Let's Talk Hattiesburg/Mississippi Area Sports - Now and Then!

[Augustus McRae]

Let's talk some sports from the local area when you get time and want a "respite" from the discussions of world peace and the Oval Office! I especially like talking some "sports history" from this area and from Mississippi in general AND up-to-date stuff. Not so much interested in "I love the Eagles" stuff - there's a thread for that. What athletes and teams from around here or in Mississippi do you remember from your "era" or from now? What sports figures do you admire and think "made a difference?" What's "good" and what's "not-so-good" about sports today - at every level: youth, high school, and college? Who are the best coaches to emerge from or work in the Hattiesburg and Mississippi areas - in your opinion?

Hope we get some "takers" to this thread! No, it's not as important as crime on the streets or the nomination of Osamabamalama, but it might be fun. I would hope that old "worn-ass-out" athletes like Dollfus and Hawkeye might chime in!

Great article in the HA this morning about Hamp Cook, former USM player and coach and long-time Saints scout, who has lived in OG for many, many years. He's one of the good guys!

[dollfus46]

Let's talk some sports from the local area when you get time and want a "respite" from the discussions of world peace and the Oval Office! I especially like talking some "sports history" from this area and from Mississippi in general AND up-to-date stuff. Not so much interested in "I love the Eagles" stuff - there's a thread for that. What athletes and teams from around here or in Mississippi do you remember from your "era" or from now? What sports figures do you admire and think "made a difference?" What's "good" and what's "not-so-good" about sports today - at every level: youth, high school, and college? Who are the best coaches to emerge from or work in the Hattiesburg and Mississippi areas - in your opinion?

Hope we get some "takers" to this thread! No, it's not as important as crime on the streets or the nomination of Osamabamalama, but it might be fun. I would hope that old "worn-ass-out" athletes like Dollfus and Hawkeye might chime in!

Great article in the HA this morning about Hamp Cook, former USM player and coach and long-time Saints scout, who has lived in OG for many, many years. He's one of the good guys!

Heh heh heh. Well I know little about MS sports anymore, but I see Vick has stepped in it again. He's a MS boy isn't he? First the finger now pot. The guy can buy his own private jet and hire a pilot to take him places but he tries to carry it on a public flight. DUH.

[EricStratton]

WRONG! Vick is from Virginia!

[EricStratton]

The USM basketball teams of the mid to late 80's were exciting! The last basketball worth watching at the "greenhouse". I think I can name all of the members of the NIT championship team. Somebody help me if I'm wrong:

Randolph Keyes
John White
Derrick Hamilton
Casey Fisher
Randy Pettus
Willie Brown
Jurardo Hinton
Jay Ladner
D.J. Bowe
Allan Chapman
Kenny Siler
Oh, I'm missing a couple... the dude from Waynesboro with the gerry-curl!

[aaron]

Weatherspoon/Turk combo was pretty exciting to watch. We had season tickets for every season Weatherspoon played.

[Augustus McRae]

Those were GREAT basketball days in Hburg! Filling Reed Green for those Metro Conferences battles with Memphis,Virginia Tech, etc. Now, the Eustachy version draws about 2,000 on a good night. Wonder why? Great posts Eric and Aaron!!!

[Augustus McRae]

The seniors on that team were known as the "Working Class." They won the NIT their junior year, played in NCAA first round their senior year. Damn, that was fun!



The USM basketball teams of the mid to late 80's were exciting! The last basketball worth watching at the "greenhouse". I think I can name all of the members of the NIT championship team. Somebody help me if I'm wrong:

Randolph Keyes
John White
Derrick Hamilton
Casey Fisher
Randy Pettus
Willie Brown
Jurardo Hinton
Jay Ladner
D.J. Bowe
Allan Chapman
Kenny Siler
Oh, I'm missing a couple... the dude from Waynesboro with the gerry-curl!

[Augustus McRae]

Age screws with your "fine motor" memory, my ol' friend, but the walk down HHS memory lane was GREAT. I remember the track team debacle. I also remember Coach Snell leaving two All-State players - QB and DE - home from the football Shrimp Bowl because they showed up without the shirt and tie he told them to wear.

David Scire did not break 4 minutes, but did run a 4:11 on the cinder track at San Antonio field, which was phenomenal. He got to about 4:01 or 4:02 at Tennessee when he was there. David died of cancer a couple of years ago.

You, Morgan, Green, and Buddy Jones could haul ass - even by today's standards. We all enjoyed watching you all play football too during that period. Small correction: Morgan played all four years at Alabama, even though he did get married. It seemed, despite Coach Bryant's rule, Ray Perkins of Petal was already there and WAS married, and Perkins and Morgan both got a "Mississippi" exception to the rule!

That bunch (Class of 65)with Morgan, Simms. Green, Ike Farris, Tommy Boutwell, Melvin Autry, et al, was a tough, good bunch. The group right ahead of them (Class of 64) : Mickey Edwards, Ed Hudgins, Danny Geohagen, John Huff, and company were the best high school football team I may have ever seen.

And you wadn't bad at running the football y'self, Pahoo......



I remember my years at Southern when the football stadium was full every game. True, it was a little smaller, but full. We played Ole Miss and State back in those days, here and on their turf. It was great before it became all about the money.

I remember half the track team at HHS got kicked off the the team (by DI Patrick) for hazzing a sophmore on the bus ride back from a meet with Laurel. Over half way thru the season (1965) we were undefeated and the #1 seed for the State Championship. I ran 100 yd dash, second to Ed Morgan who was the fastest guy in the state. Jim Green was breaking hurdle records, David Simms was high jump/broad jump specialist along with Buddy Jones. David Seery (sp) was the fastest mile man in the south, breaking the 4 minute barrier before it was cool and usually lapping the best competitors. Ed, Jim, Buddy, and I were winning all the 440 relays.

Now an athlete gets caught with drugs or guns and gets a one game/day suspension. Back in our day, Ole' DI Patrick had no qualms killing the track team's chances at being State Champs.

Times sho is changed :)

BTW: most of prolly know that Ole' Mayor Morgan was a star running back for Bear Bryant for two years, until he got married. Bear wouldn't put up with married players. Ed was pro-ball material and could have easily made the NFL.

[dollfus46]

I remember my years at Southern when the football stadium was full every game. True, it was a little smaller, but full. We played Ole Miss and State back in those days, here and on their turf. It was great before it became all about the money.

I remember half the track team at HHS got kicked off the the team (by DI Patrick) for hazzing a sophmore on the bus ride back from a meet with Laurel. Over half way thru the season (1965) we were undefeated and the #1 seed for the State Championship. I ran 100 yd dash, second to Ed Morgan who was the fastest guy in the state. Jim Green was breaking hurdle records, David Simms was high jump/broad jump specialist along with Buddy Jones. David Seery (sp) was the fastest mile man in the south, breaking the 4 minute barrier before it was cool and usually lapping the best competitors. Ed, Jim, Buddy, and I were winning all the 440 relays.

Now an athlete gets caught with drugs or guns and gets a one game/day suspension. Back in our day, Ole' DI Patrick had no qualms killing the track team's chances at being State Champs.

