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FEATURES

52. A BAKER’S DOZEN

North Carolina has produced many standout athletes

ON THE C OV E R

58. CAROLINA STALLIONS

Rocky Mount-based team begins season this month

Edwin Perry was all smiles after reaching base during games played in the Aulander Youth League.

Photo by Jim Green

60.

STITHING TOGETHER

64.

OUT & ABOUT

VOL. 11, NO. 4 JULY 2019

Sisters enjoy track career at East Events happening in and around Carolina University the 12 counties

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher

Staff

Kyle Stephens

Gene Metrick

kstephens@ncweeklies.com

gmetrick@rmtelegram.com

Editor

jgreen@ncweeklies.com

Jim Green

70. VIEWS FROM OUR 12

Summer brings abundance of recreation leagues

72.

ALL IN A DAY’S TRIP Jim Garrison headlines local continent in Hall of Fame

Thadd White twhite@ncweeklies.com Creative Services Director Michelle Leicester mleicester@ncweeklies.com Layout & Design Becky Wetherington beckyweth@gmail.com

76.

SIX QUESTIONS Andre Alfred sees sports as an official and photographer

80. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

Family togetherness and tailgating go hand-in-hand

Sarah Hodges Stalls shstalls@ncweeklies.com Leslie Beachboard lbeachboard@ncweeklies.com Amelia Harper lharper@rmtelegram.com Jenny White jwhite0225@gmail.com Editorial Contributors

Advertising Executives

Corrine Luthy

Lou Ann Van Landingham

Sandy Carawan

lavan@ncweeklies.com

Doward Jones Jr.

Jessica Mobley

Sylvia Hughes

jmobley@ncweeklies.com

Rudy Coggins

Lewis Smith

Andre Alfred

lsmith@rmtelegram.com

J.W. “Russ” Russell

Eastern North Carolina Living

Meredith Davies Long

Meghan Grant

84.

BIOGRAPHY Randy K. Whitaker has always been dedicated to BHS

88.MARK IT! Bernice Harris was a playwright and storyteller

Magazine

Samuel Evers

P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983

Patrick Mason

252-794-3185

Ronnie Woodward

twhite@ncweeklies.com

Molly Urbina

Eastern North Carolina Living is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.

5

HERTFORD Story by Meredith Long Photos Courtesy of Chowan University

Breaking the Mold

Chowan Universit y ATHLETIC EVOLUTION

A

nyone within a 90-mile radius of Murfreesboro

Well-known professional athletes like Nate McMillan and

has heard the names Jim Garrison and Bob Burke.

George Koonce used Chowan as a springboard into their

Those two names are synonymous with

eventual successful professional careers in the NBA and the

Chowan University athletics. Both long-tenured

NFL respectively. Both are members of the Chowan Athletics

coaches at Chowan, Garrison and Burke put their respective

6

Hall of Fame, as are Garrison and Burke.

athletic programs and Chowan on the national map, making

The hallways of the Helms Center are filled with echoes

Murfreesboro a mecca for NCAA D-I coaches like Bobby

of tradition and pride while the grass of Garrison Stadium

Cremins, Lefty Driesell, and the like looking for national caliber

still grows rooted in excellence and passion as it did when

junior college talent.

Garrison, Dan Surface and Jerry Hawkins drilled hundreds of

hopeful athletes.

Coaches like Janet Collins spent more than 30 years at Chowan

Larry Carter

giving glory to the sport of volleyball, and like men’s basketball, saw its share of teams gain national prowess.

Under Burke’s tenure, Chowan fans became familiar with a place called Huchinson, Kansas, the perennial location for the NJCAA National Championship.

As storied as the school’s junior college athletic history is, the University struggled to make a name for itself in the four-year era.

Many traditionally strong athletic programs lost traction while other sports like baseball, softball and volleyball rose to the top as some of the bright spots in the freshly formed four-year program.

The athletics record book at Chowan is undoubtedly confusing to the untrained eye. It is a mash up of three eras in Chowan’s athletic history, which combines memberships within the National Junior College Athletic Association, NCAA D-III, and most recently, the NCAA D-II ranks.

In 2006 a dynamic duo with both transition experience and vision would set out to usher in a new era in Chowan athletics.

A Wave of Transition A wave of transition in Chowan University transcended not only the university, but also the athletic department, sending it seemingly into a sea of both rough waters and eventual smooth sailing. That smooth sailing was captained by then-University President, now Chancellor, Dr. Chris White, and then-Vice President for Athletics and now Athletic Director Emeritus, Dennis Helsel.

The decision to transition to NCAA D-II status was executed quickly and while the transition may have been rough in the beginning, smooth sailing would soon be on the horizon.

“We completed the transition from D-III to D-II in a minimum amount of time,” said Helsel. “The credit is due in great part to the University’s forward thinking to fund athletic scholarships that were comparable to other D-II schools in the region.”

The process of moving from NCAA D-III to NCAA II status started in 2005-2006. The school moved through the process in two years and was accepted as a full member of NCAA D-II in 2008-2009.

“We stepped out in faith, and with some experience on our side,” continued White. White had presidential experience at all college athletic levels, the NAIA, NCAA D-II, NCAA I, and with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). He strategically guided Chowan through several transitions including moving from College to University status, NCAA D-III to NCAA D-II, and changing mascot from Braves to Hawks.

“I’m grateful for Dennis Helsel and his experience with the NCAA. We transitioned quickly because of his attention to detail, discipline, and commitment. Those early years were tough but we found a home

The hallways of the Helms Center are filled with echoes of tradition and pride while the grass of Garrison Stadium still grows rooted in excellence and passion as it did when Jim Garrison, Dan Surface and Jerry Hawkins drilled hundreds of hopeful athletes.

in the CIAA and in Conference Carolinas,” continued White. “Looking back on it, the decision to go NCAA D-II is in the top 10 best decisions in my presidency at Chowan. I am just thrilled at where we have come from and where we are currently.”

7

Diverse Sports Landscape Chowan currently sponsors 19 sports and a co-ed cheerleading squad. In the last seven years, the department has added men’s and women’s swimming, women’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and acrobatics and tumbling.

“We offer a very diverse athletic program at Chowan,” stated Dr. Kirk Peterson, newly inaugurated President of Chowan University. “While we offer some very traditional sports here, we have a slate of other

My experiences as a student-athlete helped to shape my life, and I know any one of our athletes, past, present, or future can say the same thing.

- Dr. Kirk Peterson, President Chowan University

collegiate sports offerings you can’t find any place else in our area.

That’s something fans can get excited about.”

A former student-athlete at the University of Wisconsin-La-Crosse, Peterson understands that sports is the front porch to any small liberal arts college.

Tumbling that will begin competition in the spring of 2021. In addition,

“My experiences as a student-athlete helped to shape my life, and I

we are strongly considering ESports and maybe even Track and Field

know any one of our athletes, past, present, or future can say the same

in the near future. It is simply an amazing time to be apart of Chowan

thing,” he said.

Athletics,” finished Mashuda.

Chowan University’s Vice President for Athletics, Patrick Mashuda,

Dedicated Fan Base

has also seen his fair share of growth in Chowan athletics. Mashuda was

Over the years Chowan’s fan base has grown remarkably, largely

hired in 2004 to head the women’s basketball program and recently

in part to Chowan’s conference memberships and the ability to create

returned to lead the athletics program.

rivalries with other universities in our region. One constant in both the

“When I started here at Chowan back in 2004, I was greeted by legendary Coach Jim Garrison. I have never met a better storyteller

athletic and university realm is local business owner and University trustee, Stan Dixon.

than Coach Garrison. Coach Bob Burke is a close second. But what

Dixon can be seen (and heard) at home football Saturdays from

I remember the most was the conversations about his love for this

miles around. From his end zone view, Dixon’s trademark is his RV horn

institution and what he believed the future would hold,” said Mashuda.

honking on every Chowan touchdown. In recent years he has spent

The sports landscape at Chowan is not done growing.

much of his tailgating time blowing that horn with the prolific offensive

“Most recently we have added Men’s and Women’s Swimming as

teams the Hawks football squad has been producing.

well as Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse. We have added Acrobatics and

8

“For me, it’s about relationships. As a trustee involved in athletics

at Chowan, it’s great to be able to go to games and fellowship with others that share the same passion for the school and for the athletic program as I do,” said Dixon. “I meet new people at each game. I always give them my contact information, show them my RV, and invite them to eat. I get to share my memories of Chowan as a student-athlete and for me, those memories are what bridges the gap between my playing days and watching games today.”

Another fellow CU Hall of Famer, Gattis Hodges, has had a bird’s eye view on Hawks’ athletics for more than 20 years. Hodges calls football and basketball games for the Hawks online broadcasting network. He has seen his fair share of games and taken in this sports evolution first-hand.

“On any given Fall or Spring Saturday, fans can take in multiple athletic events and unlike a lot collegiate venues, with the exception of football and basketball the admission is free,” said Hodges. “When it comes to football, the sound of the game from quaint Garrison Stadium that is normally packed with Chowan faithful, can be heard throughout the small town of Murfreesboro.”

Hodges has welcomed the addition of sports over the years and sees the evolution as an exciting time for sports fans in the area.

“After relying on JUCO Football and Basketball as their calling card, going to four year status (DIII & DII) as enabled other sports to flourish and draw national attention, especially on the women side. Volleyball, softball, tennis and vasketball have all participated in NCAA postseason play in recent years, plus the school has added Lacrosse and Swimming to add to their athletic resume,” continued Hodges.

Chowan has many notable fans. Those fans brave foul weather, cheer faithfully through losing streaks, and share in the triumph of big Chowan wins. But no fan is more notable than Larry Carter.

sidelines at a volleyball match to the hardcourts at Rose Family Tennis Complex, Carter is there, wearing his staple Chowan baseball hat. If he is at a game that the Hawks win, you can bet the next game he is wearing the lucky socks he had on the last time the Hawks won.

“Sports have always been a part of my life,” continued Carter. “I enjoy attending all the games and I try to get friends and fans to join the Brave Hawks Club. I feel at home every time I walk onto campus.”

Thrilling Finishes and Local Standouts Since transitioning to NCAA D-II status, the Hawks have claimed 14 CIAA Conference Championships, 2 Conference Carolinas Conference Championships, and made 19 NCAA D-II Regional appearances.

The Murfreesboro native grew up within an earshot of campus, even

Chowan athletics boasts nearly 400 student-athletes across

able to hear the roar from Garrison Stadium on any Saturday afternoon

18 sports and a co-ed cheerleading team. Those student-athletes

as a child. He is a stable presence in the heart of an unstable athletic

represent 23 different states and 12 different countries.

environment, prodding the Hawks along, offering sage advice to both coaches and student-athletes alike.

“When you walk into any athletic event at Chowan University, it is a

Local talent Cliff Forbes claimed a 2012 CIAA Men’s Golf Championship while Aulander native Tyler Burden was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015.

fun and friendly environment for fans, families in the community, and

Haley Cooper from nearby Perquimans County was drafted by the

our visiting fans,” said Carter. “The growth of the university has been a

American Softball Association’s Performance Lab team in early June of

welcomed addition to our community, giving us a place to go and have

2019.

great time at a good price.”

Meredith Davies Long is Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman

There’s not one Chowan event one won’t spot Carter. He makes

Administrator at Chowan University. A decorated multi-sport athlete at

friends with everyone around him in the stands whether from the

Chowan in her playing day, Long is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame.

9

10

11

BEAUFORT Story & Photos by Jim Green

H

is presence and influence is unmistakable – and undeniable.

Upon walking into the gym

at Pungo Christian Academy, his signature is etched onto the hardwood – a naming of the court in his honor bestowed upon him by school officials during homecoming in 2012.

Henry “Hank” Stoop accepted the honor on behalf of the hundreds of athletes he coached over a two-decades plus career (1973-1995), saying, “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

If his name on the floor – now known as Hank Stoop Court – isn’t impressive enough, looking almost directly over the

Hank Stoop

Raiders’ bench should be a reminder of how successful this man was.

A Columbia blue and white banner reads, NCISAA Women’s Basketball State Champions 1987-88 – the season Stoop and his Lady Raider basketball team made history by winning the school’s only state title to date. (Another school-created banner with the names of the players is behind the press box).

Stoop’s resume while at PCA speaks for

itself

–

numerous

conference

championships, more than 200 wins for the girls program and 14-time conference coach of the year. In addition, the

T h e M an , T h e M y th , T h e L egend 12

influence he has had over the school can’t be measured by wins and losses, or the various honors he has accumulated.

It is far and wide – and at one point a few years ago, many of the PCA coaches on staff were former players of his.

And, for the past 20 years, a Hank Stoop Scholarship Award has been presented in his name at the school’s athletic banquet.

To this day, Stoop still helps out as a volunteer. He recently helped coach the Lady Raiders softball team in the NCISAA

tournament, where they finished second. (His great niece, Reagan

But there were some unsung heroes as well.

Stoop, plays on the team).

At that time, eighth graders weren’t allowed to play on the

Hank Stoop grew up in the Terra Ceia community of Beaufort

varsity, so Stoop made Wendy Cayton, Hope Respess and Kim Ange

County and later attended Pantego High School, where he played

managers and asked three cheerleaders (sophomores Anita Allen and

basketball and baseball from 1964-66 under coach Nolan Respess.

Amy Woolard and freshman Kimberly Dunbar) to play.

“Coach Respess believed in the fundamentals and defense in basketball,” said Stoop, a point guard. “We were full court man-toman from the time the ball was tipped, which was really unusual at the time because most teams played 2-1-2 and 1-3-1 zone.”

Stoop said he owed a lot of his coaching success, particularly in basketball, to Respess.

“It took a lot of courage on their part,” Stoop said. “They practiced with us one week before the state tournament and then played.”

That trio made significant contributions in all three tournament wins – Rocky Mount Academy, Westchester Academy and Arendell Parrott Academy.

“The amazing thing is in those three games, those three girls never

“He was a big believer in the fundamentals,” he said. “Offense

committed a turnover and got some key rebounds,” Stoop said. “We

wins games; defense wins championships. I took what I learned from

could not have won (the state title) without them, and it’s a tribute to

him and wanted my teams to be like his.”

them.”

After graduating from Pantego in 1966, Stoop attended North

One of the smartest decisions Stoop made, according to him, was

Carolina State University, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Wood

not telling his team how good Westchester’s Christy Hedgepeth was.

Science. He worked in furniture factories for three years and then decided he wanted to teach and coach.

“She was averaging over 30 points a game, and I told them we would play zone and always have to know where she is,” he said. “I told them they

After taking courses at East Carolina University so he could teach, Stoop

had one real good player, one good player, one average player and the other two

began his educational career at Pungo in 1973. Over the next two decades he taught numerous subjects

(math,

shop

and

health and physical education, among them), coached or was an assistant in every sport but volleyball, was an athletic director for 20 years and served as the headmaster for the final two years (1993-95).

