise, Craig Watson, Jodi Jones, Jenny Forbes, Ben Jones, Dustin Clark, Matthew Bentley, Mike Coffey, Josh Johnson, Jeffrey Puckett, Michael Buchanan, Daniel Boone, Zeb Griffith, Neal Gragg and Troy Hoilman. Additionally, Avery has also been blessed with some coaches who possess rather impressive backgrounds and achievements. Roger Banks was the last men’s head basketball coach at old Newland High and the first at Avery High. He compiled a combined two-year record of 52 wins and only 4 losses in two years as a head coach at the schools. Avery High recorded epic 63-62 and 58-57 triumphs over then arch-rival Marion High as well as a come-from-behind 85-76 win at Asheville High during Banks’ tenure. Several of Avery’s games then were even moved to Appalachian State’s Varsity Gymnasium in Boone in order to keep from having to turn fans away at the door who wanted to see Burleson and cast play. The Vikings even drew more fans than the homestanding and college ASU Mountaineers in their own gymnasium. Banks left Avery High to become an assistant coach and ace recruiter on the collegiate level at Gardner-Webb, Austin Peay, Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia and Auburn University. National publications as Sports
Bill Bomar (left), shown with a former football player, is one of the most successful coaches ever in Avery County. Illustrated, Sport, Sporting News and various other national magazines named Banks as one of college basketball’s all-time top recruiters. Several players he recruited and signed to play for those schools who went on to have successful profession al basketball careers included: John Drew, Dominique Wilkins, Vern Fleming, Charles Barkley and Chuck Person. Several Avery High coaches also coached at Lees-McRae College. Paul Johnson, a former Avery football player (Class of 1975), served as an assistant football coach at Avery and LMC, each for two seasons (1979-1980 and 1981-1982 ,respectively), and later went on to be head coach at Georgia Southern, where his teams won two National Collegiate Athletics Association national titles, and then at the United States Naval Academy (Navy) and Georgia Tech. Coaching legend Bill Bomar came out of retirement to serve as Avery’s offensive coordinator (1980-1984) and a world history and physical education teacher after a tenure as Lees-McRae’s head football coach and athletics director. Bomar won around a mind-boggling 1,000 games in several sports combined and championships on conference, regional, state and national levels while coaching in Florida and Georgia. He played football and baseball at his alma-mater, the University of Georgia, where he also later coached. Bomar drew the ultimate coaching praise from hisfellow coaching icon, University of Georgia head football coach Vince Dooley who said of him: “Bill Bomar is as good a coach as there is in America in any sport and on any level.”Bomar also was an assistant baseball coach at Avery under his son, head coach Karl Bomar. Scott Possgrove was men’s head basket-
Terry Gardner was Avery High’s first athlete to earn a letter in four sports (football, basketball, baseball and wrestling). ball coach at LMC and later at Avery High (2014-2015 through the 2017-2018 seasons). He won 88 games in those four seasons at Avery, where he left to coach NCAA Division III Eastern Nazarene (Mass.) College, just outside of Boston. And current Avery head football coach Mac Bryan also filled the same role at LMC after being an assistant there. As head coach, he led the Bobcats to a 44-10-1 record. Bryan has football coaching tenures at thirteen schools on various levels, including as a head coach at six high schools. Another coaching product from Avery High is former Vikings football player Jimmy Fletcher (Class of 1983), who played and then was an assistant coach at Lenoir-Rhyne College. Fletcher later was an assistant at East Tennessee State University and Richmond County, NC High and is currently head coach at West Brunswick, NC High. One of Avery High’s especially noteworthy sports honors was having Burleson featured on the cover of the world’s most noted sports magazine, Sports Illustrated on more than one occasion, including solely by himself and in numerous articles in it and other national sports publications. Bentley has also been featured in Sports Illustrated articles and both Judge Avery and former Vikings head football coach Charles “Babe” Howell listed in an issue of the magazine’s “Faces In The Crowd” section. Howell, who achieved a majority of his wins at Sylva-Webster, NC High School, broke the all-time record for prep football coaching wins with a 31-23 victory over Robbinsville while coaching at Avery (1994-1997) to secure the then-record 277th victory. That’s just a small sampling of Avery High athletes and coaches who excelled at high levels.t
December 2019
High Country Magazine
29