Times sho is changed :)

BTW: most of prolly know that Ole' Mayor Morgan was a star running back for Bear Bryant for two years, until he got married. Bear wouldn't put up with married players. Ed was pro-ball material and could have easily made the NFL.

Morgan was hurt most of his Junior year at Alabama. And there was Johnny Musso. Ed was Southeast High School All America I heard. One great footballer, but would fumble everytime he got inside the 10 yard line it seemed. Whatever happened to Sharon Lee, the girl he dated in HS?

[Augustus McRae]

'64 was Dollfus' class - many of those guys were his running buddies and still are, I think. They were fun to watch. They averaged about 240+ across the line - which was incredible in those days and had over 20 athletes on that team who eventually signed college or junior college scholarships, including Mickey Edwards to Mississippi State, Ed "Tex" Hudgins to Mississippi State, Robbie Smith to Mississippi State then UT-Martin, Brent McMahan and John Meador to USM, John Huff to Rice and later Georgia Tech, Danny Geoghagen to Pearl River CC and then the University of Arkansas, and Fred Saul to Pearl River CC - ALL from the Class of '64. Juniors on that team (Class of '65) who played college ball included: Morgan at Alabama, David Simms at Texas A&M, Tommy Boutwell at Perk and then USM, Ike Farris at Mississippi State, Melvin Autry at USM, Larry Hall at USM, and David Hayden and Jim Green and Jeff Dyar and Jimmy "Red Cloud" Houska at Pearl River CC. Coach Reese Snell coached them. That's 17, so I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. Across town at L.J. Rowan High School, they were dominating their league with Harold Jackson, Bonzo Roberts, Taft Reed, et al, under Coach Ed Steele. Across the bridge, Petal had a helluva team with guys like Ray Perkins, Mackie McKissack, Milton Carpenter, Larry Brown, and others who went on to play college and/or junior college football. I cannot think of a better time in Hattiesburg area high school football.

I think Sharon lives in the Gatlinburg area with her new husband. The last time I saw her she was still as "drop-dead" good looking as 40 years ago!


Morgan was hurt most of his Junior year at Alabama. And there was Johnny Musso. Ed was Southeast High School All America I heard. One great footballer, but would fumble everytime he got inside the 10 yard line it seemed. Whatever happened to Sharon Lee, the girl he dated in HS?

[Augustus McRae]

By God, Woodrow, you nailed it! I have said many, many, many times over the years, that the best two college football players I ever watched in person - the two people who could literally take over a game and carry it were: Archie Manning and Reggie Collier. Athletically, there was no comparison - Reggie Collier was the best I have ever seen, still to this day!

When those guys were playing and Jim Carmody was running the defense at USM, it was FUN to watch!!! You did not mind spending your money.




I'm sorry, but does it get any better than Reggie Collier, Sammy Winder, Ricky Floyd, Louis Lipps, and the original Nasty Bunch?

[Augustus McRae]

Reggie could have been a GREAT NFL player but for two "mindsets" - his own and that of NFL Coaching/Ownership of that day. Reggie was "hard-headed" in his willingness to play ONLY Quarterback. Had he been willing to play receiver (ala Matt Jones from Arkansas of recent), he would probably have played for 10+ years and made a few million. He would not do it.

In turn, as you suggest, NFL leadership was not "sold" at that time on the idea that a Black man could fill the role of NFL QB.

Reggie is back at USM in the Athletic Department and still has some "swagger" about him and looks like he could play!

I never argue with "The Bear!"


And the Pride was awesome back then too.

Bear Bryant said that Reggie Collier was the most gifted athlete he'd ever seen.

In today's world of Vince Young and Michael Vick, I would like to think that Reggie Collier would have had a nice place in the NFL had he been 20 years younger.

[jmb]

This is great, guys! Keep it up. :)

[Augustus McRae]

Thank you! Please join in.


This is great, guys! Keep it up. :)

[jmb]

Thank you! Please join in.

When I was in high school, I didn't pay that much attention to sports. I could relate some good partying memories, but I don't really want to incriminate myself. :smt118 But I do enjoy hearing all these familiar names.

[To The Topp]

The USM basketball teams of the mid to late 80's were exciting! The last basketball worth watching at the "greenhouse". I think I can name all of the members of the NIT championship team. Somebody help me if I'm wrong:

Randolph Keyes
John White
Derrick Hamilton
Casey Fisher
Randy Pettus
Willie Brown
Jurardo Hinton
Jay Ladner
D.J. Bowe
Allan Chapman
Kenny Siler
Oh, I'm missing a couple... the dude from Waynesboro with the gerry-curl!
That would be Randy Pettis with the curl, and his friend Jimmy Smith? am i wrong on that one??? Pettis came home from Depaul and smith from alabama. But those 2 were sitting out and didnt play the Nit season.

[To The Topp]

Those were GREAT basketball days in Hburg! Filling Reed Green for those Metro Conferences battles with Memphis,Virginia Tech, etc. Now, the Eustachy version draws about 2,000 on a good night. Wonder why? Great posts Eric and Aaron!!!


Agustus you havent been this year have you? the crowds have picked up dramitically. Around 5000 for Auburn and Memphis while the students were gone, and loud! Last sat night brought back memories of Casey fisher and Elliot Perry in a 3 pt war.

[Augustus McRae]

You are absolutely right, I have not been there this year. I have not been back (except to watch them play William Carey twice) since they fired Turk, then let Tim Floyd hire the last two coaches, neither of whom have been able to recruit and keep players (yet we are supposed to drool and slobber over them!), AND since MAC, the former AD, tells us all we are "bush league" if we do not support USM athletics. I LOOOOVE good college basketball. But I'm still "stung" by all that - I guess I'm just a baby!

When Eustachy has used us up, won a few games and bought his ticket out to another job, AND when they hire someone who acts like they respect the University and the fans and the area and does not treat everyone else like they are stupid and asks us to believe we are in a decade long "rebuilding" process to get kids to buy into "my program," THEN I'll be back in the seats paying my money.

And, in the Turk era if Memphis or Auburn had come in here, there would have been 8,000+ hanging from the rafters in Reed Green and the students would have driven back from home on a holiday to be there screaming and yelling! If you don't believe me, ask Cox or others who were around then.


Agustus you havent been this year have you? the crowds have picked up dramitically. Around 5000 for Auburn and Memphis while the students were gone, and loud! Last sat night brought back memories of Casey fisher and Elliot Perry in a 3 pt war.

[Augustus McRae]

Good job, Topp and Eric! Great memories. Last time I knew Pettis was a police officer in Waynesboro. Lost track of Jimmy Smith. Good guys.

There is a Siler that plays Linebacker for Florida that is from the same area that Kenny grew up in in the Florida Panhandle. I have wondered if it was Kenny's boy. Anyone know?


That would be Randy Pettis with the curl, and his friend Jimmy Smith? am i wrong on that one??? Pettis came home from Depaul and smith from alabama. But those 2 were sitting out and didnt play the Nit season.

[To The Topp]

Those were GREAT basketball days in Hburg! Filling Reed Green for those Metro Conferences battles with Memphis,Virginia Tech, etc. Now, the Eustachy version draws about 2,000 on a good night. Wonder why? Great posts Eric and Aaron!!!