Many of Stoop’s teams enjoyed success over the years, but the 1987-88 girls basketball season will forever be remembered as the pinnacle of his coaching career.

Stoop was confident as his Lady Raiders began the 1987-88 season.

“I felt we would win the conference and go to the state tournament,” he said.

The Raiders won their conference regular-season and tournament championships, as did the junior varsity boys and varsity boys teams coached by Stoop and Jim McClees, respectively.

The core of the team was made up of junior Sylvia Newman and sophomores Jenna Baker, Wendy Respess and Melissa Berry.

The team also had sophomore Teresa Bell and freshman Marcy Shavender (now Marcy Morgan, the Head of School at PCA). All of them made tremendous contributions.

13

wouldn’t hurt us.”

championships, but neither team was able to replicate what the girls

The Raiders held Hedgepeth – a future Stanford recruit – to half of

accomplished in 1987-88.

her average in the win to advance to the finals, where Newman hit for

“I am proud of what we have done here, which includes all of the

26 points (22 in the second half, including 11 of 14 from the foul line)

student-athletes and the coaches who have come after me,” he said.

to lead Pungo to a 37-31 win over Parrott and the state championship.

“But that year, everything just fell into place for our girls. They were

McClees’ boys team, which had lost out prior to the finals, showed up in

such a close-knit group who believed in themselves. We are very proud

face paint and displayed homemade banners and clever cheers.

of that banner up there.”

The trophy – and the net draped over it – maintains a prominent

Baker’s Building Supply in Belhaven, where he has remained the past

place in the Raiders’ trophy case today.

“I was so excited for the girls because they really loved each other and worked so hard and wanted to win,” he said. “They went about boys

basketball

teams

24 years.

“I enjoy what I do there and I have good people to work with,” he said. “I get off work at 3 and can go to (PCA) and watch girls basketball

their business and were rewarded for it.”

Stoop’s

Stoop stepped away from coaching in 1995 and went to work at

won

several

conference

practice or help with softball.”

Stoop has never gotten away from PCA athletics completely – nor does he want to.

“I still support the school and have helped them whenever they needed me,” he said.

The biggest reward, Stoop says, is the support he received from his players, their parents and the community over the years.

“I had very few issues because they knew my expectations,” he said.

Players have lauded Stoop over his career and the respect and admiration they have for him.

How would Stoop like to be remembered?

“I would like to remembered as a coach who was concerned about his players on and off the field and court, a coach who expected 100 percent and a coach who taught the fundamentals of the sport as well as some fundamentals for life,” he said. “Always do what’s right, do the best you can in whatever you are doing and treat people like you want to be treated.”

Jim Green is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, and is Sports Editor of the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the Standard Laconic.

14

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15

EDGECOMBE Story by Rudy Coggins Photos by Jim Green & Rudy Coggins

Sandra Langley

The definition of

excellence in coaching

N

avy

blue

flags

with

white

her team during the 1981 N.C. High School

championships and four state titles in eight

letters, symbols of SouthWest

Athletic Association Class 3-A state final

tries - the last coming in 2005.

Edgecombe's athletics success - team and individual - hang above Sandra Langley Court inside the school gymnasium.

Turn left, walk down a short hallway and step into Sandra Langley's corner office.

Two corkboards overflow with photos

against Mountain Heritage.

"I can't take all of the credit because I've

Then 24 years old and expecting her first

had good players, too," said Langley, who

child, Alex, little did Langley know she'd

coached her first-ever Division I signee

turn a tiny rural school 10 minutes outside

while at North Edgecombe and continued

the town limits of Pinetops into a perennial

the trend at SWE.

powerhouse.

"You've got to have good players to win

of former SWE varsity girls' basketball and

The only varsity girls' coach in school

conference championships (and) make that

volleyball teams, players and friends of

history, Langley has compiled a state-

run to the state title. But, I do think once

the program. Taped to a filing cabinet is

record 774 career wins and also holds

you get into the playoffs is where coaching

another, perhaps less-celebrated emblem

the mark for most wins (743) at a single

really comes in because everyone has got

- a newspaper article, yellowed with age

school. The Cougars have accumulated

good teams, and you've got to be able to

that shows an animated Langley talking to

18 regular-season crowns, eight regional

make those quick adjustments, too."

16

Langley grew up on the tobacco farm of

Langley met with Lee Hall, who reminded

her parents, Preston and Gladys Shelton.

her he had offered her a job, and she accepted

She obtained a Master's degree in physical

it. While she appreciated Hall's assistance,

education from Atlantic Christian College

she stressed to the future superintendent of

She took over the girls' basketball

(now Barton) and started her teaching/

Edgecombe County schools that she could

program at West and must have made

coaching career at North Edgecombe.

not get a job interview despite having a

quite an impression on Long. When county

Master's in P.E.

officials opted to merge West and South into

Three years went by and the administration stressed if she wanted to continue in her current position, she'd need to pursue a degree in the exceptional children area.

Langley just wanted a chance to coach.

"He must have liked what I said," Langley said.

The conversation ended.

SouthWest Edgecombe during the 1978-

Across the county, administrative moves

79 school year, Langley's dream no longer

took place at West Edgecombe High School.

remained a fantasy.

"They said if you didn't go back to school in

Then a P.E. teacher/coach, Don Reams called

Long hired the fiery, enthusiastic coach

that area, they would not rehire you," Langley

Langley and she requested an interview with

to direct both the varsity girls' basketball and

said. "I said, 'OK, I'm fine with that. Maybe

then-principal Cecil Long.

volleyball programs.

something else will come up.' I'm thinking

"I would say that God blessed me," Langley

now I'm jobless after three years of being

said. "I was in the right place at the right time."

employed with Edgecombe County."

Yet, a huge challenge awaited.

The players from the two bitter, sometimes hostile rivals had to develop chemistry and accept new roles on the basketball court.

Some of the players who expected to start

Then 24 years old and

found themselves on the bench, which created tension between Langley and the

expecting her f irst child, Alex,

upperclassmen. She expected resentment,

lit tle did Langley know she’d

personalities together.

turn a tiny rural school 10 minutes outside the town

but also knew she had to blend the Soon SouthWest ascended to the top in dominating fashion.

Langley's second team advanced to the

limits of Pinetops into a

final four before the NCHSAA adopted the

perennial powerhouse.

for - and claimed - back-to-back Class 3-A

regional format. Her next two teams played state championships in 1981 and 1982. The Cougars lost in the 1984, 1986 and 1995 state

17

finals before taking another 3-A title in 1996.

SWE emerged as the state 2-A runner-up in 2007.

"We weren't liked by a lot of schools," Langley said. "When we came

Langley attributes her desire, determination and tenacity to her firstever coach and role model - the late Louis Eason, who passed in 1998. Although strict, he made the game fun.

into those new conferences, we were the new kid on the block and all of a sudden, we'd dominate. We certainly weren't very popular with the rest of the conference.

"For 16 or 17 years in a row, it (the success) was phenomenal and that rarely happens. If you stay in something long enough, you're going to have those cycles. I've survived those cycles, been able to come back and rebuild it."

Langley attributes her desire, determination and tenacity to her first-ever coach and role model - the late Louis Eason, who passed in 1998. Although strict, he made the game fun.

She attended numerous clinics and absorbed information provided by the late Harvey Reid and former Wake Forest Rolesville coach Larry Lindsay, and other coaches in the profession. There weren't many women coaching high school basketball during the late 1970s, an era

from coaching volleyball in 1991 after she became the school's athletics

where Title IX came to the forefront of women's athletics.

director. The Cougars captured 11 league championships and earned

That inner fire remains prevalent today for Langley, who retired

more than 200 victories during her tenure on the bench.

Langley's basketball teams have played for state championships in nearly every decade since the 1980s, but admits today's athletes are "softer" than “back in the day.”

"It's been a challenge trying to get the passion in some of them," said Langley, a grandmother of four - Lennox (6 years old), Lyllian (3), Olivia (7) and Mason (1 1/2).

"We always tell our kids, too, there is something about SouthWest that everybody wants to beat you. Everybody throws out their best game at you. At least it seems that way. (We) have a target on our back."

SouthWest finished runner-up in the Eastern Plains 2-A Conference this season and posted 20 wins. The Cougars were eliminated in the second round of the state playoffs.

A solid nucleus returns and Langley has her eyes on a couple of middle schoolers, who she believes could help the program continue its winning tradition.

That means she's not retiring any time soon - a question that lingers after each season.

"We take it one year at a time. That's all you can do," Langley said. "(The late) Mr. (Arthur) Jackson used to say, ‘you'll always know when it's time ... when you don't love it any more or it becomes a job.’ I still enjoy coming to work every day."

Rudy Coggins is a longtime sports editor in Tarboro, Goldsboro and Rocky Mount. He has covered prep sports for more than two decades.

He is a graduate of SouthWest Edgecombe High School, where he was taught by Sandra Langley.

18

Town of Ahoskie

“The Only One”

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Formally Catherine’s Restaurant

Golden Skillet 601 N Academy St. – Hwy 13 N, Ahoskie, NC 27910

252.332.3194

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706 Catherine Creek Rd. S. Ahoskie, NC 7910 (252) 332-5111

19

HALIFAX Story by Leslie Beachboard Photos Courtesy of Medoc Mountain State Park

Exploration Awaits Medoc Mountain has adventure for all

T

ucked away in Halifax County is

sounds of natures and fun for the whole

academy for area children and assisted with

a hidden gem known as Medoc

family.

the development of the first North Carolina

Mountain State Park.

The mountain and surrounding land have

State Fair in 1853.

Although not really a mountain, its highest

long been used for agriculture. Once the

After Weller died in 1854, his land was

point reaches an elevation of only 325-feet

property of Sidney Weller, a noted farmer and

sold. The vineyards continued to produce

above sea level. It is the core of what once was

educator, the area was used for the cultivation

into the 20th century, but the land was later

a mighty range of mountains. Medoc Mountain

of grapes in the 19th century.

subdivided, sold and used for the production

is what remains after millions of years of

Weller produced a highly proclaimed wine

erosion. The eroded peaks were formed by

known as Weller’s Halifax, and is credited with

volcanic action during the Paleozoic Age,

developing the American system of grape

about 350 million years ago.

culture and winemaking.

of other crops.

The vineyards disappeared, and little traces of them remain.

In the 1920’s, a Boy Scout camp was built

The mountain and surrounding land are

It was Weller who named the mountain

on the summit of the mountain. A few years

fields and green forests with trees masking

“Medoc” after a providence in the Bordeaux

later, loggers cut the mountain forest for

the peak. Although Medoc Mountain State

region of France which is famous for its

timber.

Park does not have the scenic views someone

vineyards.

would think about, it is filled with sights and

Weller

20

In the 1930’s, a deposit of molybdenum organized

and

operated

an

was discovered near the summit. Exploration

of the site occurred then and again in the late 1960s.

For many years, local residents used the area for hunting, horseback riding and hiking.

Numerous old roads and trails passing through the woods are evidence that these forests have been long enjoyed.

In 1970, citizens proposed the creation of a state park in the area. In 1972, the Division of Parks and Recreation surveyed a five-county area for a suitable site, and recommended Medoc Mountain and the surrounding land.

The Halifax Development Commission obtained a one-year option to purchase timber on the mountain from Union Camp, allowing the state to acquire 2,300 acres of land to establish the park.

According to Medoc Mountain State Park Superintendent Joel Jakubowski, the park officially opened in 1973 and has a little bit of everything.

“The park offers trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and even a children’s

moderate in difficulty, and trail scenery

for about two-and-a-half miles. It offers an

includes an artesian well, granite outcroppings

opportunity to view the area from a different

and miniature rapids.

perspective.

For those who prefer horseback riding,

The waters of Little Fishing Creek flow

Along the creeks, ridges and forest, visitors

there are approximately 10 miles of bridle

slowly and there are few obstacles in the way.

will find trails to take in the beauty and

trails through rolling terrain and following a

diversity of the park. There are seven trails

portion of Little Fish Creek. All visitors with

intertwining through a variety of terrain, and

horses must be able to provide proof of a

Little Fishing Creek is considered one of

provide more than 10 miles of hiking. Most

negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins)

the cleanest streams in the state. Several

of the trails are

test while visiting the state park.

species of fish including redbreast sunfish,

friendly trail,” said Jakubowski.

easy

Medoc Mountain State Park offers

to

nine miles of multi-use bike trails

The park offers trails

Fishing is another activity found throughout the park.

bluegill, warmouth, largemouth bass and chain pickerel can be caught in the park.

through rolling terrain suitable

Anglers must have a current fishing

for riders of all skill levels. The

license and obey all N.C. Wildlife Resources

trails are closed for riders

Commission regulations.

during wet conditions, and

For visitors who would like to spend the

riders are encouraged to

night, the park offers a family campground.

call or check the website

The campground’s sites are for tent, trailer or

riding, mountain biking,

ahead of their visit.

RV camping, and can accommodate up to six

and even a children’s

trails due to unsafe

for hiking, horseback

friendly trail.

“We closed the bike

The

campground

houses

34

slots,

weather, and to allow

including 12 with electric hookups and two are

the trails to dry out,” said

wheelchair accessible.

Jakubowski.

Visitors can bring their

- Joel Jakubowski

people on each slot.

canoes to Little Fishing Creek

Campsites offer tent pads, tables and grills.

There is also a washhouse with hot water, toilets and accessible drinking water.

and enjoy a pleasant journey.

Four group campsites can accommodate

The creek flows through the park

up to 35 people. It offers picnic tables and

21

rangers, three maintenance workers

fire circles. There is also a washhouse nearby.

and an administrative assistant.

Five equestrian campsites are

“We are in a transition stage,

available in the bridle trail area.

and have a lot to offer. We are

Each campsite offers a picnic

trying to revitalize the state

table, tent pad and fire ring.

park by adding an active play

A pit toilet is provided in the

area,” said Jakubowski.

camping area, but water and all

“We are thinking outside

other supplies must be carried

of the box with this project and

to the site.

are looking for ideas. Anyone

In addition to campsites, the park also has facilities that can be

with an idea can submit it by

reserved, including picnic shelters and

calling the park or sending an email,”

a classroom.

he added.

Unreserved picnic shelters are available free to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, these shelters are popular and reservations are strongly encouraged.

The picnic shelter has a grill and a fireplace.

They can accommodate up to 70 people.

The classroom accommodates up to 25

Jakubowski

hold

regularly

scheduled

educational and interpretive programs about Medoc Mountain State Park.

“We offer events including Reading With A

everyday at 8 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. in the

usually September through November, and in

summer, 8 p.m. in the spring and fall, and at 6

the spring from April through May.

p.m. in the winter.

“We do not get a lot of local use during beach,” he said.

According to Jakubowski, the park seems to get a lot of interest from Interstate 95 travelers looking a safe place to camp.

Ranger and snake handling where participants

“We see a lot of travelers from the New

can meet the resident corn snake,” said

England state- Maine and New Hampshire.

Jakubowski.

We also see many from Pennsylvania,” he

“If someone is interested in a specific program, visitors can request we schedule that program free of charge,” he added.

22

on what time of year it is. The park opens

says the park is the busiest during the fall

the summer. Most people are traveling to the

people.

Rangers

The hours of the park vary depending

added.

Seven full-time employees staff the park including the superintendent, two park

Admission to the park is free, and the most anyone will spend for camping is $31 a night.

Medoc Mountain State Park is located at 1541 Medoc State Park Rd. in Hollister.

For more information, visit www.ncparks. gov/medocmoutainstatepark, call 252-5866588 or email medoc-mountain@ncparks. gov.

Leslie Beachboard is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, and is News Editor of the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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WASHINGTON Story & Photos by Doward Jones Jr.

Conaby Creek Wonderland waiting in Washington Co.

L

ike many stories along the waterways,

a “delta” of merging rivers form before shortly

nature is present at every stroke of the paddle.

this one begins as a young boy and

entering the Albemarle Sound. It is in this

Eagles and osprey join the stoic Blue Heron as

discovery. The attraction starts with

wilderness that young and old alike find their

they glide overhead knowing this is their land.

mud puddles and homemade sailboats, and

muse in a region that sits almost forgotten

The tributary at this point winds wildly with

as time moves along. to the creeks, rivers and

and out of sight except for those who engage

every turn offering something different.

sounds of eastern North Carolina.

in its exploration.

One of the more significant sections is

Perhaps no other body of water can be

Despite its near urban setting, Conaby

a wide area of the creek known as “White

so defined to this writer than Conaby Creek

Creek almost remains untouched save for

Marsh.” On entering this area, the creek

which transverses near his home in Plymouth.

a few crossings of roadways. From these

broadens almost giving a hint one is entering

With its headwaters flowing from mid-

crossings, a brief view of the beauty can be

the Roanoke River. A small tributary on the

Washington County’s East Dismal Swamp,

discovered. For the seeker of what is beyond,

east side feeds into the creek and history has

the creek literally slashes through the quaint

a new world of mirror still waters, massive

it that it is with this tributary; “White Marsh”

village of Plymouth as it flows north to the

trees, flora and wildlife.

received its name.

Roanoke River.

Here, its waters join the constant flow as

24

As the creek travels past the N.C. 45

Atlantic white cedar timber was harvested

0verpass, its waters open into a world where

along Conaby in years gone by and the

Here we employed our days pushing past our given limits in search of adventure. perhaps in search of ourselves.

We fished, we hunted, we bailed water from our leaky craft, we were voyagers.

tributary provided a natural gateway to bring

Creek at the East Main Street

the logs on land using mules for the hard

crossing, the store served the

labor. From here they were transported to the

public a number of years during the

lumber mills nearby.

20th century before closing in the late

Today, Roanoke River Partners, has placed one of its camping platforms “Royal Fern”

Owned

and

operated

by

Helen

https://www.roanokeriverpartners.org/pf-

Attamanchuck, they advertised a full line of

royal-fern.aspx in White Marsh giving the

fancy meats, groceries and produce. Long

adventurous a new venue for experiencing

a fixture at the establishment, Miss Helen

nature at its best.

greeted patrons along with her daughter, Mary

This particular section of the creek as it

Hruska, and her husband Darwin.

shortly enters the Roanoke is the author’s

Today, the location on Conaby Creek

favorite. The early morning sun streams

and Plymouth’s Main Street is affectionately

through trees often shrouded by an almost

known by locals as “Miss Helen’s” in memory

mysterious mist. Eagles crying out can be

of the colorful proprietor.

overheard as they make their way to their

fresh-caught

1900’s.

herring

outdoors

along the water. Small fires dotted the banks giving over to the smell of frying fish interlaced with wood smoke. Cornbread and boiled potatoes would be served along with some liquid refreshments. Miss Helen’s store location served as the epicenter for such activities as folks lined the banks and fished with dip nets.

Today, the establishment’s former site is home to a newly established park with

In the spring of the year, great schools of

fishing piers and waterway access. A project

herring would make their way from the ocean

of the town of Plymouth, Coastal Area

To be such a short distance from

to the tributaries like Conaby Creek to spawn.

Management Act (CAMA) and the Albemarle

civilization, the moments spent there are truly

The fish were not only a valuable economic

RC&D “Bear Track Landing” offers an easily

one lost in time.

factor, they also provided a sporting event as

accessible facility for nature lovers, fishermen

folks lined the shores using dip nets to catch a

and paddlers. For those who wish to engage

“mess” for dinner.

Conaby, the park serves as a gateway into a

fishing holes.

One aspect of Conaby Creek which cannot be forgotten is East Haven Food Mart, a local family owned grocery. Located on the

The annual ritual also involved cooking

world far removed from the daily routine and

25

a glimpse into the beauty of the region.

North Carolina Wildlife also offers an access site on Conaby Creek just off N.C. 45 North. The two points make for a day trip and for the hearty explorer, the trip can be extended to the Roanoke River. As the creek enters the Roanoke River, the Three Rivers Bridge lies to the left a short distance away offering water access on the south end.

For this writer and his “Band of Brothers� Conaby will always reflect the time we spent paddling our wooden boat aptly named the Bismark. Here we employed our days pushing past our given limits in search of adventure. perhaps in search of ourselves.

We fished, we hunted, we bailed water from our leaky craft, we were voyagers. And as the years apart pushed us away, we still each remember the friendships forged under those massive trees that were reflected in those mirror still waters.

It was the best of times!

Doward Jones Jr. is a longtime writer, photographer and newspaper veteran in Washington County.

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29

GATES Story & Photos by Jim Green

L ulu E ure

A integral part of history

T

rendsetters aren’t often found in rural

After being a standout for the Lady Barons

I would come back.”

America, but make no mistake, Lulu

program, Eure graduated in 1973 and attended

Yow’s response?

North Carolina State University from 1974-78.

“The good news is, that’s great and I will

Whether it was being part of the first

Eure and some friends started a club team

give you a full ride,” she said, referring to Yow.

televised women’s college basketball game in

at State in 1973-74, and the following year,

North Carolina history, building a skate park

the program had its beginnings under coach

in rural eastern North Carolina or coaching a

Robert “Peanut” Doak.

Eure has been one all her life.

boys basketball team, Eure has been setting the pace for others to follow.

Lulu Eure was born in Eure, less than 10 miles from Gates County High School.

The next year, Kay Yow took over as coach of the Wolfpack, and Eure played three seasons for Yow, who also coached her in softball.

She attended Gates County from 1969-73

Eure took a semester off after her

and played the only sport it had for girls at the

sophomore season (1974-75) to help her

time – basketball, averaging about 15 points

parents and to assess her future plans. Before

per game in her career.

Christmas, Eure received a phone call from

“I had grown up playing in the yard in the

Yow.

The bad news was she had to return the next day with the remainder of the team.

“I was back for the first practice,” she said.

“I had to have a certain number of practices in before I could play.”

Eure’s first game back was a history-making event – the first televised women’s game in North Carolina history, on Jan. 27, 1976. N.C. State beat Carolina 68-58 that day.

“I did pretty well,” Eure said. “After the UNC game I started every game after that.”

Eure compared the experiences of playing

country with the boys and neighbors,” she

“She said, ‘All I want for Christmas is a

said. “We would play football at one house

point guard, would you consider coming

“I came from a county that, at the time,

and basketball at another house.”

back?’” Eure said. “I met her on Jan. 1 and said

had about 10,000 people, to a college with

30

for a small Class 1A school to a large university.

an enrollment of 40,000,” she said. “At State,

me because the center didn’t do

you’re like a little fish in a big pond. It wasn’t

something. She told me I was

much of an adjustment, because I think if you

the director on the court. That is

have the heart and the skill, you will be able

something I told my point guards

to adjust.

(at Gates) – they were the floor

“It was a different level of commitment – if you are Division I, they tell you when to eat,

commanders.”

Eure parlayed her experiences

practice, everything. They expect you to be in

at State into a Parks and Recreation

class and will check to see if you’re there,” she

degree and a successful coaching

added.

career of her own at Gates County.

Coach Yow made an immeasurable impact on Eure’s life.

I always wanted to come back and help my community because I love the area and love country life.

- Lulu Eure

She helped start (and coached) the volleyball, cross country and softball teams,

“She was the greatest woman who ever

and coached girls basketball for nearly two

walked in my book,” Eure said. “If you talk to

decades. She was also the athletic director for

coach, and I said, ‘I don’t know, but they don’t

any of her players, they will tell you she was

several years.

need an old, short white woman,’” Eure said.

your coach, but when your last day of playing

One season, the varsity boys basketball

basketball came, she was not out of your life.”

coach had quit midway through. Eure, who

Case in point – 27 years after she graduated, Eure lost both of parents two weeks apart in 2005.

was the AD at the time, became the coach.

“She said ‘well, you’re the coach.’”

The team had to leave at 2:15 p.m. that day, and less than an hour before they were

“The boys were pretty much just playing,

due to leave, Eure and the team worked on an

but some of them knew me and my

offense, a press-breaker and an inbounds play.

“The first flowers I received were from

background,” she said. “The principal was

The Barons ended up winning the rematch by

Coach Yow. She sent flowers to my house, to

getting a lot of complaints about the coach

double digits – which set off an eight-game

the gravesites… she would call, send birthday

and she told me to tell him how to coach, and

winning streak.

and Christmas cards,” Eure said.

I wasn’t going to do that because it wasn’t fair

As a coach, Yow expected a lot from her players.

“She was a demanding coach and had her own way of doing things,” Eure said. “I was a point guard and one time she lit into

– I didn’t want anyone telling me what to do.”

Eure

earned

several

conference

championships, coach of the year awards and

The Red Barons had a game later that day

made the state playoffs many times, mainly

at Northampton West, a team they had lost to

as the girls basketball coach. She coached

badly the previous time they met.

softball until 2009, several years after she

“The principal asked me who was going to

gave up basketball.

31

Eure received two major honors in the past 13 years. The NCHSAA gave her a Regional Award for Merit in 2007, and they named her as one of 100 To Remember: Female Athletes, during the association’s centennial celebration in 2013.

She still sits high in the NCSU record books for free throw percentage, assists and steals and was known as the “Monte Towe” of the women’s game, referring to the Wolfpack men’s point guard in the same era.

During her tenure at GCHS, the building which would become the Gates County Community Center was being built. It opened in 1978, and Eure has been the director for two and a half decades, and involved for 32 years total.

In her time as director of the community center, Eure has written grants for ball fields, tennis courts, a skate park, a garden, an outdoor playground, a fitness trail and a Frisbee golf course – all which sit adjacent to Gates County High School. With the help of dedicated employees and business and private sector support as well as the Gates school system, the center hosts many events throughout the year and the fields are used by the center when Gates County High School is not in session.

“I always wanted to come back and help my community because I love the area and love country life,” Eure said.

As she approaches her 65th birthday next February, Eure looks back with a sense of accomplishment.

“Looking back, I didn’t foresee all of this,” she said. “I had done my internship at Umstead State Park, worked at Pullen Park a couple of summers and helped Coach Yow with her basketball camps.

I just knew I wanted to come back home and even told (State) to mail me my diploma, because I wasn’t coming back.”

The decision to return home is one she has never regretted.

Jim Green is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, and is Sports Editor of the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, the Bertie LedgerAdvance and the Standard Laconic.

32

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33

BERTIE Story by Thadd White Photos by J.W. “Russ” Russell & Thadd White

Champions!

Bertie High School defies odds

a

movie wasn’t made about it.

But perhaps one should have been.

While the T.C. Williams High School team in Remember the Titans were not actually underdogs in any of their football games – though it was so depicted in the movie – the 1995 Bertie High School Falcons were.

The season began with the Falcons – in their fourth season under the late Roy L. Bond Jr. – being picked to finish fifth in the old Big Eight Conference.

It ended with Bond holding a state championship trophy with Bertie finishing with a 13-2 mark which included the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A title.

Bond, who was Bertie High School’s first black coach, had struggled in his first few seasons at the helm and many questioned whether or not he’d be allowed to return for a fourth. Then-BHS Principal G. Fisher Mitchell believed in Bond and his team and invited him back for a fourth season.

The preseason press conference saw the coaches of the league pick Bertie fifth. When he came into the room to have his turn, Bond could barely control his displeasure. He told members of the press that not only would the Falcons not finish fifth, they would win the Big Eight Conference, and probably a state championship too.

Things went well for the Falcons in week one, knocking off perennial power Northeastern 27-21 to garner their first win of the season.

But Bond, never one to back down from a challenge, scheduled 4-A

34

power Douglas Byrd in week two. Byrd, who would go on to win the 4-A state title, knocked off Bertie 35-14.

Then the Falcons started playing even harder. They topped Southeast Halifax 38-24 before upending SouthWest Edgecombe 43-0 and surprising league favorite E.T. Beddingfield 32-14.

The showdown was set for the following week, and the Falcons traveled to Wilson to face James B. Hunt High School. There, the Falcons lost in overtime by a field goal, sending Bond’s bold prediction into doubt.

All the Falcons could do from that point was take care of their own business – which they did. Bond’s team ran the table in the league, beating back a challenge from R.L. Fike 38-11, edging league heavyweight Tarboro High School 22-21 and upending Southern Nash 22-0.

Going into the last week of the season, the Falcons were tied with Hunt and Beddingfield for first place in the league and standing in the way of a conference title was archrival Hertford County.

The Falcons rose to the challenge and edged the Bears 22-16 to win the league title. The next day, Bond drew the number one seed in a drawing to give the Falcons home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The opening round of the playoffs saw Bertie unchallenged as the Falcons rolled to a comfortable 38-0 win over Harnett Central. The next week they handled Fuquay-Varina 32-14.

Next up for the Falcons was perennial contender West Craven, who the Falcons defeated 34-19 to set up the Eastern Finals at Bertie High School.

Eastern Randolph arrived in Windsor 13-1, but couldn’t score against the vaunted Falcon defense and Bertie claimed an 18-0 win and a trip to the state title game.

Waiting on the Falcons was High Point Central, a team which – like Bertie – depended on a solid running game. Some forecasters projected a final score of something like 3-0 because of the running styles of the teams.

They were wrong.

The two teams set six state championship records, and it took a goalline stand with less than three minutes to play to preserve the title.

Bertie trailed 28-18 at the intermission, but Bond’s

Many of the young men on the team have grown to be pillars of the Bertie County community, and some of the assistant coaches went on to win championships at other schools, but the 1995 title will always be the first one.

Falcons were nowhere near done.

The teams exchanged scores with the Falcons taking a 38-34 lead with 3:47 to play. The go-ahead score came on a 1-yard plunge by Bertie quarterback Shawn Ricks, who won the Outstanding Effort Award after the game.