You are absolutely right, I have not been there this year. I have not been back (except to watch them play William Carey twice) since they fired Turk, then let Tim Floyd hire the last two coaches, neither of whom have been able to recruit and keep players (yet we are supposed to drool and slobber over them!), AND since MAC, the former AD, tells us all we are "bush league" if we do not support USM athletics. I LOOOOVE good college basketball. But I'm still "stung" by all that - I guess I'm just a baby!

When Eustachy has used us up, won a few games and bought his ticket out to another job, AND when they hire someone who acts like they respect the University and the fans and the area and does not treat everyone else like they are stupid and asks us to believe we are in a decade long "rebuilding" process to get kids to buy into "my program," THEN I'll be back in the seats paying my money.

And, in the Turk era if Memphis or Auburn had come in here, there would have been 8,000+ hanging from the rafters in Reed Green and the students would have driven back from home on a holiday to be there screaming and yelling! If you don't believe me, ask Cox or others who were around then.

You need to give this group of young Eagles a chance. There is alot of difference in getting freshmen and bringing in transfers who failed somewhere else. This group will stay.
LE will not leave this program until it is on good footing and then he will turn it over to his assistant Steve Barnes who will do excellant things with it.
Its time for everyone to buy into it. This group reminds several of us of the working class when they were this age, except for one thing. They are much more talented. Wise and Green can play anywhere. This team needs one big guy in the middle that can score and it can compete with anyone in the country.
We have 7 more home games this year, the next is next Wed night vs East Carolina. Give em a chance and go just once. They will make a believer out of you too.

[Augustus McRae]

If Larry Eustachy wins 18 games this year, he'll leave. Book it!

But I appreciate your loyalty and invitation to come back - I do. I'm just "not there yet." At the end of this season, Larry will keep three or four of those guys and will "shop" a few of them to other places and will, then, let the rest go. Then he'll go find some more prep school or transfer kids we've never heard of and try to get them to "buy in to my program." Why would we think it is going to be ANY different?

[Augustus McRae]

Okay - who do you guys think may have been the BEST ATHLETE EVER at USM? Who do you think was the best ever at Hattiesburg High School - or in the greater Hattiesburg area? How about coaches?

[To The Topp]

No one with Southern Miss ties has or for a long time make as much as Favre. Salaries werent as high back when Guy played.

But as far as the best overall athlete to ever play there, my vote would be for Ray Guy with Reggie second. Ray still has the ncaa record for longest punt and school record for int's in a season. Also at least one No-Hitter when he played baseball.

[Original Son]

That would be Randy Pettis with the curl, and his friend Jimmy Smith? am i wrong on that one??? Pettis came home from Depaul and smith from alabama. But those 2 were sitting out and didnt play the Nit season.

You also might be talking about Jurado Hinton. He was another great one from Richton.

[Kitty]

You also might be talking about Jurado Hinton. He was another great one from Richton.

Jurado Hinton. The Richton Rambo. :smt070

[Augustus McRae]

It's coming....I swear! It's been fun thinking about it, but it's coming....



Those are tuffy, August. One might think of biggest money makers, but when you ask (BEST ATHELETE?), it makes me try to think in terms of "All Around" BEST.

Some guys lettered in Basketball, Football, Track and Baseball. How dey do all dat stuff? Didn't you play basketball at HHS for Moore?

Were there any who made bigger $$ in the NFL than Farve and Guy?

IYO, who was the BEST from HHS? I'd need to see a list of top ten....too many good names floating around in my foggy head.

[Augustus McRae]

I think I agree with you - Ray Guy may well have been the best athlete USM ever had, with Reggie right there with him. Larry Boyd fits in there somewhere, too.

I also think Ray should have been a full-timer on the USM football staff a long, long time ago!

Great post!! Thank you!




No one with Southern Miss ties has or for a long time make as much as Favre. Salaries werent as high back when Guy played.

But as far as the best overall athlete to ever play there, my vote would be for Ray Guy with Reggie second. Ray still has the ncaa record for longest punt and school record for int's in a season. Also at least one No-Hitter when he played baseball.

[Augustus McRae]

Jurado Hinton - one of my all-time favorites!! Jurado is an independent trucker/contractor working primarily for Bean Moving and Storage. He's a fine human being!


Jurado Hinton. The Richton Rambo. :smt070

[Augustus McRae]

Here goes: IN MY OPINION, the "best" of Hattiesburg High School "real athletes" over the years: (And this was HARD to do!)

Best of All-Time: Billy Devrow (60-63)

Top 12 of All-Time:
Billy Devrow
David Scire (63-66)
Robert Gillespie (late 90's)
Craig Logan (65-68)
Mike Waits (60-63)
Frankie Lambert (late 50's)
Scotty Hargrove (55-58)
Buddy Jones (64-67)
Dooney Lippincott (59-62)
Chris Heath (Around 2000)
Ed Morgan (62-65)
Mickey Harrington (early 50's)

Other "Best" All-Around Athletes
Scotty English (late 70's)
Tracy English (early 80's)
Mickey Edwards (61-64)
Buddy Davenport (66-69)
Fleetwood Loustalot (57-60)
Rascal Odom (60-62)
Carey Revels (60-63)
John Huff (62-64)
David Simms (62-65)
Danny Geoghagen (61-64)
Ike Farris (62-65)
Wood Parker (63-66)
Joe Stone Doggett (mid 50's)
Robert Cornett (mid 50's)
Mike Shoemake (57-60)
Ed Assaf (61-64)
Wayne Dickinson (65-68)
Tommy Boutwell (62-65)
Doug Rouse (64-67)
David Jussely (64-67)
Larry Farlow (62-65)

Best Female All-Around Athletes
Sally Floyd (Logan) (63-66)
Tracy Knight (late 70's)

"Toughest" Competitors at HHS
Mike Waits
Sidney Earl Malone
Ike Farris
John Huff
Burkett Ross
Del "Stump" Aycock

WOULD have been on this list (probably Top 12)
Dicky Jones (finished at a military school, then was
paralyzed in auto accident)
Melvin Anderson (died of cancer in the 10th grade -
best "natural" athlete I ever saw besides Billy
Devrow)

Other Area School "Great Ones"

Sacred Heart High School
Bobby Delmas
Billy Doherty

Oak Grove High School
Chuck Cook (70's)
DeWayne "Wanky" Nelson (80's)
Chris Logan (late 80's)
Kyle Logan (early 90's)
James Griffith (early 90's)
Antoine Gray (mid-90's)
Donnie Bridges (mid-90's)

Purvis High School
Jerry Duck (60's)
Nevil Barr (late 60's)
Willie Shelby (early 70's)
Melvin Silas (mid 70's)
Orlando "Pop" Dantzler (mid 90's)
Walter Young (mid 90's)

Petal High School
Ray Perkins (early 60's)
Milton Carpenter (early 60's)
Tootie Myers (early 90's)

Sumrall High School
Jerry Russell (late 50's)
David Hanberry (early 60's)
Kenny Ray Williamson (mid 60's)

North Forrest High School
Dennis Wilson (late 60's)

Lumberton High School
T.J. Byrd (late 50's)
Terry Grant (early 2000's).