The original conversion failed, but the Bison roughed the passer, and Bertie took advantage of the miscue when Christshawn Gilliam scored to make it a four-point game.

The game wasn’t over, however, as High Point Central drove to the 2-yard line. There, Falcons linebacker Cecil Outlaw made three key plays to preserve the win.

The game-clinching play came one fourth-and-two when Robert Williams knocked the center into Bison quarterback Andrew Weathers as he handed off to Erick Ballard. Outlaw then brought both down as the Falcons stopped the drive.

Bertie High School Athletic Director Marvin Rankins, who coached

35

special teams, lifted both hands in the air and shouted, “It’s over! We win!”

Many of the young men on the team have grown to be pillars of the

The Falcons celebrated on the field and in the stands, and Bertie radio

Bertie County community, and some of the assistant coaches went on to

announcer Jack Williford did his own version of ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’

win championships at other schools, but the 1995 title will always be the

substituting a state title and Falcon Lane.

first one.

“It felt good for the kids to win this,” Bond said afterwards. “I’m not

After the coach’s career ended, the school district gave the football field

going to say it didn’t feel good to me too. This is like the coaching Super

and stands a new name – the Roy L. Bond Jr. Stadium. That stadium still

Bowl. I feel like I’ve just won the Super Bowl. This is what all coaches are in

reminds fans each Friday night of the proud past the gridiron at Bertie High

it to do, and it feels good.”

School holds.

The Falcons and Bond followed the 1995 title with another in 2000, but the first one has remained memorable throughout the years.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO SOUTH AMERICA TO SEE THE

AMAZON

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living, the Bertie LedgerAdvance and the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

...AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO YELLOWSTONE TO SEE

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NASH Story by Samuel Evers

Buck

Leonard Known as the ‘Black Lou Gehrig’

W

alter Fenner “Buck” Leonard, the legendary hitter and first baseman for the Homestead Grays of the Negro Leagues in the 1930s and 1940s, was born in Rocky Mount, in September, 1907. He died just over 90 years later, in the same town, in 1997.

All of the time in between was spent living a remarkable life as a hall of famer and an activist, who remained steadfast in his love and appreciation for the

38

Negro Leagues and its contribution to the sport of baseball. He remains arguably the greatest athlete in Rocky Mount history.

There was no college for Leonard, and, because of the racism of the time where no higher education was offered to black children past eighth grade - no high school either, until he received his degree in 1952, but his documented baseball career started in the Negro Leagues in 1933.

He was 26 by then and his career spanned more than two decades, but he had played for semi-professional teams long before his first season with the Homestead Grays, in 1934. His father, John, died when Leonard was 11, forcing him to work various jobs as a young teenager. He shined shoes, labored in a segregated mill and, by the time he was 16, worked for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad.

By the age of 25, in 1932, Leonard had lost his job with the ACR. As that door closed, an avenue toward full-time baseball opened. By 1933, Leonard was playing first base for the Baltimore Stars; they went bankrupt a season later, at which point he signed a contract with the Grays, who played their games in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. That marked the start of a 14-year run with the Grays, where Leonard played alongside fellow Negro League icon Josh Gibson.

Though stat-keeping for the Negro Leagues was murky, Leonard is widely celebrated as one of the league’s great hitters, known for his ability to hit for both average and for power.

In John Holway’s Blackball Stars, Holway writes: “Leonard hit over .400 four times and over .390 six times, the last in 1948, when he hit a league leading .391 and tied Luke Easter for the league home run crown.”

By age 40, at the end of his run with the Grays, which included nine straight league titles from 1937 through 1945, with MLB having recently broken its color barrier, Leonard was reportedly offered a chance at a major-league

contract, though he turned it down.

"We always believed we could have made the major leagues if baseball hadn't been segregated. I'm not bitter. But it was too late for me,” he told the Washington Post in 1981.

That same year, when Leonard was 40, Jackie Robinson became the first black player to play in the major leagues.

After a three year break, Leonard’s playing career resumed in 1951 with stints in the Mexican and minor leagues until finally ending in 1955.

Though Leonard was in many ways a victim of his time - barred from reaching his athletic and financial potential because of an archaic and racist American lexicon - his later years were largely defined by a growing appreciation for his robust achievements both in life and on the field as a baseball player.

He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972 and named captain of the National League at the 1994 All-Star Game.

“We in the Negro Leagues felt like we were contributing something to baseball too, when we were playing,” he said in 1972 in his induction speech. “... But we thought we should have and could have made the major leagues and all of us would have desired to play in the major leagues because we felt and knew that that was the greatest game.”

He also stayed close to home, retiring to Rocky Mount and working for 10 years in the school system. He served as vice president of the Rocky Mount Leafs in the 1960s and ‘70s,

one of the final professional baseball teams to ever play in Rocky Mount, and remained active in the city until his death due in part to a stroke he suffered in the previous decade.

Though comparing eras, leagues and players remains a subjective exercise, there is a consensus around Leonard that he was a great player in any context. His legacy is apparent in Rocky Mount and across North Carolina.

In his early playing days in the Negro Leagues, Leonard eventually picked up another nickname other than Buck, which came from his childhood nickname, Buddy, as “the black Lou Gehrig,” a somewhat unjust tagline considering he was barred from playing Major League Baseball because of his skin color.

In a quote in Of Monarchs and Black Barons, a book commemorating baseball’s Negro Leagues by the author and historian James A. Riley, Monte Irvin, a fellow Negro Leaguer, flipped that designation around: “If he had gotten the chance to play in the Major Leagues, they might have called Lou Gehrig the white Buck Leonard.”

Samuel Evers is a free-lance writer and former sports writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram.

If he had gotten the chance to play in the Major Leagues, they might have called Lou Gehrig the white Buck Leonard.

- Monte Irvin

39

MARTIN Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls

A Family That Plays Together

O

Stalls Boys Joined Dad in Lineup ver the decades, organized baseball

Travel, even to points within the county,

“A little baccer gum left behind was not

has taken many forms in Martin

was a much greater undertaking than it is

a bad thing, especially for a pitcher,” the late

County. Documentation of games

today. A ride from Farm Life to Everetts today

Preston Cutler, who played for Whitepost,

would likely take 25 minutes.

once explained.

goes back to at least the early 1900’s.

Many communities within the county

In the early days of organized baseball, it

The term “County League Baseball” has

formed their own teams and games were true

may have meant a ride in the back of a local

been used to describe many seasons of play,

neighborhood events. Rivalries were friendly,

farmer’s big truck. Safe to say it would have

especially those surrounding World War II.

and yet fierce.

been a longer ride than 25 minutes.

The June 5, 1934 edition of The Enterprise,

A few times a season

the newspaper in Martin County, reported,

teams made the trip to exotic

“Organization of a baseball club in the Everetts

locales like Whitepost, just

community is underway with a lineup virtually

outside of Bath in Beaufort

complete and equipment already on board.”

County, or even farther south to Aurora.

W.F. Crawford.

Wednesday,

Saturdays

and some Sundays, young men

40

across

This was according to local businessman,

the

According to the article, efforts were also underway to purchase uniforms.

county

The Everetts lineup included pitchers,

jumped from tier polls, wiped

Raymond Stalls and Latham Jones; George

some “baccer gum” off their

Ross, catcher; Tom Barnhill, Vernon Page, Joe

hands and jumped into a

Sam Stalls, A.D. Wynne, Jim Johnson, Archie

baseball uniform.

Mobley and H. Bruce Russell.

Tucker Anderson

Ryder Anderson

By the June 29, 1934 edition, The Enterprise reported Everetts handed Corey Store a 5-2 loss at home “behind the 7-hit pitching of Stalls. Perry also pitched a good game for the visitors.”

By July, the Farm Life team “trims Everetts 9 to 3,” guided by the pitching of Milton Griffin, whose talents were not limited to the mound. He posted hits in three at bats, two leading to extra runs.

According to newspaper coverage, Raymond Gurkin, who may be remembered as the owner of Gurkin’s Store on the Maple Grove Church Road, “hit safely in three at bats.”

The pair accounted for half of the Farm Life runs.

The Stalls love of baseball was handed down for many generations. Many of the sons and grandsons shared their family’s love of the game. A great-granddaughter took her talents to college softball in Ohio and great-grandsons are taking the field every chance they get.

Farm Life’s pitcher was Evan Perry, father of Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry and Major League pitcher Jim Perry.

Raymond Henry Stalls, like Perry, became wellknown for his natural talent throughout the local semi-pro baseball circuit.

Stalls and Perry, whose baseball talents were never realized beyond their local area, would pass their love of the game down through their generations.

According to Stalls’ eldest son, James, Raymond Stalls was playing ball for the Bear Grass team around the age of 20, which would have been around 1926.

41

An article from a 1933 edition of

The

Enterprise included coverage of Raymond Stalls pitching for Bear Grass.

Years before Evan Perry’s sons were making their way to the big leagues, Stalls and was joined by three of his sons on the Everetts Cubs roster.

At one point in the 1940’s, Raymond Henry Stalls was joined on the roster by James, Raymond Jr. and Jonah Mack, known to many as “Buddy.”

James, who would later become mayor of Everetts, played outfield and pitched. Brother “Jr.” played third base and the younger Jonah Mack played shortstop, outfield and pitched.

The eldest Stalls was farming just outside of Everetts, near where the U.S. 64 interchange is today. His sons worked with him.

“We played ball at lunch every day,” eldest son James said in an interview before he passed away. “Almost had a team,” he laughed.

“One of us was always throwing a ball,” James explained. “We’d hit corncobs.”

argue but it didn’t get that far.”

imagine how excited he would be to see his

James Stalls made a name for himself

He described the ball they would throw

as a ballplayer. The Cubs roster was minus

as actually being tobacco rounds covered in

one Stalls, as the oldest of Raymond’s sons

twine and tire tape.

was recruited to play ball by a Belhaven

“There was a few years we all played

businessman/manager.

He

would

be

together,” James said regarding his father and

accompanied to Belhaven by teammate and

two brothers. “We had a good time.”

friend, Darrell Taylor.

The oldest son began playing with the

Not one for giving praise, Stalls said,

Everetts team around the age of 16, which

“Darrell Taylor was the best defensive first

would have been 1941.

baseman I ever saw.”

The Everetts Cubs played ball at the old

Many in Williamston remember Taylor as

Everetts School, according to James. No

longtime firefighter who served as assistant

longer in existence, the school was located

chief.

near what was Martin Academy on East Main Street/U.S. 64 Alternate.

When asked it there was a lot of pressure in playing ball with their father, James responded without hesitation, “Wasn’t much different than working with him.”

No one will ever know how many of these local players may have made it to “the show” or at least close if the economic climate were different at the time.

“We were just happy to be playing ball,” James explained.

And work was something the Stalls boys

The Stalls love of baseball was handed

knew plenty about. By their own description,

down for many generations. Many of the sons

baseball sounded much like a release.

and grandsons shared their family’s love of

“You could always find energy to play ball,” James laughed.

He explained there was a different environment when it came to playing ball back then.

“There were no fights,” he said. “You could

42

the game. A great-granddaughter took her talents to college softball in Ohio and greatgrandsons are taking the field every chance they get.

Today, Raymond Henry Stalls has greatgrandsons playing baseball. One can only

love of the game carried on today.

(Editor’s Note: This article is based in part on an interview conducted with former Everetts Mayor James Stalls before his death in 2007.)

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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TYRRELL Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls

Vicky Barber

S

No Plans of Slowing Down he may be 82 years old, but sitting on the front porch, watching the

wind blow just isn’t in Mrs. Vicky’s plans.

Columbia resident Victoria Barber shatters the stereotypes often placed on a woman over the age of 80.

“The Lord has been good to me,” she quickly explained.

medals from the Senior Olympics.

“I was the only one competing for Tyrrell

For the past eight years, Mrs. Vicky has

County first time I went,” she laughed. “Some

been involved in Albemarle Region Senior

go and just walk the opening. Now there are

Olympics, representing her adopted home of

three of us from the county participating.”

Tyrrell County.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Barber said. “I really enjoy doing it.”

Barber lost her husband, Billy, in November

“Victoria Barber is a long-time participant of the senior games,” explained Ashley Lamb, Aging Program Specialist with the Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging.

Barber is active every day and continuously

of 1989. Years after that time of tremendous

“She has won many gold medals in various

contributes to her community, most of the

change in her life, she began visiting the Tyrrell

field events that take place at the Perquimans

time to benefit someone else.

County Senior Center.

County Community Center,” Lamb continued.

When she is not driving others to their doctor appointments or working at her church, one may find her at the Tyrrell County Senior Center, just down the street in Tyrrell County’s governmental center of Columbia.

Like many women, she enjoys jewelry. But Barber prefers gold – especially her 32 gold

44

“Once I was of age,” according to Barber.

“She is an active member of the Tyrrell County

“I went to see what it was all about,” she

Senior Center and is a wonderful example of

said. “I soon figured out they offer a lot.”

healthy aging.”

She found herself working out, often on

Barber’s events of choice are the softball

the treadmill, and participating in the activities

throw, disc throw, shot put throw and the

of the center. Later, she found out about the

standing long jump. She’s given up the football

Senior Olympics.

throw for now.

At this year’s event, held in April, Mrs. Vicky added four more gold medals to her collection.

“I said that was what I was going to win,” she said confidently.

Her stats include: Softball Throw: 56 feet, 6 inches Shot Put Throw: 16 feet, 4 inches Discus Throw: 32 feet, 3 inches Standing Long Jump: 4 feet Born and raised in the Pea Ridge Community of Washington County, Barber has always been active.

“I tried to play basketball growing up,” she explained.

Barber acknowledges some of her friends have slowed down now, and some of her fellow competitors have as well.

“Some are only getting bronze medals now,” Barber mused.

When asked if she has slowed down, she quickly looked around to answer.

“Me?” she paused and smiled, “No.” She encourages seniors who have never been involved to check out the Senior Olympics.

“You really ought to give it a try,” Barber said. “You’ll enjoy yourself.”

Senior Olympics is just one item on her to do list. Barber is a fixture at the Salem Missionary Baptist Church, which she can see from her front porch.

“If I end up with nothing to do, I go down there,” she said.

Her current responsibilities with the church include trustee, finance chairperson and cemetery chairperson and she is also in the choir.

The Albemarle Senior Games program is sanctioned

“I don’t get bored,” she said and gave a wink.

by the North Carolina Senior Games, which began in 1983,

Mrs. Vicky’s life, from an early age to today, teaches a

with a vision to create a year-round health promotion and

wonderful lesson in perseverance. Her early days saw tragedy when her father died at 29 years old, leaving her mother, Beatrice, to raise three girls and one boy on her own.

She credits her mother’s work ethic and strength as her

education program for older adults.

As a program of the Albemarle Agency on Aging, it primarily serves Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hyde,

ultimate teacher. “We couldn’t stay out of school to work,”

Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties

Barber said. “And it would have helped if we had.”

but is open to all full-time residents of North Carolina who

“I don’t stop to feel sorry for myself,” the mom of three and grandmother of six explained.