These are my "all-arounds," Hawk. We could do it "by sport" and the list might be different. I KNOW I'm missing a bunch - doing this from memory. PLUS I was gone from this area in all the 70's pretty much.

Hope this list will give folks some things to react to!







Those are tuffy, August. One might think of biggest money makers, but when you ask (BEST ATHELETE?), it makes me try to think in terms of "All Around" BEST.

Some guys lettered in Basketball, Football, Track and Baseball. How dey do all dat stuff? Didn't you play basketball at HHS for Moore?

Were there any who made bigger $$ in the NFL than Farve and Guy?

IYO, who was the BEST from HHS? I'd need to see a list of top ten....too many good names floating around in my foggy head.

[Augustus McRae]

My apologies to Dollfus is this don't sound "mainstream," but Don WALL (of whom you spoke!) and Scotty Hargrove may have been the fastest two White boys I ever saw run. I forgot Don, and I apologize! And Mennell is going to kick my ass for forgetting him on the "toughest" list - he SHOULD be there.

The Malane clan - Thomas, Claude, Sidney Earl, Bennie Ray, Charlie Wayne, Cornell, and Larry - ALL played at HHS and were tough as knots! Sidney Earl and Mike Waits were the "pound for pound" toughest guys I ever saw play!

"Hebert" Black, as my buddy Burkett Ross calls him, was a piece of work - strong a a mule and athletic, just kept stepping in a pile of mess!

Billy Devrow played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track at Hattiesburg High. He then played football and baseball at USM. He played professional football (defensive back) with the Cleveland Browns for a few years and also played minor league baseball. Billy was the most natural, complete athlete I have ever seen! He two was from a big athletic family - Charlie, Dennis, Billy, and Bobby - all good athletes over the years.

Danny Geoghagen played football, basketball, and baseball at HHS. Played football - QB and Punter- at Pearl River CC, then punted at the University of Arkansas. He was a "natural" also.

For most of these guys, it was an era before sophisticated weight training (maybe 1 out of 15 of them had a free weight set in the garage or something!) and nutrition - we "nutritioned" on Barq's Root Beer, moon pies, Rice's potato chips, and the Coney Island when we had money!




A damn good job, Augustus. But, as I figured, with this list of Greats, you make it very hard to choose THE BEST ALL-AROUND. My my, you've mixed great BB players with those of track and field, and football. Tuff, tuff choices. I failed to see one of HHS's great track stars on the list, that being Economy Supply's, "Don Hall". He could haul ass with a cig in one hand and a beer in the other. He borke some track records in those days. The Haygan bros were standouts.

Fleetwood was a legend, I think known as the fastest man in Mississippi back in his day. David Scire had to be the best mile guy we ever had. Dooney Lippencot stands out in my mind for some reason.

Tell us more about Billy Devrow. I remember the name but not what all he was famous. Geoghagen stands out too. All the Malones were tough, even the littlest one (Cornell) was pound for pound, mean as a rattlesnake.....totally fearless. Herbert Black was a maniac on the football field but could not stay out of trouble for long.

Waites, Morgan, Huff, Odom, Farris, Asaff the Arab, all outstanding. Aycock, Billy Mennell, Davenport, and Jussely opened wide holes for me.

Man, its just too hard. HHS had a bunch of greats. No way, I could pick just one.
[color=green]

[EricStratton]

A couple of additions to your great list Gus of a few guys closer to my era (I was somewhere "Lost in the Cosmos" when you and Hawk when in y'all's hayday!!)

Hattiesburg High:

The Pope Brothers (Eddie, Marcus, and Marlon) All were beast and all were athletic with worlds of potential. Eddie played b'ball at USM, Marcus played football at USM, Marlon could have played anywhere in the world but didn't make it out of PRCC.

Oak Grove:

Jermaine Watson: A great athlete and heavy hitter on some awful, awful teams; Signed with USM and flunked out quickly; could have been an NFL player but got into some other stuff

Petal:

Dexter Dean: didn't do much after high school, but was a work horse in high school

Greg Smith: played b'ball at Carey

Bill Lott/Gary Hust/Nate Rolison: Nate came along later than the other two; all three could stroke the dang baseball; Lott could have been a helluva college QB also

Lumberton:

Tarreno (sp?) Edwards: Good b'ball player
Mackey Boys: pick one

[EricStratton]

Forgot One!

Oak Grove:

Tom Ondrejack: little piss ant was good at everything!


Gus and Hawk:

How bout some of the Rowan guys? How many of these great HHS Tigers would have rode the pine if y'all were intergrated?

[Augustus McRae]

Stratton - glad to see you got your ass off "double secret probation" and got back in the game. Hawk and I are "old turds," and you added some great modern-day names to the list!

I don't know how I could forget the Pope brothers - all three were phenomenal athletes! The middle one, Marcus, was the best! Their Daddy, Eddie Pope, was a great one at L.J. Rowan and then at Jackson State a generation before. Thanks for the reminder!

Good Petal names! Billy Lott truly an "all-around" athlete as was Dexter Dean. And Lumberton seems to ALWAYS have athletes - Torina Edwards must have played 20 years, it seemed - and they never run out of Mackeys or Holders, do they?

Everytime I think of Jermaine Watson I get pissed off. I just "forgot" him on my original list - just dementia. I think you are right - he could have been a BIG-TIME DB or WR. I hope he's grown up now!




A couple of additions to your great list Gus of a few guys closer to my era (I was somewhere "Lost in the Cosmos" when you and Hawk when in y'all's hayday!!)

Hattiesburg High:

The Pope Brothers (Eddie, Marcus, and Marlon) All were beast and all were athletic with worlds of potential. Eddie played b'ball at USM, Marcus played football at USM, Marlon could have played anywhere in the world but didn't make it out of PRCC.

Oak Grove:

Jermaine Watson: A great athlete and heavy hitter on some awful, awful teams; Signed with USM and flunked out quickly; could have been an NFL player but got into some other stuff

Petal:

Dexter Dean: didn't do much after high school, but was a work horse in high school

Greg Smith: played b'ball at Carey

Bill Lott/Gary Hust/Nate Rolison: Nate came along later than the other two; all three could stroke the dang baseball; Lott could have been a helluva college QB also

Lumberton:

Tarreno (sp?) Edwards: Good b'ball player
Mackey Boys: pick one

[Augustus McRae]

I'd LOVE to hear more about Rowan days also. When Hawkeye and I were in our "formative" years, there was a small section of bleachers in the corner of the endzone at Rowan. It was "the white section." We went to Rowan games and watched Taft Reed, Bonzo Roberts, Harold Jackson, and others play. Those three stick out in my mind but I'm sure there were others. Harold Jackson used to come to the old USM "sports arena" a lot and play basketball with us on Sunday afternoons and other times. Taft Reed used to play ball with us on an outside court by the railroad track in Rascal and Gary Odom's backyard on West Pine Street. They were super nice guys!



Forgot One!

Oak Grove:

Tom Ondrejack: little piss ant was good at everything!


Gus and Hawk:

How bout some of the Rowan guys? How many of these great HHS Tigers would have rode the pine if y'all were intergrated?

[Augustus McRae]

This thread may be on "life support" since Hawkeye, Eric, and me have taken our personal walk down memory lane!

Chime in guys - tells us your memories - high school sports in this area or in YOUR area, USM/Ole Miss/MSU/SWAC stuff - weigh in and let us know!

It's a lot more fun than arguin' about Hillary and Obamamamalama.

[EricStratton]

How about some great coaches from the area?

Breland (Oak Grove): Maybe one of the best motivators in any high school sport

Nevill Barr (Sumrall/Petal/OG): Hate to admit it, but he's done more with less everywhere he has been.

Larry Watkins (Petal): Competitive year in and year out for a long, long time.

Jim Sizemore (Hattiesburg/Purvis): not a colorful personality, but a winner

Those are just some of the more memorable from my era! I'm sure there are a lot I left off.

Also, on the college level, we can all talk about USM and Bower and Euslochy, but the best two college coaches in the area are down 49 at WCC: Steve Knight and Bobby Halford!

[To The Topp]

How about some great coaches from the area?

Breland (Oak Grove): Maybe one of the best motivators in any high school sport

Nevill Barr (Sumrall/Petal/OG): Hate to admit it, but he's done more with less everywhere he has been.

Larry Watkins (Petal): Competitive year in and year out for a long, long time.

Jim Sizemore (Hattiesburg/Purvis): not a colorful personality, but a winner

Those are just some of the more memorable from my era! I'm sure there are a lot I left off.

Also, on the college level, we can all talk about USM and Bower and Euslochy, but the best two college coaches in the area are down 49 at WCC: Steve Knight and Bobby Halford!
Larry Knight Hattiesburg high/Sumrall - more 5a baseball state titles than any coach in Mississippi.

[Augustus McRae]

Larry is an excellent coach and SOMEDAY, MAYBE he will be able to claim his place among Harry "Izso" Breland and Larry Watkins. But no argument, Larry is a good baseball coach.




Larry Knight Hattiesburg high/Sumrall - more 5a baseball state titles than any coach in Mississippi.

[EricStratton]

Larry Knight Hattiesburg high/Sumrall - more 5a baseball state titles than any coach in Mississippi.

Larry's a good coach...no doubt. But, not in the league with Breland, yet.

Breland has won 8 (?) state titles in baseball, coached basketball teams into the playoffs, and I think he used to coach a little football. All this, mind you, as a black dude coaching a bunch of country white boys (old days) and suburban white boys (recent days). He just wins, baby! Parents and community baseball experts have been trying to fire him for years, but he just keeps winning!

[Augustus McRae]

Ol' "To The Top" - you and Larry Knight obviously have the same high opinion of their own opinions and have the same level of tolerance for folks who don't agree with you. Thought your "no thank you" reaction was a little "bush league" - especially since my post agreed that Larry is a good baseball coach. Hope also you looked at "Eric Stratton's" post and got your facts a little clearer.

I respect your opinion - in twenty years, yours may turn out to be right on target.

[To The Topp]

Good grief you Lamar co guys are somthing, no one can have a different opinion? Harry has 8 titles in what 38 years? His program is in a sprial, taking early exits the last 2 years. With his coaches style that depends on one pitcher and doesnt develop others, and the new playoff format he doesnt have a prayer this year.

With what hes handed he should win every year. While his program slides, he has let players go that went to Columbia Acad, Sumrall (in masses), HHS, Petal and PCS. Each of those kids has had college coaches look at them.

Watkins plays the easiest out of dist schedle known to man. Dont believe the story in the paper last year about him playing OG and HHS. Plus he has the weakest 4A dist in Ms.

As for Knight? 4 titles all in 5A, none in the small classes like Brelands. 7 South states all this in only 13 seasons. He does far more for his players than the other 2. Taking them to showcases at his own expense and making calls for those who want to play past high school. Has Breland ever had 6 D1 signees in a single class?

While the other 2 have desk jobs Larry teaches a full load of Math. Remimber, they are paid from our tax dollars to be educators.

Everthing i typed there is a indisputable fact. In all due respect, Breland and Watkins have a ways to go to be in Knights league.

In reality the best coaches in the area are none of the above we mentioned. Jeff Farris and Patrick James who are now at PCS, ON A VOLENTEER BASIS, are quietly building the areas best baseball program. Sad thing is neither of these guys could coach in the public school leagues.

[EricStratton]

Good grief you Lamar co guys are somthing, no one can have a different opinion? Harry has 8 titles in what 38 years? His program is in a sprial, taking early exits the last 2 years. With his coaches style that depends on one pitcher and doesnt develop others, and the new playoff format he doesnt have a prayer this year.

With what hes handed he should win every year. While his program slides, he has let players go that went to Columbia Acad, Sumrall (in masses), HHS, Petal and PCS. Each of those kids has had college coaches look at them.

Watkins plays the easiest out of dist schedle known to man. Dont believe the story in the paper last year about him playing OG and HHS. Plus he has the weakest 4A dist in Ms.

As for Knight? 4 titles all in 5A, none in the small classes like Brelands. 7 South states all this in only 13 seasons. He does far more for his players than the other 2. Taking them to showcases at his own expense and making calls for those who want to play past high school. Has Breland ever had 6 D1 signees in a single class?

While the other 2 have desk jobs Larry teaches a full load of Math. Remimber, they are paid from our tax dollars to be educators.

Everthing i typed there is a indisputable fact. In all due respect, Breland and Watkins have a ways to go to be in Knights league.
Sorry you thought a simple disagreement was bush league, I thought your response was as well.

In reality the best coaches in the area are none of the above we mentioned. Jeff Farris and Patrick James who are now at PCS, ON A VOLENTEER BASIS, are quietly building the areas best baseball program. Sad thing is neither of these guys could coach in the public school leagues.

Jeff Farris and Patrick James!!:smt017 OMG!!!

Nobody has disputed Larry Knight's ability to coach, but to bash Watkins AND Breland is just ridiculous! You or your son obviously got "the hook" from one of these guys (probably Breland), and it sounds like you have some deep-seeded issues that stretch beyond the field of play! Good luck to you, bud. You're going to need it.

Jeff Farris and Patrick James? Now, that is some funny stuff!

[To The Topp]

Jeff Farris and Patrick James!!:smt017 OMG!!!

Nobody has disputed Larry Knight's ability to coach, but to bash Watkins AND Breland is just ridiculous! You or your son obviously got "the hook" from one of these guys (probably Breland), and it sounds like you have some deep-seeded issues that stretch beyond the field of play! Good luck to you, bud. You're going to need it.

Jeff Farris and Patrick James? Now, that is some funny stuff!

Well I dont have a son i have a daugter, and she goes to OG, so I doubt thats it. Nice try with the standard reply.

As for Farris, they took a kid who had not played in over a year and turned him into a Southern Miss signee because of his hitting ability in Adam Doleac. Considering they have been there one season, and kids are leaving OG to go play for them it sounds like a good start.

For the record, did you play for Breland? And better yet did your dad play for him?

[Augustus McRae]

Well I dont have a son i have a daugter, and she goes to OG, so I doubt thats it. Nice try with the standard reply.

As for Farris, they took a kid who had not played in over a year and turned him into a Southern Miss signee because of his hitting ability in Adam Doleac. Considering they have been there one season, and kids are leaving OG to go play for them it sounds like a good start.