“I thank the Lord everyday he sees fit to keep me going and that a reason to keep on going.”

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald and Bertie Ledger-Advance.

are 50 years of age or older.

No yet of participating age and want to be involved?

There is always a need for volunteers.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the Albemarle Senior Games may contact Ashley Lamb, Coordinator, at 252-404-7088 or via email at alamb@accog.org.

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121 Granville Street, Windsor, NC 27983 www.windsorbertiechamber.com (252) 794-4277

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109 S. King St • PO Box 69 Windsor, NC 27983 Phone: 252-794-3185 Fax: 252-794-2835 oss Americ continues annual trad a ition Founder

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history meets adventure 47

HYDE

Bryant Morrison

Story by Sandy Carawan

Preparing Tomorrow’s Athletes Today

F

rom the sidelines to the locker room, behind every great player is a great coach, the often forgotten figure behind the sports stars of tomorrow.

One such coach is Bryant Morrison who is more than just a planner and organizer of sporting events. He is a teacher of proper skills, techniques and tactics; he is an evaluator of performance; and he is a motivator and an encourager guiding athletes to arrive at their fullest potential.

Through it all, he is also a relationship builder and a positive role model on and off the court and field, 24/7.

As a child living in Phoenix, Arizona, Morrison grew up in a sports-minded family with parents who encouraged him to participate in different sports as early as age four. During his childhood, Morrison participated in tee ball, soccer, basketball and karate.

Throughout his middle and high school years, he chose to run cross country and play basketball and volleyball.

“In Arizona and California, volleyball is a spring sport,” he said. “But I had played since I was a freshman in high school. There is a lot to learning how to play volleyball, especially the skills and techniques. It’s very competitive.”

Morrison, a resident of Engelhard, is currently employed with the Hyde County Schools as the Athletic Director at Mattamuskeet Early College High School. He also teaches Physical Education and Health to

48

middle and high school students.

During his career at Mattamuskeet, he has not only served as an assistant coach for varsity football, but also as a head coach for varsity boys basketball and varsity girls volleyball.

Morrison has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and School Health from Northern Arizona University and a Masters in Coaching and Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine.

Recognizing the future potential of Hyde County’s youth but realizing distance and transportation issues, Morrison explains how he and his colleague and fellow coach, Shawn Zehnacker, shared the collaborative vision to create a recreation program for the youth of Hyde County.

“We wanted to create a recreation program that would help not only with sportsmanship, teamwork, communication and all the different qualities that you’re looking to build character in kids, but then the plan was to work on fundamentals,” Morrison said. “So when the kids would get to middle school it wouldn’t be the first time they played. Then when they would get to high school, as a varsity coach, you’re not having to help teach basics.”

“But the biggest thing was to give kids something to do because in Hyde County there are not a lot of activities offered for the kids,” he added.

As a result of their vision, and backed with

encouragement, collaboration, assistance and support from several individuals, together, Morrison and Zehnacker, as co-directors, created Hyde County Youth Athletics in 2015, a co-ed program offering youth sports for children ages 5 – 13 from August through March.

“We knew there were a lot of kids who wanted to play sports. Many were going to Belhaven to practice, which is thirty-five miles away,” Morrison said Therefore, to make the program convenient, Morrison and Zehnacker organized the practices at gyms and athletic fields in Swan Quarter, a central location within the county.

Though the program began with flag football, over the course of a few years and informed by children’s interests, Morrison explained, other sports were added such as cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and soccer.

Those different sports are comprised of different age groups so that Morrison and his volunteer coaches are able to teach, scaffold and target certain fundamental skill sets.

With basketball the children learn court awareness, dribbling, passing, shooting and the difference between offense and defense and how to operate within both sets of plays.

“You’re not necessarily worried about if they can shoot because at a young age they’re just trying to heave the ball,” he said. “You don’t work on form at the young age. But you

“I believe that every child should have

can work on trying to dribble without using

the opportunity to play sports until they get

two hands or just basic skills.”

Morrison explained the early fundamentals

to the varsity level. Even junior varsity and

of volleyball they teach include foot movement

middle school, you never know if a kid is a late

and arm placement, but depending upon

bloomer. So you don’t want to count a kid out

the age groups the fundamentals gradually

and say, ‘Oh, they’re not that good.’ And that’s a

transition to serving, passing, setting, hitting,

kid who next year grows seven inches. He had

blocking and tipping.

that passion, but because you cut him or didn’t

Morrison said, “At 8 years old you’re not

let him participate he just never went back to

going to be hitting the ball every time and

it. I believe that every kid has the opportunity

anywhere you want. There’s a lot of practice in

to play sports,” Morrison closed.

that sport. You’re teaching them progressions.

His ability to organize and plan sports

You’re starting them out closer with the serve,

at least once a week for two hours with 75

activities coupled with his ability to teach,

then underhand, and then you work your way

minutes set aside for practice and 45 minutes

critique,

up to backing all the way to the line and then

for a game. The various sports teams play

athletes as well as his desire to build positive

switching it to overhand.

tournament games against Tyrrell County and

relationships and put others first reflects great

Washington County.

credit upon Morrison.

“At first you want them to get the ball over

motivate

and

inspire

young

the net, but then you’re teaching them how

Reflecting after four years, Morrison

Morrison is a passionate young man who

to hit three hits. Everything starts from the

commented, “We’ve seen a huge difference.

has had Hyde County and its youth in his

ground up,” he added.

I’ll never forget the first game at Plymouth.

best interest and through the Hyde County

While soccer may not be a popular sport

The five-year-olds looked like a little herd

Youth Athletics program he and several others

in Hyde County, Morrison explains there was

because they didn’t know how to break

were able to bring this collaborative dream to

some interest though no one really knew how

away or play defense. They all stood and ran

fruition teaching, nurturing and building Hyde

to play the game.

around together. Now they’re competing and

County’s young athletes.

“When we first started everyone wanted

scoring. The program is teaching that level

For more information, visit the Hyde

to pick up the ball,” he said. “So we taught

of competition which is needed not only in

County Youth Athletics Facebook page or

them not to use their hands but their feet,

sports but in life to get your goals and wanting

contact Natalie Wayne at (252) 926-4489 or

how to keep the ball close to them, dribble

to do something positive.”

Lee Brimmage at (252) 926-5291.

within one foot of their body, and different

Morrison believes that sports are for all kids

Sandy Carawan is an English Language

techniques that would eventually help them

not only so they can have fun, but because

Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College

to become better.”

it helps them to grow and learn physically,

High School in Swan Quarter and is a regular

socially and intellectually.

contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

The Hyde County Youth Athletics practices

49

NORTHAMPTON Story by Jim Green Photos by Andre Alfred & Jim Green

Valley Pine Country Club

A hidden gem in Northampton Co.

T

ucked away in southern Northampton

were two kids my age that were starting and

County is one of the region’s most

their parents played,” Robbins said.

beautiful golfing institutions.

known each other since childhood.

When Robbins moved to the Outer Banks

Robbins worked a couple of summers at

after high school, he went to work with

Valley Pine Country Club, located at 901

the course during his early teens, and later

Ordnung at The Currituck Club in Corolla,

Lasker Golf Course Road adjacent to Northeast

played the 18-hole, 6,400-yard layout in high

where he was the assistant golf pro from

Academy, has been home to members and

school at Northeast Academy in the early

2002-2006 and then the pro from 2006-

guest golfers for more than five decades.

1980s.

2010. Ben Bridgers, another Northampton

Valley Pine broke ground on the 18-hold,

Over the years, the club has made

native, was also once a pro at The Currituck

par-72 course in the mid-1960s, and opened

several improvements to the clubhouse and

Club, and is now the Director of Golf at

in 1967. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in

swimming pool, in addition to redoing the

Pinehurst Country Club.

2017.

greens in Sunday Bermuda grass three years

Robert Robbins, who has been the club pro

ago.

“Mike and I grew up together,” Robbins said. “He started at the Currituck Club before

since the winter of 2018, is a Northampton

Mike Ordnung is the current owner of the

me and knew I wanted to start a career in the

County native, having grown up in Rich

club, having bought it in 2006. Like Robbins

golf business. He put in a good word for me

Square.

a Northampton County native (he grew up in

with their management team.”

Robbins started playing golf at Valley Pine when he was 8 years old.

“My dad was just starting to play, and there

50

Conway), Ordnung – who started playing at

Several years after Ordnung bought

Valley Pine in 1997 and whose family were

Valley Pine, he approached Robbins about

longtime members – and Robbins have

a job. Robbins returned to his home region

in February 2018 and became the pro a few weeks later.

Ordnung said he takes a simple approach to his golf club.

to be told.”

Harris said he was offered a job by the late Jesse Wheeler in the mid-1960s.

these years later.”

Though most of the members are older, Ordnung and Robbins encourage golfers of all

“I asked him what the job would be,” Harris

ages visit the club to see what it has to offer.

“We are a blue-collar, ag-based golf club.

said, smiling. “When he told me I’d be working

Northeast Academy has held golf matches at

We are open to the public and everyone is

on a golf course, I had never seen a golf course

Valley Pine for many years.

welcome to play,” he said. “It’s a fun course to

before.”

play and not extremely hard, and the average golfer can have a good time.”

In addition to Robbins, Ordnung has over the years enlisted the help of his family in managing the club – mother Ellen, father Bob and brother Danny.

There is also one member of the team

Still at Valley Pine 50-plus years later, Harris – who began by keeping the grass cut and clearing and lining the fairways – was asked why he continues to work.

“I don’t know,” he said, displaying a sly grin.

“I still enjoy it. The heat doesn’t bother me – I’ve been doing it for 53-54 years.”

who is like family – Robert Harris, who at 84

Added Robbins: “Robert has meant

years old has been at Valley Pines since the

everything to us. He works because he loves it,

beginning in 1967.

and he’s always out there whether I am or not.

“Robert has been with us since day one,”

It’s not easy to keep 60-to-70 acres of grass

Robbins said. “He’s been mowing these greens

maintained, and nobody sees this guy doing

since it opened. Tell me where you find that

things like picking up sticks and pinecones.

exists in today’s work climate. If you want to

He’s like an official – you don’t notice him

associate anyone with our club, it’s him, and

unless something is bad.”

I don’t mind saying it. He was out there doing

The club currently boasts around 120-

the same thing when I was playing here as an

125 members. Memberships are available for

8-year-old.”

everything (which includes golf and use of the

Ordnung agreed.

swimming pool) or just the pool.

Robbins said a busy day would be 50-to60 rounds. They also hold tournaments, and the pro shop sells a variety of golf-related merchandise.

VPCC also offers a junior golf program for ages 8-12.

Ordnung said having local people run a local business has been important to its longterm success.

“It was rough at the beginning, but we have been on the upward trend the past few years,” he said. “We have 120-125 members and it’s the same group we started with. They’ve been great with their support.”

Valley Pine Country Club is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 252539-4124.

Jim Green is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living, and serves as Sports Editor of

“Robert is a machine, for sure,” he said. “He

“We have a great set of members,”

the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald,

has his routine down but he will do anything

Ordnung said. “It all started with them and

the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the Standard

you tell him to do. However, he doesn’t have

their great support and has continued all

Laconic.

51

written by

Leslie Beachboard

A Baker's Dozen 13 of North Carolina’s most well-known athletes Julius Frazier Peppers

Julius Frazier Peppers was born in Wilson in 1980. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played as defensive end for the Tar Heel football team. The Carolina Panthers selected Peppers at the number two overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. He also played for the Chicago Bears from 2010 through 2013 and the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2016.

Peppers retired after the 2018 season. His career NFL statistics include 715 tackles, 159.5 sacks, 51 forces fumbles and 6 defensive touchdowns. On May 8, 2019, Peppers was hired as a special assistant of business operations for the Carolina Panthers.

Charlie Sifford was born in Charlotte in 1922. Sifford was a professional golfer who was the first

Charlie Sifford

African American to play on the PGA Tour. He won the Greater Hartford Open in 1967, the Los Angeles Open in 1969, the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open six times, and the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1975. Sifford was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004, was awarded the Old Tom Morris Award in 2007 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. Sifford died in 2015 at the age of 92 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ray Charles “Sugar Ray” Leonard

Ray Charles “Sugar Ray” Leonard was born in Wilmington in 1956. Leonard is a former professional boxer, motivational speaker and occasional actor. Leonard competed from 1977 until 1997. He won world titles in five weight divisions, the lineal championship in three weight divisions and the undisputed welterweight title. Leonard was known as part of the “The Fabulous Four,” a group of boxers who all fought each other during the 1980’s. He was the first boxer to earn more than $100 million in purses, and was named “Boxer of the Decade” in the 1980’s. Leonard retired in 1997 with a career record of 36-3-1 with 25 knockouts.

52

Meadowlark Lemon III

Meadowlark Lemon III was born in Wilmington in 1932. Lemon was a professional basketball player, actor and minister. Lemon graduated from Williston Industrial School in 1952, then attended Florida A&M University but was soon drafted into the United States Army. He served two years in Austria and Germany. He first applied to the Harlem Globetrotters in 1954, and was finally chosen to play in 1955. In 1980, he left to form one of the Globetrotters imitators, the Buccaneers.

He played with the team until 1983, and then moved to play with the Shooting Stars from 1984 until 1987. In 1988, he created the “Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Star’s before returning to the Harlem Globetrotters playing 50 games in 1994. He played in more than 16,000 games for the Harlem Globetrotters. Lemon died in 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Catherine “Kathy” Laverne McMillan was born in Raeford in 1957. McMillan completed for the United States at the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Montreal, Canada, where she won the

Catherine “Kathy” Laverne McMillan

silver medal in the Women’s Long Jump event. While competing for Hoke County High School, in Raeford she set the still standing NFHS National High School Record in the Long Jump of 22 feet, 3 inches in 1976.

McMillan qualified for the 1980 US Olympic Team but was unable to compete due to the 1980 Summer Olympics boycott. She received one of 461 Congressional Gold Medals created for the athletes who could not compete.

Roman Ildonzo Gabriel Jr.

Roman Ildonzo Gabriel Jr. was born in Wilmington in 1940. He was a quarterback for the North Carolina State University Wolfpack football team. He was a quarterback in the NFL during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Gabriel was the second overall pick during the 1962 NFL Draft. He played for the Los Angeles Rams for 11 seasons and for the Philadelphia Eagles for five seasons. He is notable for being the first NFL quarterback of Filipino-American descent. His career NFL statistics include 4,498 pass attempts, 2,366 pass completions and 29,444 passing yards. Gabriel retired in 1977. In his career, he had a winning record of 86-64-7, passed for over 29,000 yards and had 201 touchdowns. He is the only quarterback from his era to still rank high in the “lowest interception percentage” category in the NFL passing statistics.

Burgess Urquhart “Whitey” Whitehead was born in Tarboro in 1910. Whitehead was a Major

Burgess Urquhart “Whitey” Whitehead

League Baseball second baseman from 1933 until 1946. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the last remaining member of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Gashouse Gang that won the 1934 World Series. In 1981, Whitehead was indicted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. His MLB statistics include a .266 batting average, 17 home runs and 245 runs batted in. He died in 1993 at the age of 83 in Windsor, North Carolina.

Gaylord Jackson Perry

Gaylord Jackson Perry was born in Williamston in 1938. Perry was a former right-handed pitcher from 1962 until 1983 for 8 different teams. He was a 5-time All-Star, who was the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in each league. Perry won the award in the American League in 1972 with the Cleveland Indians and in the National League in 1978 with the San Diego Padres. Perry along with his brother, Jim are distinguished for being the second most-winning brother combination in baseball history. During his 22-year baseball career, Perry compiled 314 wins, 3,534 strikeouts, and a 3.11 earned run average. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. The San Francisco Giants retired Perry’s number 36 in 2005.

53

James “Catfish” Augustus Hunter

James “Catfish” Augustus Hunter was born in Hertford in 1946. Hunter was a baseball player in Major League Baseball. From 1969 until 1979, he was a pitcher for the Kansas City Athletics, Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. Hunter was the first pitcher since 1915 to win 200 career games by the age of 31. He was a member of five World Series championship teams. He retired in 1979. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987. Hunter’s MLB statistics include a 224-166 win-loss record, a 3.26 earned run average and 2,012 strikeouts. Hunter died in 1999 at the age of 53 of Lou Gehrig’s disease in his hometown of Hertford.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1963. Jordan was a professional basketball player, and is the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan played

Michael Jeffrey Jordan

three seasons for Coach Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. As a freshman, Jordan was a member of the Tar Heels’ national championship team in 1982. He was the third overall pick for the Chicago Bulls in 1984. In 1991, he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls. His accomplishments include six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, 10 All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, 14 NBA All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. Jordan holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average and highest career playoff scoring average. Jordan retired in 2003

Richard Lee Petty

Richard Lee Petty was born in Level Cross in 1937. Affectionately known as “the King,” he is a former NASCAR driver who raced from 1958 until 1992 in the former NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series. Petty was the first driver to win the NASCAR Cup Championship seven times, winning 200 races in his career, winning the Daytona 500 7 times and winning 27 races in the 1967 season. He was indicted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 1997, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Petty was also named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998, the sole stock car representative in the first class inducted in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1989 and was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush in 1992. After retirement, Petty became the spokesman for several companies and lives in Jackson, Wyoming.

Ralph Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was born in Kannapolis in 1951. Earnhardt was a NASCAR driver. He began his career in 1975 in the World 600 as part of the Winston Cup Series. Earnhardt won a total of 76 Winston Cup races throughout his career, including the 1998 Daytona 500, and won seven Winston Cup Championships, tying with Richard Petty. His aggressive driver style earned him the nicknames “The Intimidator,” The Man in Black,” and “The Count of Monte Carlo.”

He was awarded the 1979 Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year Award, the 2001 Winston Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award and was named as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Driver’s in 1998.

He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2002, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Earnhardt died in 2001 in a collision during the final lap of the Daytona 500.

Dominique Wilkins

Ralph Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Dominique Wilkins was born in Paris, France in 1960.When Wilkins was a high school sophomore his family relocated to Washington, where he played basketball for Washington High School.

In high school, he won two North Carolina Class 3-A Championships in 1978 and 1979, and was voted as State MVP for both seasons. Wilkins enrolled at the University of Georgia, and played three seasons. He was awarded SEC Player of the Year in 1981. Wilkins was drafted third in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz and was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. While with the Hawks, Wilkins was their leading scorer for his 12 seasons with the team. He was selected to play in the NBA AllStar Game for 9 consecutive years from 1986 until 1994. When Wilkins retired from the NBA in 1999, he held the 9th position for points scored in the leagues history.

54

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2019 Official Game Schedule

July 13 Carolina Punishers Lumberton July 20 VA Crusaders Hampton, Va. July 27 Palmetto Hurricanes Rocky Mount Aug. 3 VA Titans Richmond, Va. Aug. 10 Bye Aug. 17 Carolina Punishers Rocky Mount Aug. 24 Palmetto Hurricanes Columbia, SC Aug. 31 Open Sept. 7 VA Crusaders Rocky Mount Sept. 14 VA Titans Rocky Mount Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 5 Playoffs Oct. 19 Championship Game Home Field: Rocky Mount Athletic Complex Game time: 7 p.m.

Football will be back soon

Stallions kick off season in July Story by Patrick Mason

Sports fans in Rocky Mount and Eastern

season; Wright has been at the helm for each.

players to young adults looking for structure in

North Carolina won’t have to wait much longer

The team will play nine regular season games

a team environment.

to get that gridiron fix.

across an 11-week schedule — not including a potential postseason run.

Football is coming soon. semi-

The longtime coach, who has been doing

professional football team in town, will open

this for nearly as long as some of his players

their first game of the 2019 season on July 13

have been alive, said he had a stroke in the

on the road against the Carolina Punishers in

past year and was released from the hospital

Lumberton.

in May.

The

Carolina

Stallions,

the

And with a month until the season opener, Wright and the Stallions’ coaching staff are in the process of learning the roster and the best way to utilize the players. By next week, the coaching staff will have a better idea of what they have once the team goes through padded practices.

The Stallions begin with two road games

“I love doing this,” Wright said. “I just got

before returning to Rocky Mount for their

out of the hospital - the Lord allowed me to

“If we put all the pieces of the puzzle

home opener on July 27 against the Palmetto

get back out to the boys. Bringing them along

together we’ll be pretty good and we should

Hurricanes. Carolina plays its home games

and helping them grow is what I love to do.

be ready to play some good football,” Wright

at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex, and

You’ll see me out there, maybe looking a little

tickets are $8.

different from last year, but as long as God

said. “All the sponsors and those who have

“It’s mostly a new roster, though we do have about 15 or 20 returners,” Stallions coach

gives me the strength to get back, I’ll do this as long as I can.”

helped out, I just want to thank them for sticking with me over the years, and I hope the people just come on out and support us

Michael Wright said. “We have a lot of players

The team is open to those ages 18 through

who come in young and want to grow. Those

32, and there are 45 players on the current

are the types of guys we’re looking for.”

roster with ages ranging from 18 to 27. The

Patrick Mason is a Sports Writer for the Rocky

Playing in the Mason-Dixon Football

backgrounds of the players include recent

Mount Telegram and a contributor to Eastern

league, the Stallions are entering their 17th

high school graduates to former collegiate

North Carolina Living.

58

this season.”

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‘Stithing together’

Sisters enjoying career at ECU

Story by Ronnie Woodward Photos by Molly Urbina

A

basketball recruiting visit by Brandan Stith to East

finished his collegiate career in 1992 as Virginia’s all-time leading scorer

Carolina University nearly 10 years ago involved former

and then played 10 seasons in the NBA. Mother Barbara also was a

ECU basketball coach Jeff Lebo and former ECU athletics

strong swimmer in her most athletic years.

director Terry Holland, who like Bryant Stith is a Virginia

Brandan played his freshman season in 2013-14 at ECU before

basketball legend, but it also was an all-out family outing for the Stiths.

transferring closer to home to Old Dominion to play for his dad, who

The youngest of Bryant and Barbara Stith’s four children, Bria and

still is an assistant coach for the Monarchs. Brandan’s younger brother,

Brooke, were in middle school, and they linked up with Pirate track and field coach Curt Kraft to check out the Pirates’ track facilities.

It was Bria and Brooke’s initial introduction to ECU track, which they now have fully embraced as standout and versatile athletes for the Pirates. They both left their first ECU visit impressed, and Brooke eventually was determined to team with her older sister for college athletics.

Still, Kraft’s mission to bring Bria and Brooke both to Greenville to compete for the Pirates was not nearly finished.

“I still had hoop dreams,” Bria Stith said of her thought process when she later was at Maury High School in Norfolk, Va., and was recruited by colleges for basketball and track.

Pirate fans had high hopes for Brandan Stith, considering his father

60

B.J., also played for ODU. Old Dominion doesn’t have a track team, which naturally helped the Pirates with Bria and Brooke.

Their recruitment centered around Bria’s shift in focus from basketball to track during her senior year of high school.

“Our dad sat us down and made us do a pros and cons list,” Bria said.

“There was a whole list of pros for track, but basketball, there was a lot of cons there.”

Regardless, whatever school signed Bria was basically guaranteed to sign Brooke a year later.

“We were definitely a package deal,” Brooke, an ECU sophomore, said. “Ever since we were little, our parents were really big on making sure that we were really a close family and that we always had each

other’s back. No matter what, we stick together.”

Bria is a junior for the Pirates, who has emerged this year in the heptathlon event.

She and Brooke both participate in the jumping events, with Brooke focusing on the long jump and triple jump along with helping in relay races.

“They are great representatives for ECU and have bright futures ahead of them and their family is blessed, with the two brothers and dad and a very athletic family,” Kraft said of the Stith sisters helping

Fully committed as Pirates, the sisters have found unique ways to routinely compliment and perfectly complement each other.

“I have the speed and she has the strength,” Brooke said. “She is strong as an ox in the weight room. ... Wherever I am lacking, I can go and ask her and she’ll give me a few tips. Then where she is lacking, I make up for that.”

Ronnie Woodward is a Sports Writer for The Daily Reflector in Greenville.

the Pirates this weekend during the AAC championships, which will conclude today in Wichita, Kan. “Are we counting on them? Absolutely.

They can be difference-makers.

“This is the meet where you want both the men and the women to show their best and you want all the kids to peak at.”

One question that is not hard for Bria and Brooke Stith to answer is who has the advantage on the track in a race. Brooke is the answer.

“I’ll give it to her,” Bria said. “Brooke is fast. I would always bet on Brooke.”

But being a track athlete involves more than just speed, and Bria brings her own skill set in power as the older sister.

61

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&

OUT ABOUT! Out & About is a listing of events happening in and

around the 12 counties which make up the coverage region for Eastern North Carolina Living magazine.

Those wishing to have an event listed should sent it to: Eastern Living, Attn: Out & About, P.O. Box 69,

Windsor, NC 27983. Email events to Thadd White at twhite@ncweeklies.com.

July 15-19 Kids Summer Art Camp WILLIAMSTON - The Martin County Arts Council will host the annual Kids Summer Art Camp from 10 a.m. until noon Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19. The camp is open to children age 5 to 15, and has a cost of $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers. The Arts Center is located at 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Summer Camp COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a summer camp “The Voices of Columbia” Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19.

The camp is for ages 6 through 18.

The cost of the camp is $75.

The camp will be held at the Columbia High School auditorium in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

July 16 Open Mic Night WASHINGTON - Arts of the Pamlico will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 16.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

July 18 Members Art Show WINDSOR - The Bertie County Arts Council will host a Members Art

64

Show from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18.

Juror for the event will be Christina Rupsch of Chowan University.

The Bertie Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

July 19 Nantucket in Concert ROANOKE RAPIDS - Nantucket, a group formed in Jacksonville in 1969, will be in concert Friday, July 19 at the Roanoke Rapids Theater.

Lobby doors open at 5 p.m. and Theater doors at 6 p.m. For more information, call 844-778-5483 or visit www.rrtlive.com. The Theater is located at 500 Carolina Crossroads Parkway in Roanoke Rapids.

“Caddyshack” WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will present the classic comedy “Caddyshack” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 19.

Participants are encouraged to dress as a character from the movie to enhance the movie experience fun.

Tickets are $7 or $5. Arts of the Pamlico members get free admission.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

James and the Giant Peach LITTLETON - The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present “James and

the Giant Peach.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students.

The center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-5863124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.

Night at the Museum ROANOKE RAPIDS- The Roanoke Canal Museum’s quarterly “Night at the Museum” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 19.

The museum is located at 15 Jackson St. Extension in Roanoke Rapids.

For more information, call 252-5332847 or visit www.roanokecanal. com.

July 20 James and the Giant Peach LITTLETON - The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present “James and the Giant Peach.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students.

The center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-5863124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.

Free Educational Program GATESVILLE - Merchant’s Millpond State Park will host “Animals of Merchant’s Millpond” from 2 p.m.-

2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20.

Admission is free.

The park is located at 176 Millpond Rd. in Gatesville.

For more information, call 252-3571191.

July 21 Sunday In The Park WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Sunday in the Park will present “Smokehouse” at 2 p.m.

Sunday, July 21 at Festival Park.

Admission is free. Bring a chair or towel and lunch and enjoy the afternoon.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

James and the Giant Peach LITTLETON - The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present “James and the Giant Peach.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students.

The center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-5863124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.

July 22-25 Summer STEAM Camp COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a summer STEAM camp “Making Music” from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Monday, July 22 through Thursday, July 25.

The camp is for ages 10 through 18.

The Roanoke Canal Museum’s quarterly “Night at the Museum” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 19.

The cost of the event is $12 or $10.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

The cost of the camp is $75.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

July 22-26 Summer Camp COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a summer camp “Metal-tastic” Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26.

The camp is for ages 6 through 18.

The cost of the camp is $75.

The camp will be held at the Metals Studio, 201 Main St. in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

July 24-28 Beginner Art Class COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a beginner jewelry class from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, July 24 through Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The cost of the class is $75.

The classes will be held at Metals Studio, 201 Main St. in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a wheel throwing and Handbuilding class from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, July 24 through Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The cost of the class is $75.

The classes will be held at the Clay Studio, 201 Main St. in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

Painting COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School

of Fine Craft will host a painting class from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, July 24 through Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The cost of the class is $85.

The classes will be held at Riverside Lodge, 201 Main St. in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

July 25 Music Variety Show WASHINGTON - The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association will host a variety music show at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the Turnage Theatre. The show is free, but donations will greatly be excepted.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

July 26 Art Walk WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host an art walk from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, July 26 in downtown Washington.

Arts of the Pamlico will feature live entertainment and wine tasting.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

July 26-30 Clay Workshop COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a clay workshop, “Sketching Your Way into Clay with Eleanor Anderson” Monday, July 26 through Friday, July 30.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

Metals Workshop COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a metals workshop, “Wood Jewelry with Dan DiCaprio” Monday, July 26 through Friday, July 30.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

Wood Working Workshop COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a metals workshop, “Dulcimer Guitar Weekend with Beth Ireland” Monday, July 26 through Friday, July 30.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

July 27 Musical WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway Kids will present Disney’s “High School Musical Jr.” for two shows at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 27 at Turnage Theatre.

Tickets for the shows are $7 or $5.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Free Educational Program GATESVILLE - The Merchant’s Millpond State Park will host “ The Invasives of Merchants” from 4 p.m.4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

Admission is free.

The park is located at 176 Millpond Rd. in Gatesville.

For more information, call 252-3571191.