For the record, did you play for Breland? And better yet did your dad play for him?

Farris is one of my favorite folks. I don't doubt that he can coach, but your criticism of Harry Breland and Larry Watkins simply shows considerable lack of what the heck you are talking about - I'm sorry to be so blunt. You are entitled to your opinion. You are obviously yet another member of the "Black and Gold Super Eagle Zorro Club" of folks who just have to be RIGHT and cannot respect the well-founded opinions of any one else.

I just happen to have a tad of experience and "cred" in this arena, pilgrim.

[EricStratton]

Well I dont have a son i have a daugter, and she goes to OG, so I doubt thats it. Nice try with the standard reply.

As for Farris, they took a kid who had not played in over a year and turned him into a Southern Miss signee because of his hitting ability in Adam Doleac. Considering they have been there one season, and kids are leaving OG to go play for them it sounds like a good start.

For the record, did you play for Breland? And better yet did your dad play for him?

Yes, I did play for Breland. Wouldn't trade that experience for the world. Made me a better man, and taught me how to deal with people like you. HATERS!!

[Kitty]

Can you guys get back to talking about the "good old days" and refrain from the negative stuff?

I've enjoyed reading your walk down memory lane. Maybe others can chime in with their memories, too.

[EricStratton]

Can you guys get back to talking about the "good old days" and refrain from the negative stuff?

I've enjoyed reading your walk down memory lane. Maybe others can chime in with their memories, too.

Sure.

How about some legendary rec. league or church league players in the area?

"Hardy Street" Pete comes directly to my mind! He could shoot the lights out, and probably still does.

"Big" Tom Ondrejack was somehow playing in the same church league with me when I was in high school. (Had a son my age)

Anyone else come to mind?

[Augustus McRae]

Sure.

How about some legendary rec. league or church league players in the area?

"Hardy Street" Pete comes directly to my mind! He could shoot the lights out, and probably still does.

"Big" Tom Ondrejack was somehow playing in the same church league with me when I was in high school. (Had a son my age)

Anyone else come to mind?


I God, Woodrow, you have opened up sumin' now! There have been some TREMENDOUS athletes who came through recreation and church league programs and the adult leagues after their school days were over. Some come to mind:

BASKETBALL:

Jerry Russell - a basketball scoring frickin' machine from Sumrall

James A. "Bus" Cook - now famous as agent of superstar athletes was a ding dong Daddy basketball player in the men's and independent leagues for years when he arrived in Hattiesburg.

Larry Farlow - a big-time baseball player once scored 69 points in a regulation church league game at the YMCA

Ed Assaf - an HHS, USM, and big league pitcher was the scourge of church league basketball for several years

Peter Georgian - later a legend in high school basketball coaching at Stone County HS, could shoot the eyes out of it in the church and rec leagues at the YMCA

Mike "Red Bird" Smith - all around rec and church league phenom

Jackie Brown - men's league player in basketball in the 60-70 era

Jimmy Cody - another men's league big-timer

And heck, I ain't even got to summer league baseball and softball yet!

Football:

There was a flag football group (I'll forget some of them) - Doug Munn, Dalton Bittle, Scotty English, Kenny Lance, Jeff Stewart, et al (forgive me, the rest of you!) that dominated that sport for many years. Heck, they used to sign up for 3 hours of classes at USM after they had two or three degrees so they would be eligible to play "intramural" football too!

Got to mention one, though: C.D. "Red" Galey - now in his 80's - could hit a softball nine dang miles into his 50's. So coud Carl "Coon" Shepherd -longtime local educator now in his 70's.

A.J. Jones pitched and played softball into his 60's if I am not mistaken.

And that's just the Hattiesburg area....bet the rest of you folks have some good ones!

[To The Topp]

Farris is one of my favorite folks. I don't doubt that he can coach, but your criticism of Harry Breland and Larry Watkins simply shows considerable lack of what the heck you are talking about - I'm sorry to be so blunt. You are entitled to your opinion. You are obviously yet another member of the "Black and Gold Super Eagle Zorro Club" of folks who just have to be RIGHT and cannot respect the well-founded opinions of any one else.

I just happen to have a tad of experience and "cred" in this arena, pilgrim.
I didnt realize you could critize me and its ok but I cant tell ya things that have really happened over the last few years.
Thank you for the comparision with Zorro, I like to be placed along side the positive side of Southern Miss supporters.

Eric who had to leave OG to play because your dad was brown noseing harry? My daughter gets really mad seeing her friends who are better than the kids he kept leave. Maybe thats why he cant win a playoff series anymore.

Its a sad day when in 06 2 fine boys he wouldnt keep played in the finals at Trustmark park. I guess that means Sumrall and guess who Larry Knight are state bound in 07. Let the exodus to Sumrall begin.

[Kitty]

Football:

There was a flag football group (I'll forget some of them) - Doug Munn, Dalton Bittle, Scotty English, Kenny Lance, Jeff Stewart, et al (forgive me, the rest of you!) that dominated that sport for many years.

Did Kenny Lance play QB like his son Kirk?

[EricStratton]

I didnt realize you could critize me and its ok but I cant tell ya things that have really happened over the last few years.
Thank you for the comparision with Zorro, I like to be placed along side the positive side of Southern Miss supporters.

Eric who had to leave OG to play because your dad was brown noseing harry? My daughter gets really mad seeing her friends who are better than the kids he kept leave. Maybe thats why he cant win a playoff series anymore.

Its a sad day when in 06 2 fine boys he wouldnt keep played in the finals at Trustmark park. I guess that means Sumrall and guess who Larry Knight are state bound in 07. Let the exodus to Sumrall begin.

Alright, I'm finished with you after this one. Be careful with all of your cute little "brown nose" comments. I really don't know nor care who you are, but I can promise you that you wouldn't talk to me like that face-to-face. Your typing and talking days would be over! Sweet dreams, Nancy!

[To The Topp]

Alright, I'm finished with you after this one. Be careful with all of your cute little "brown nose" comments. I really don't know nor care who you are, but I can promise you that you wouldn't talk to me like that face-to-face. Your typing and talking days would be over! Sweet dreams, Nancy!
Poor Frat Boy, can dish it out but cant take it.
Anywhere, anytime Im a biganuff boy to take care of myself there Poindexter. Ill say it to ya face. You will be the one with the brown spot on the nose wont ya?:smt038

[Referee]

Okay, y'all need to chill. Y'all are starting to get a little too personal with this.

[zorro]

Okay, y'all need to chill.
dang, just when I was about to propose a boxing vBookie. :smt118

[Augustus McRae]

Did Kenny Lance play QB like his son Kirk?


Kenny was a helluva athlete - before the cigars set in! I think, thought, Dalton Bittle was the QB for most of those teams - if my memory serves me correctly.

[Augustus McRae]

I think Harry Breland has definately done a lot with a talent pool deeper than the ocean.

Very stable program, but I think from a baseball standpoint that program would have been a state championship calibre program with just about anyone coaching it. It is good to hear that he had a positive impact on a large number of students' lives.