Couples and Singles Dance WASHINGTON - The USA Dance Chapter 60467 will host a couples and singles dance on Saturday, July 27 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

July 28 Free Educational Program HOLLISTER - Medoc Mountain State Park will host “Hot Wheels: Trash to Treasure” at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, July 28.

Admission is free.

The park is located at 1541 Medoc State Park Rd. in Hollister.

For more information, call 252-5866588.

July 29- Aug. 2 COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a screen printing summer camp “All Inked Up” Monday, July 29 through Friday, Aug. 2.

The camp is for ages 6 through 18.

The cost of the camp is $75.

The camp will be held at the Studio One, 202 Main St. in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.com or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

July 30 & 31 Auditions WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico Players will host adult actors to audition for “The Marvelous Wonderettes” from 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

July 30-Aug. 2 SCOTLAND NECK - Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host summer camps Monday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 2.

Prices for each camp vary.

The bird park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Parkway in Scotland Neck.

For more information, call 252-8263186 or visit www.shwpark.com.

July 31 Steamed Shrimp Dinner MURFREESBORO - The Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce will host a steamed shrimp dinner from 4:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31.

The menu will include steamed

65

&

OUT ABOUT! shrimp, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, bread and a beverage. Tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance.

The event will be held at 135 Events on Main, 135 Main St. in Murfreesboro.

July 31-Aug. 3 Murfreesboro Watermelon Festival MURFREESBORO - The Murfreesboro Watermelon Festival will be held Wednesday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 3.

The festival will be held in historic downtown Murfreesboro.

For more information, contact the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce at252-398-4886.

Aug. 1-3 Juried Photography Show Submission WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host a Juried Photography Art Show Submission Thursday, Aug. 1 though Saturday, Aug. 3.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 3 Night With Roy Orbison LITTLETON - The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will present “A Night With Roy Orbison.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3.

The center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-5863124 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.

Parade MURFREESBORO - The Murfreesboro Watermelon Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

The parade will be held in historic downtown Murfreesboro.

Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, July 24.

For more information, contact the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce at 252-398-4886.

Aug. 5-8 Summer STEAM Camp COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a summer STEAM camp “Automated Wood Cutting” from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Monday, July 22 through Thursday, July 25.

66

The camp is for ages 10 through 18.

The cost of the camp is $75.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

greatly appreciated.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 5-9 COLUMBIA - The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft will host a summer camp “Outrageous Origami” Monday, Aug. 5 through Friday, Aug. 9.

The camp is for ages 6 through 18.

The cost of the camp is $75.

The camp will be held at Studio One, 202 Main St. in Columbia.

For more information, call 252-7962787, email info@pocosinarts.org or visit www.pocosinarts.org.

Aug. 10 Music Tribute Show ROANOKE RAPIDS - The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will present “The Highwaymen Live - Tribute with lobby doors opening at 5 p.m., theatre doors open at 6:45 p.m., opening show at 7 p.m. and the main performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10.

The theatre is located at 500 Carolina Crossroads Parkway in Roanoke Rapids.

For more information, call 844-7785483 or visit www.rrlive.com.

Aug. 7 Photography Show Opening Reception WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host a Photography Show Opening Reception at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 8- Sept. 7 Sidewalk Art Sale WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host an art sale Thursday, Aug. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Juried Photography Show WASHINGTON -The Arts of the Pamlico will host a Juried Art Show Thursday, Aug 8 through Saturday, Sept 7 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 8 Concert WASHINGTON - The BCTMA’S Summer Regional Concert Series will host LaNelle Davis and Tommy Edwards in concert at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 8 the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Admission is free, but donations are

The Crossing at Lake Gaston LITTLETON - The Crossing at Lake Gaston will be held with registration at 8 a.m. and the crossing at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 10.

The address is Eaton Ferry Bridge in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-5865711 or visit www.osail.org.

Aug. 11 Broadway On The Big Screen WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway On The Big Screen will host “Puff” at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Admission is free, but a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 16-17 Late Model Racing The I-95 Late Model Challenge Racing Series will be held Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug 17.

The event will be held at the Halifax County Motor Speedway, 32674 N.C. 561 East in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-532-2632 or visit www. halifaxcountymotorspeedway.com.

Aug. 17 Comedy WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host Improv Comedy at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Historic

Turnage Theatre.

Tickets are $7 and $5.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Dinner and Dance Fundraiser WASHINGTON - The Dementia Alliance of North Carolina and First Bank will host an Alzheimer’s dinner and dance fundraiser from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.

Tickets are $35, and include dinner, dancing and entertainment from “The Main Event Band.”

For more information, call Melissa Jarvis at 252-944-1149 or Helen Taitt at 252-948-0050.

Aug. 18 Sunday In The Park WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Sundays in the Park will host Guitars and Friends at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18 at Festival Park in Washington.

Bring a chair or towel, lunch and enjoy an afternoon of music. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 20 Open Mic Night WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host open mic night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 22 Juried Photo Competition WINDSOR - The Bertie County Arts Council will host its 2nd Annual Give Us Your Best Shot Juried Photo Competition from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 22.

The judge will be Tom Brennan.

The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

Variety Music Show WASHINGTON - The BCTMA will host a variety music show at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 22 at the historic Turnage Theatre.

Admission is free, but donations are

greatly appreciated.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Aug. 24 Auditions WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Bubblegum Theatre auditions for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will be held from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Couples and Singles Dance WASHINGTON - The USA Dance Chapter 60467 will host a couples and singles dance at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Tickets for the event at $12 and $10.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Through Aug. 30 Juried Art Show WILLIAMSTON - The Martin County Arts Council will host its 2019 Juried Art Show to the public from noon until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday through Friday, Aug. 30.

The event will be held at the Martin County Arts Center, 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Aug. 30 & 31 Littleton Lake Gaston Festival LITTLETON - The Littleton Lake Gaston Festival will be held from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.

Admission is free.

The event will be held at 112 East Main St. in Littleton.

For more information, call 252-586-6828 or visit www. littletonlionsclubnc.com.

Aug. 31 Blue Crab Festival SWAN QUARTER - The Mattie Arts & Visitors Center will host a Blue Crab Festival from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 31.

For more information, call 252-9262787 or email mattieartscenter@ gmail.com.

Sept. 5 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser WINDSOR - The Vidant Bertie Hospital Development Council will host its 13th Annual Denim to Diamonds Reverse Raffle Fundraiser on Thursday, Sept 5 at the Cashie Convention Center.

The proceeds from the event will help find hospital programs and services

that directly benefit patients.

This year’s event will honor longtime primary care physician Dr. Phil Harris.

For more information or tickets, contact LuAnn Joyner at 252-7946653 or 252-741-0927 or by email LuAnn.Joyner@vidanthealth.com.

Sept. 7 Live Music Street Dance WILLIAMSTON - The Martin County Arts Council will host a Motown, Beach and Soul music street dance from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

7.

Entertainment will be provided by CHARLIE, a Motown, Beach and Soul band from Durham.

The event will be held at the Martin County Arts Center, 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Sept. 8 Sunday In The Park WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Sundays in the Park will host Rural Route Romance at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 8 at Festival Park in Washington.

Bring a chair or towel and lunch to enjoy an afternoon of music.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 11 Opening Reception WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host an art exhibit opening reception for Allan Weaver and M.J. Peters at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 12 Body Art Show WINDSOR - The Bertie County Arts Council will host Body Art: Beauty is Skin Deep from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12.

The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

Sept. 12- Oct. 5 Art Exhibit WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host an art exhibit featuring Allan Weaver and M.J. Peters from Thursday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Historic The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Turnage Theatre.

Art Exhibit WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host an art exhibit featuring Greenville Brushstrokes from Thursday, Sept. 12 through

Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 13 Movie Event WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will present “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” doors will open at 7:30 p.m., festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Tickets are $12 and $10.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 14 Toga Party Fundraiser WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host a toga party fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Pamlico House Bed and Breakfast.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 15 Movie Night WASHIGNTON - The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present “The Sound of Music” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Admission is free, but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 17 Open Mic Night WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host an open mic night Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 19 Digital Art Show WILLIAMSTON - The Martin County Arts Council will host a digital art show open reception from 6:30 p.m.8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.

Submissions to the exhibit will be received Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept.14 during regular business hours from noon- 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Martin County Arts Council is located at 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Sept. 21 Performance The Arts of the Pamlico’s AOP

Players will present “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept 21 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Tickets are $12 and $10.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 21-22 Dylan Moore Days Celebration HALIFAX - The Riding to RememberDylan Moore Days Celebration will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22.

The event will be held at the Halifax County 4-H Horse and Livestock Complex, 1 Dog Pound Rd. in Halifax.

For more information, call 252-5784964 or visit www.dylanmooredays. org.

Sept. 27 Art Walk WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host wine tasting and Chuck Phillip’s Acoustic Music from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 28 Hand On Art Festival WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will host a hands-on art festival Saturday, Sept. 28 at Haven’s Gardens.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Couples and Singles Dance WASHINGTON - The USA Dance Chapter 6046 will host a couples and singles dance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Historic Turnage Theatre.

Tickets are $12 and $10.

The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Oct. 24 Quilts and Fiber Arts Show WINDSOR - The Bertie County Arts Council will host Threads Through Time: Grandma’s Quilts and Fiber Arts Show from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 24.

The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

67

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69

12 Views From Our

70

Photos

by

Jim Green & Andre Alfred

Summer League

n u f

Recreation league offers busy ‘offseason’

These photos were taken at recreation parks in Ahoskie, Aulander, Jamesville, Williamston and Windsor.

71

ALL IN A

Day’s Trip

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Story & Photos by Meghan Grant

I

‘m proud to be a native North

in the displays, but also virtually on screens

Murfield, Scotland in his 1973 Ryder Cup

Carolinian and enjoy learning more

with specific biographies of members.

matches, his last appearance as a Ryder Cup

At the beginning of 2019, five new displays were added for Michael Jordan, the

As we continued to walk around the

of the state is our success in sports, which

Carolina Hurricanes, North Carolina Women

opening displays, we found the baseball

led my husband and I decided to spend an

in Sports, North Carolinians in Olympic

exhibit, featuring many great players and

afternoon at the North Carolina Sports Hall

Sports and Football.

coaches, including Burgess Whitehead

Featured in the North Carolina Women

from Tarboro. He played at UNC-Chapel

in Sports exhibit is Kristi Overton Johnson,

Hill before turning pro, before playing for

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

who was a dominant presence in women’s

playing in the big leagues with the St. Louis

was established in 1963 and celebrates

slalom waterskiing. She started skiing at the

Cardinals and the New York Giants, where

excellence and extraordinary achievement

age of 5 in Bath on the Pamlico River and

he played in the World Series three times.

in athletics. The Hall of Fame also celebrates

won numerous awards at the state, regional

Be on the lookout for his signature-series

exceptional accomplishments in sports

and national level before turning pro by the

Louisville Slugger in the display.

and provides educational displays and

age of 13. She competed for 15 years and

Also in the baseball display is the

popular exhibits for the enjoyment of North

won 80 pro victories and more No. 1 world

baseball jersey Jim “Catfish” Hunter, born

Carolinians.

rankings than any other female skier in the

in neighboring Perquimans County, wore

sport’s history.

during the 1979 season with the New York

of Fame. It allowed us to learn more about those heroes from North Carolina.

When we arrived, we were greeted with information on the 2019 Inductee Class and

The display features her racing bib from

bits of information about the Sports Hall of

the 2007 WaterSki World Championships

Fame.

and her medal from a 1987 tournament.

There are also copies of “Fred’s Finds,”

The football display was updated to

which includes various clues and questions

include more information on the history

to use in navigating the exhibit. The exhibit is

of Appalachian State Univeristy and East

set up by individual sports, but also includes

Carolina University football programs.

Yankees.

Throughout

the

exhibit,

there

are

interactive displays providing additional information, audio and sound bites, and other interaction.

The football display houses many storied athletes, coaches, and events, but of

There are some gems displayed in

particular interest is Jim Garrison, the famed

There are a total of 363 members in the

throughout the exhibit, including a golf bag,

head football coach from Chowan College

NCSHOF with information available both

glove and balls used by Arnold Palmer at

(now Chowan University). The NCSHOF

displays especially for women.

72

player.

about the various aspects of our

state’s history. One of my favorite parts

features the plaque provided to him upon

a schoolteacher in Seaboard. She won

his retirement from Chowan in 1994.

several national titles throughout the

Garrison won 182 football games during

1940s and 1950s and was ranked the

his career, but he also coached basketball,

nation’s top female duckpin bowler in

track and golf.

1952.

There is a feature display for NASCAR

This Hall of Fame is the perfect way to

including a stock car and the history of the

spend an afternoon and exploring more

sport in the state.

of North Carolina’s history in athletics.

Another feature is for the media,

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

including typewriters, microphones, and

is located in downtown Raleigh on the

press badges for those who covered

third floor of the North Carolina Museum

significant sports and events.

of History. The address is 5 East Edenton

The last feature in the exhibit is for

Street and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

basketball, which includes several jerseys,

through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on

warm ups and basketballs from North

Sunday. Admission to the museum is free

Carolina colleges and universities and

and parking is free on weekends.

international events.

On our way out, we decided to stop and check out the various biographies

There is also a gift shop, other free exhibits to visit, and a restaurant in the museum if you get hungry.

available on the 363 inductees. One of

Meghan Grant is the author of the blog

the first ones I found was Maxine Allen,

I’m Fixin’ To… and a regular contributor to

who took up bowling while employed as

Eastern North Carolina Living.

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Qwithuestions

Andre Alfred P rofessional S ports P hotographer

Andre Alfred is a familiar face in all 12 counties served by Eastern North Carolina Living. He has worked as a sports photographer - on assignment and freelance - and also as an official in volleyball, football and basketball. Andre has a unique look at prep and college sports in the region through the eyes of an official and the lens of a camera. Here are his thoughts.

What made you want to photograph sports when you first began your career behind the camera?

My son. He was involved in football with the Ahoskie Bobcats in the recreation league. I had shot some sports while in military and wanted to do so again with my son playing. I started with a film camera and switched to digital after leaving my job.

Which sports are your favorite to photograph and why are they your favorites?

I don’t really have a favorite sport to shoot. Each of them has its own challenges. I think there’s a different perspective with each sport.

Over the years, you’ve had people buy photographs because they were special to them. How do you feel about being able to help someone capture a memory they will cherish forever?

It really is a good feeling. To walk into someone’s home or a local school or business and see your work is a wonderful feeling. When you see people look at the photos and you can tell they matter, it really makes you feel good.

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After years as a photographer, you branched out and became an official in several sports. What made that move interesting to you?

Some of the sports I never played, and I was able to learn them through photographing them. I learned what to expect in the sports, so I felt it gave me a little edge in officiating them.

What game or games have been the most memorable for you as a photographer and why do they stand out?

The Northeast-Hobgood Academies State Football championships the past two years. They came together for the first time and won the state championship in their first season, and then were able to do it again a year later. Seeing those photos hanging in the schools gives me a great sense of pride.

What do you think your future holds in the world of prep and collegiate sports?

Many more years of capturing moments for student-athletes and their families. My work lately has been pushing me more towards designing posters and composites, and I am looking forward to doing even more of that. I enjoy still being able to shoot sports and capture all of the players, not just the standout athletes.

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Grandma’s

Kitchen

When I was growing up, the whole neighborhood helped raise the children.

popular. People have been enjoying each other’s company while sharing good food since

The woman on one side of us called out

the beginning of time. I have never been a part

to me every time she baked sweet potatoes

of the tailgating community but understand

because she knew I loved them. She took

it is a grand thing when people remember to

a knife and made a deep hole in the sweet

“mind their manners.”

potato and filled it with butter. It was a handheld treat.

The older lady on the other side taught me to tat. The older man across the street took me with him to gather his eggs from the hen house.

Three old maids (as they were called) lived up the block. One taught me about flowers.

One taught me about sewing and the third taught me how to crochet.

The lady on the other end of the block traded cornhusks for fruit popsicles. She had a cow. It was a good life.

The downside was you could not get into anything without someone seeing it and reporting it. If I got into any mischief, the telephone call reached my home before I did.

As the coolness of evening came, the social

This brings me to the idea of using recipes handed down that would adapt well to tailgating. My grandmother’s oven fried pies were the first thing that came to mind. When the weather is hot, chicken salad, potato salad and deviled eggs seem as good today as they did in times past. They can be made ahead and carried in a cooler on game day leaving you free to socialize.

There are many ways people fix deviled eggs. I like mine with sweet pickle relish, mayo, mustard, vinegar and celery seed. I just mix until it suits my taste.

To make fried pies easy for today’s busy people, you can buy refrigerated pie dough and cut out in 4- inch circles. Add 1 heaping tb.

time of the neighborhood began. Some sat on

pie filling and fold over. Brush edges with cold

their porches while others walked. Those who

water and press fork around edges. Sprinkle

walked came up the steps to sit with those on

sugar on top.

the porches and chatted awhile. We children played in the yards.

My grandmother fried her pies in the oven.

Heat to 375 degrees. Put a generous amount

In the age we live in, a lot of that has been

of oil on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven.

lost but we still have a need for companionship

When hot, add the pies and cook about 10

with those who share the same interests.

minutes on each side. Be careful not to spill the

I think that is one reason tailgating is so

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Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

hot oil when handling cookie sheet.

Potato Salad

(May double recipe if desired) 5 large potatoes, diced and boiled about 20 minutes 4 large boiled eggs, mashed 1/3 cup celery 1/3 cup diced green pepper 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish ¼ cup onion (optional) 1 tb. Mustard 1 tb. Vinegar ¼ cup Kraft Sandwich Spread (orangey looking one) 1 cup of mayonnaise or to suit taste

Chicken Salad

1 whole chicken boile

Remove bones and

d 1 hour

skin, then use

two forks to shred m eat 12 boiled eggs, mashe d ½ cup sweet pickle re lish ½ cup celery 2 tb. Mustard About three cups of

Add until mixture su

mayonnaise.

its your taste.

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor.

In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

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biography •

My problem is that I think everybody needs to work as hard as I worked when I was in my prime.

- Ric Flair 84

Story by Thadd White Photos by Jim Green, Andre Alfred & Thadd White

Randy Whitaker

Dedicated coach, mentor & public ser vant

L

ike his favorite figure in sports entertainment – Ric Flair – Randy Whitaker has long been known as one of the hardest workers in his business.

Weekends never mattered as “Coach” could often be found on a lawnmower or in his office working to establish the best possible athletic program at Bertie High School.

And, despite retiring just over a year ago, he remains a regular visitor to Falcon athletic events.

“After 29 years in education and athletics, I knew it was about time to do something new,” he said before adding with a laugh, “As my friends tell me, I am not as young as I used to be.”

After 29 years of teaching and coaching – all in Bertie County Schools – Whitaker said he has many wonderful experiences to look back on as he makes the transition to retirement.

A 1984 graduate of Bertie High School, Whitaker earned a bachelor of science degree in health and education from East Carolina University in 1988.

His first teaching job came in January of 1989 when he was hired at West Bertie Elementary School and Aulander Elementary School.

Following that school year, he transferred to John P. Law Elementary School in Merry Hill and Askewville Elementary School, where he spent four years of his early career.

When Whitaker began his teaching and coaching career, the elementary schools in Bertie County were Pre-K through eighth grade, and included sports teams.

He began coaching football at West Bertie Elementary and basketball and baseball at Askewville.

“The funny thing about the situation was I was coaching at a school I did not teach at,” he said. “West Bertie and Aulander already had coaches in place, and the principal at Askewville called my principals to see if I was interested in coaching at his school.

“I was at West Bertie in the afternoon every day so once football season was over, I would drive to Askewville for practice and games,” he continued. “It was always interesting the next day at school as we discussed who won and lost.”

While still coaching at the elementary schools, Whitaker received his first opportunity to coach at the varsity level at Bertie High School.

In 1990, the late Ron Cooke asked him to serve as an assistant on the varsity baseball team, and Whitaker gladly accepted the opportunity.

“Every day I would conduct practice at Askewville and leave there and go to Bertie High,” he said. “At least once a week, my team at Askewville would go to the high school for practice.”

Whitaker said parents from Askewville Elementary would help him transport the student-athletes.

A year later, then BHS football coach Spencer White asked Whitaker to join the football staff as a scout on Friday nights.

“He asked me if I was interested, and I knew it would be a great start for me,” Whitaker said.

He remembered the first year fondly.

“That year it seemed like once the conference season started, the next week's opponents were always playing Northwest Halifax,” he mused. “I made several trips there that year. The people in the press box treated me like family. At halftime, they always brought me a hot dog, popcorn and a drink.”

Whitaker began coaching at Bertie High School in earnest the following year, serving as an assistant varsity and junior varsity football coach. It's a role in which he would continue through 2013 when he was named Director of Athletics.

In addition to coaching football, Whitaker continued as the varsity baseball assistant until taking over as head jayvee coach in 1995 and 1996. He was then promoted to head varsity baseball coach in 1997, and remained in the role until being named AD. During the span, he spent several stints as head jayvee football coach, winning a handful of league championships.

85

Seeing the athletic teams progress from the beginning of the year to the end of the season is rewarding. You are not going to have a championship team every year, but teams should always grow.

- Randy Whitaker

As he looked back on those years coaching, three highlights stood out to him. Two were among the biggest accomplishments in Bertie High School history – the 1995 and 2000 state football championships.

The third was the 1999 varsity baseball team which reached the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs.

“We were two wins away from playing for the state championship, and lost to Wilson Fike in the bottom of the seventh inning at their place,” Whitaker recalled. “They went on to win the state championship that year.”

He said those accomplishments stand out, but he remembers each team differently.

“As for teams, it is hard for me to select a single team because each one of them were special,” he said. “Each team brought a uniqueness to themselves. They always worked hard, and represented the school well. That is all I could ask for.”

Despite his coaching success, Whitaker said he knew he wanted to lead the entire program at some point.

“I had decided years ago that I wanted to be athletic director before I retired,” he said. “When Coach Marvin Rankins retired, the opportunity arose.”

Whitaker said he was fortunate to be chosen by then BHS Principal Rickey Eley, and he is grateful for the vote of confidence.

“I appreciate Coach Eley having confidence in me to

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select me as the new athletic director, and I also thank Coach Rankins for giving me the opportunity to prepare for the job.

He let me help him with duties for several years before he retired.”

The promotion to Athletic Director meant Whitaker's retirement from coaching, but it was a sacrifice he was ready to make – and one he doesn't regret.

“It has been great,” he said of the AD's role. “I have enjoyed working with the coaches, student-athletes and administrators. There has been one common goal – do your best and represent the school in a positive manner.”

Whitaker said the relationship he had with athletes, coaches, athletic directors, parents, media,

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game officials and opposing teams helped him in the role.

He also expressed his appreciation for those who volunteered to work at home ball games, adding most people don't know how hard it would be to host games without the volunteers.

As he looks back on his four years at the helm of the athletic program, Whitaker said he is proud of what has been accomplished.

“Seeing the athletic teams progress from the beginning of the year to the end of the season is rewarding,” he said. “You are not going to have a championship team every year, but teams should always grow.”

Whitaker said he was also proud of seeing the school receive a Sportsmanship Award from the NCHSAA for being an ejection-free school in two of those years.

He said he tried to always support his coaches and student-athletes and be there to help them.

“I have always tried to be there for my coaches

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and athletes,” he said. “I have always tried to be fair, and do what was best for the program and the school.

“As Athletic Director, I tried to attend as many away games as possible,” he added. “Even when I was coaching, I tried to make as many games as

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I could. I think it is important for the coaches and players to see you there to support their program.”

Despite leaving his role as a teacher and educator, Whitaker quickly moved back into the work world.

He works at Basnight Co. in Windsor, and is in the middle of his first term as a member of the Windsor Board of Commissioners, a post he was elected to just months before retiring. He also checked off a lifelong goal in seeing his beloved Cincinnati Reds

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Looking back, Whitaker closed, “To my athletes and coaches, even though I have retired I am only a phone call away, and you will still see me at athletic events. I will be the one wearing a pair of shorts, and a Bertie jacket in 30-degree weather.”

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living, the Bertie Ledger-Advance and the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

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MARKER TEXT

NC 305 (Main Street) at Harris Street in Seaboard, Northampton Co.

BERNICE KELLY HARRIS 1891-1973 Novelist, playwright, & storyteller of rural eastern N.C. Author, Purslane (1939), Sweet Beulah Land (1943). Grave 600 yards west.

MARK IT! Title To Begin Here

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B

orn in 1891, in Wake County, Bernice Kelly Harris grew up on a large family farm. She later wrote that her family, though large landowners, were

not gentry, but just hardworking farmers. Upon graduation from Meredith College in 1913, Miss Kelly taught in Duplin and Catawba Counties. In 1917 she accepted a position teaching English at Seaboard High School in Northampton County, where she met Herbert K. Harris. The couple married in 1926 and she remained in Seaboard the rest of her life. Her husband died in 1951.

During her summer breaks, Bernice Harris attended summer school at the University of North Carolina, studying playwriting under Frederick Koch. She organized the Northampton Players, for whom she wrote and directed plays. In the 1930s she began working for the Federal Writers’ Project and saw her oral histories published in These Are Our Lives. With the encouragement of Jonathan Daniels, Harris wrote her first novel, Purslane, published by UNC Press in 1939. It was a critical success and won the Mayflower Cup for the year’s best book by a North Carolina resident, making her the first woman to win the award. Over the next twelve years, Harris saw six other novels published. Her Janey Jeems (1946) depicted African American characters. Only Sweet Beulah Land (1943) remains in print. A dramatization of her Yellow Color Suit was televised nationally in 1957. In 1963 she began teaching creative writing at Chowan College. In 1966 Bernice Kelly Harris was the recipient of the North Carolina (Governor’s) Award. She was among the fifteen inaugural inductees in the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame in 1996.

Critic Harry R. Warfel wrote that Harris “possibly of all other writers, best reflects the spiritual elevation in common humanity.” A reviewer from the Chicago Tribune generalized about her novels in 1951 that “(they) have a universality that transcends mere regionalism. . . . she somehow manages to invest the commonplace with an aura of the unusual without

REFERENCES Valerie Raleigh Yow, Bernice Kelly Harris: A Good Life Was Writing (1999) Richard Walser, Bernice Kelly Harris: Storyteller of Eastern Carolina (1956) Erma W. Glover, “Salt of the Earth: Plain People in the Novels of Bernice Kelly Harris” (Ph.D. dissertation, UNC-CH, 1977)

once departing from reality.” Harris’s style of writing fell out of favor in her later years and she had difficulty getting her work published. She was destitute and in poor health. In the spring of 1973 she was declared a ward of Northampton County and sent to a convalescent center in Durham where she died, sitting up in bed writing a letter. Chowan College in 2001 held a conference devoted to her life and work.

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PARTING SHOTS

Thadd White on the Roanoke River in Martin County.

We’ve been taught – or at least I have - to be careful what we ask for in life.

That certainly is the case for this edition of Eastern North Carolina Living.

The staff of this magazine is a sportsminded staff. From Premier League Soccer, to baseball to the NFL, we are always talking about sports. Thus, the germ of this idea to have one edition of Eastern Living dedicated to the topic.

the beginning. We were fortunate enough to get the person best qualified to write it in longtime sports editor Rudy Coggins. You’ll enjoy getting to know Sandra through Rudy’s story.

The next was a man most of us call a living legend – Hank Stoop of Pungo Christian Academy. Jim Green’s story shows the true measure of a man who is not only a great coach, but also a wonderful human being.

We’re big fans.

Jim, who is our resident Sports Editor, also was the one to tell the historic story of Lulu Eure, who has been a trailblazer all her life.

Sarah Hodges Stalls introduces us to “Mrs. Vicky” Barber, who is an outstanding senior games athlete from Tyrrell County. She’s still competitive, despite being 80 years of age.

Our Nash County feature seemed obvious, as readers will learn about a historic figure in Rocky Mount – Buck Leonard. Known as the “black Lou Gehrig,” Leonard is in the baseball hall of fame.

In addition to reading about people, readers can enjoy a recap of Bertie High School’s

The staff of this magazine is a

sports-minded staff. From Premier

League Soccer, to baseball to the NFL, we are always talking about sports. Thus, the germ of this idea to have one edition of Eastern Living dedicated to the topic.

To say it has been a bear is an understatement, but it has also been a labor of love. We have enjoyed every minute of it, and we hope you do the same as you read the stories in this edition.

Three of the stories in this edition we never questioned. We wanted to tell the story of SouthWest Edgecombe’s Sandra Langley from

90

1995 NCHSAA football championship, an opportunity to learn the adventures awaiting at Medoc Mountain State Park through Leslie Beachboard’s story and the excellent golfing available at Valley Pine Country Club in Lasker.

There are beautiful images, as well as a poignant story from Dow Jones about Conaby Creek in Washington County.

One of the region’s finest institutions – Chowan University – has undergone a major transition athletically in the past 30 years and readers will get to enjoy the journey through the story written by Meredith Davies Long.

There are many other stories in this publication, plus a host of fun photos of children playing in the recreation leagues of the region.

We’ll be back in September with an issue dedicated to the historic churches in our region. There are many beautiful and remarkable houses of worship, and we will be back to tell their stories.

Until next time, remember … all who wander are not lost. Continue joining us as we wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Tyrrell and Washington counties.

P.S. Late in the process of coordinating the magazine, we lost two longtime contributors.

Kevin Scott Cutler, who wrote for the magazine, and Rick Goines, who authored Tight Lines, each passed away.

They will always be remembered for their contributions to this magazine.

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