That's a point that has been speculated by many, but it's just not correct, Doc - with all due respect (and I mean that!). There is a GROSS misconception that youth baseball prepares kids WELL for competitive high school ball and beyond. There is some EXCELLENT coaching in youth baseball but a whole lot of stuff has to be "undone" from that experience to get a young man to "puts his nuts on the line" in a highly competitive high school program or beyond.

For every Tom Woolbright - who I think may have been the best youth sports coach ever in this area - there are those who make a MAD DASH TO THE ALL-STAR season. It's a subject I would "rail" about forever, but I will not.

The truth is all three - Harry Breland, Larry Watkins, and Larry Knight (and I would add Tony Farlow of Purvis to that plateau, by the way) - coach in very tough situations. With the "talent pool" you guys speak of comes 50+ kids into every 9th grade class who have made "All-Star" teams since they were 6 years old and told that the Yankee Scout was watching them at the District playoffs when they were 12!!! Parents swallow it and reinforce it!

The dead flat ass truth is that kids' bodies and spirits CHANGE as they grow to high school age. Those who cannot get past the ALL STAR syndrome are, usually, not coachable and do not flourish in a high school setting. But if they will show up in programs like Brelands, Knights, Watkins, or Farlows - AND Phil Smith, Jeff Farris at PHS - they will improve and be competitive. But they are HARD places to coach.

If you've never been around Harry Breland on a personal basis and NEVER experienced with him the times he has literally wept over having to "cut" kids (because 75 or more are out there!) or the times he's had to bite his tongue and turn his head because some candy-ass, banker daddy is telling him his kid (who has not grown an inch since he was 12 and is still hitting with a 31" bat) should be a starter because he's been to "Corky's camp" for the last 7 years - if you've never experienced that with the man - or with any of these guys who do this - then you cannot appreciate what they go through to get the chance to do what they love!

I like you, Doc, but I'll say to your post and to the many folks who seem to feel that way: TALENT POOL, MY ASS - Harry Breland can flat ass coach!

As the legendary Clemson Coach, Frank Howard, once said about Bear Bryant: "...He could take his and beat yours, and take yours and beat his..."

[Augustus McRae]

Poor Frat Boy, can dish it out but cant take it.
Anywhere, anytime Im a biganuff boy to take care of myself there Poindexter. Ill say it to ya face. You will be the one with the brown spot on the nose wont ya?:smt038


Easy there, cowboy...

[Augustus McRae]

I actually played against a Harry Breland coached Oak Grove team in 1989-1990. We were smaller, slower, less talented, but coached by Dr. Fred Weems. We won the game 2-1. Though the media didn't care to cover it, our local paper pointed out that it was the only time all year that Oak Grove was held to under 5 runs in a single game.

We beat them thanks to outcoaching. We picked off five runners at second base with the inside kick. Well coached teams know to look for the inside kick when on second base. They also couldn't hit curve balls, so that's all they saw all night. We also advanced the winning run to second base on the three ball walk, meaning that with the count 2-2, if the next pitch was a ball (which it was), then the batter proceeded down to first base as if it were a walk. The runner on first casually strolled to second. After the umpire called the batter back, the runner on second got to keep his base. The Oak Grove team had no idea what was going on. We tried that play probably 25 times and it only worked against Oak Grove. We tend bunted the runner to third and he then scored on a suicide squeeze.

I'm not saying the man can't coach. I'm not saying he's not one of the best coaches around. I'm just saying that he has reaped the benefits of an incredibly rich talent-pool. When my wife worked at Oak Grove, I made it a point to attend just about every home game over a four-year period. They were a well disciplined team. They were a talented team. I just didn't think they were a very well coached baseball team. Some of the players did not show solid foundational technique. Some were allowed to make huge strides in their swings or have completely unnecessary hitches in their swings. But when you are faster than the other team, can hit the ball farther than the other team, and throw the ball harder than the other team, fundamentals sometimes go out the window. Just look at the Major Leagues.

I am not trying to knock Coach Breland at all. But having seen teams coached by Coach Breland and teams coached by Coach Watkins and Coach Knight, I would argue that Watkins and Knight are better baseball coaches. But this argument is really like trying to say who is better out of Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden, and Joe Paterno...they are ALL great coaches. I just think that Watkins and Knight are stronger at coaching the basic fundamentals of the game. To me, that is the sign of a great high school coach, not only the win/loss record.


Enjoyed your post! I like your writing and exchange because you and I can disagree with each other and not get all "pissy" about it.

Glad you relish your team's victory over Breland. I beat his team in a basketball tournament one year when I was coaching. I relish it and remind him about it from time to time. He was, by the way, a helluva basketball coach as well over a long period of time.

Coaches have different "strengths," no doubt. My own observation is that Larry Knight is not much of a "basic fundamentals" coach, as you put it. But, hey, that's just me. Tony Farlow at Purvis is a fine fundamentals coach. One of the best I've been around. Larry Watkins is, too - I would agree with that.

Coaches just happen to be "my people," you see. I know a LOT of them, have worked with a lot of them and observed and played against and coached against a lot of them.

One of my favorite Harry Breland stories is from several years back. A couple of wanna-be coaches (parents of OG players) commented to some of the players that they had observed their "fundamentals were weak." I think their W/L record was about 18-2 at the time. Anyway, one of the kids passed the comment along to Coach Breland. Harry said, "Hoss, I appreciate it and tell your Daddy I appreciate it."

The next day, Breland took the whole team (varsity and JV) into the Press Box at the old baseball field, brought out two videos on "fundamental baseball" (the commercial ones like on TV) and ran them for two hours. He did not allow them to leave to go to the bathroom or get water. He did not comment. When the last video ended - two hours later - he turned it off; and they went to practice.

I respect your opinion and, heck, you may be right. But I can tell you that 95% of the folks out there have no earthly idea the shit this man has had to put up with over the last 30 years as Head Baseball Coach at OG. I love kids and love coaching but I would not take THAT job for $ 250,000.00 a year. I would either be fired or in jail!

But I did enjoy your post and appreciate your spirit. Congratulations on the win over Breland and OG - you're among the few!

[Kitty]

A couple of wanna-be coaches (parents of OG players). . .

. . . I can tell you that 95% of the folks out there have no earthly idea the shit this man has had to put up with over the last 30 years as Head Baseball Coach at OG.

From what I have observed and from what I have been told, "stage mothers" (including mothers of cheerleaders, dancers, and pageant contestants) pale in comparison to the "baseball daddies" at Oak Grove.

[Augustus McRae]

From what I have observed and from what I have been told, "stage mothers" (including mothers of cheerleaders, dancers, and pageant contestants) pale in comparison to the "baseball daddies" at Oak Grove.


I don't mean to "indict" OG baseball parents - there are some wonderful people included. And I am a HUGE proponent of youth sports. But WAY too many parents (far more than kids!) emerge from the Youth Sports experience with some absolutely "surreal" expectations of their kids. It causes problems, it does.

[Kitty]

I don't mean to "indict" OG baseball parents - there are some wonderful people included.

I agree. There are some wonderful parents... people who give their time and money to help make the sports programs the top-notch programs that they are.

My comment wasn't meant as a broad-brush indictment of all baseball parents. :)

[Chuck Bennett]

Former Southern Miss basketball player Vann Jones is doing a good job in his first year with the Oak Grove Basketball team. My son is a sophomore and plays a little jv ball. We have enjoyed watching the team improve this year.

Chuck

[Augustus McRae]

I agree. There are some wonderful parents... people who give their time and money to help make the sports programs the top-notch programs that they are.

My comment wasn't meant as a broad-brush indictment of all baseball parents. :)


I know. Thanks!

[Augustus McRae]

Former Southern Miss basketball player Vann Jones is doing a good job in his first year with the Oak Grove Basketball team. My son is a sophomore and plays a little jv ball. We have enjoyed watching the team improve this year.

Chuck


Hope your boy thoroughly enjoys it, Chuck! I remember Vanderal Jones when he showed up. Robert McInnis got Doug Vardaman to hire him the first summer he was here. A good kid then, a decent man now. I'm gonna get out and watch them play soon.

[EricStratton]

Hope your boy thoroughly enjoys it, Chuck! I remember Vanderal Jones when he showed up. Robert McInnis got Doug Vardaman to hire him the first summer he was here. A good kid then, a decent man now. I'm gonna get out and watch them play soon.


I saw OG play Gulfport this year, and I was pleasently surprised at how much they had improved. Still a long way from competiting with the big boys of 5A b'ball, but they played hard and looked fairly organized.

[B.T. Justice]

Kenny was a helluva athlete - before the cigars set in! I think, thought, Dalton Bittle was the QB for most of those teams - if my memory serves me correctly.

I think Dalton was a J.A. Beeson man.

[Augustus McRae]

One of the area's interesting human beings - Dalton Bittle. A unique personality, very bright, helluva athlete, and a nice guy. Last time I saw him, he walking in my neighborhood, with just his gym shorts on and with two dogs. He was as nice as always - interesting dude, he was/is.



I think Dalton was a J.A. Beeson man.

[B.T. Justice]

One of the area's interesting human beings - Dalton Bittle. A unique personality, very bright, helluva athlete, and a nice guy. Last time I saw him, he walking in my neighborhood, with just his gym shorts on and with two dogs. He was as nice as always - interesting dude, he was/is.


Dalton is still an intersting/ nice guy. He recently took a job at Shadow Ridge as food and beverage manager.

[Augustus McRae]

No joke! I thought he sold some kind of medical equipment or something. I go to two or three golf tournaments a year at Shadow Ridge. Bet he'll be good at it!



Dalton is still an intersting/ nice guy. He recently took a job at Shadow Ridge as food and beverage manager.

[cubby 1]

This guy didn't play college ball, but nobody has said anything about James Lester Lowery. I've heard stories about how playing touch football was two hand touch, but one hand anywhere on him.

c1

[EricStratton]

How 'bout J.D. Simpson, former youth pastor at Main St. Baptist and head of First Priority? He was (still may be) a competitor. Heard he got tossed from some flag football games! I actually saw him get nose to nose with some drunk dude at a softball tourny!

J.D.'s a great guy!

[cubby 1]

I like JD... He's a great guy.

c1

[EricStratton]

He really is. I just always got a kick out of the stories about the ass-kickin youth minister!!

[cubby 1]

I know I wouldn't want to piss him off.

c1

[Augustus McRae]

You KNOW some stuff!! James Lester Lowery was a hellacious young baseball player. "Lifestyle" stuff derailed what would have been a great pitching career! He's one of my favorite "encyclopedias" of local sports also. You have MADE my day by bringing up James Lester Lowery - THANK YOU!



This guy didn't play college ball, but nobody has said anything about James Lester Lowery. I've heard stories about how playing touch football was two hand touch, but one hand anywhere on him.

c1

[Augustus McRae]

J.D. is one of my all-time favorites, and it took me a while to realize it! I have a theory about ol' JD - when he FINALLY realizes that God has "called" him to be a high school football coach and not a preacher, he'll be the happiest man alive!




I know I wouldn't want to piss him off.

c1

[To The Topp]

Eric asked about Dustin Mohr earler. A year ago the local media totally ignored somthing that alot of people thought was fantastic and newsworthy.
Dustin and Jermain Van Buren ended up at training camp with the Red Sox. Played at Pawtucket with one another and briefly in Boston.

Alot of people thought it was pretty special to have 2 guys from the same area not only in the show but in the same organization.

[Augustus McRae]

Topp, you have hit on one my "rave" catalysts - the coverage of local people by the local media! At any given time in the last 10 years or so, this area - HHS/OGHS/PetalHS/PurvisHS/USM/WCarey - has had at times a dozen or so players in the minor leagues or big leagues. You have to look in the dang Clarion-Ledger once a week to see how they are playing! Yet there is a Black Sox article in the news every other day!

Dustin Mohr has been on the big league roster of 3 or 4 major league teams. When he's listed in the Clarion-Ledger stats (if he is!), it says he's from "Alabama" because he played at the University of Alabama. Truth was he was a great two sport athlete at Oak Grove before going to Alabama.

We've had an AMAZING number of kids from this area play professional baseball. But you have to run into one of their Mamas or Daddys to know how they are doing!



Eric asked about Dustin Mohr earler. A year ago the local media totally ignored somthing that alot of people thought was fantastic and newsworthy.
Dustin and Jermain Van Buren ended up at training camp with the Red Sox. Played at Pawtucket with one another and briefly in Boston.

Alot of people thought it was pretty special to have 2 guys from the same area not only in the show but in the same organization.

[To The Topp]

Topp, you have hit on one my "rave" catalysts - the coverage of local people by the local media! At any given time in the last 10 years or so, this area - HHS/OGHS/PetalHS/PurvisHS/USM/WCarey - has had at times a dozen or so players in the minor leagues or big leagues. You have to look in the dang Clarion-Ledger once a week to see how they are playing! Yet there is a Black Sox article in the news every other day!

Dustin Mohr has been on the big league roster of 3 or 4 major league teams. When he's listed in the Clarion-Ledger stats (if he is!), it says he's from "Alabama" because he played at the University of Alabama. Truth was he was a great two sport athlete at Oak Grove before going to Alabama.

We've had an AMAZING number of kids from this area play professional baseball. But you have to run into one of their Mamas or Daddys to know how they are doing!
I totally agree, the black sox are recruiting kids out of high school to play with them, while we had 2 guys from rival schools on the defending world series champions roster at the same time? That was never mentioned on WDAM or the HA that anyone heard.

Im I that far off base to think that deserved some special attention?

[EricStratton]

To the Topp,

I think part of the problem is WDAM and HA's general lack of luster to actually "work" for a good story.

Also, Dustan was not a popular guy around town, although I got along with him fine. Dustan was a bit cocky, to say the least, and he and his daddy, who is one the finest men I've ever known, didn't hang with the regular little league baseball circle in H'burg/OG. In my opinion, Dustan has never been appropriately recognized as one of the true greats to come out of OG baseball.

He is one of two area baseball players, Charlie Hayes being the other, who has had any kind of stay on the major level in recent memory.

The Hattiesburg area seems to be more concerned with little league all-stars than big league players from the area. I think one of the reasons Dustan made it to the top was because he and his daddy never really got caught up in the all-star hype, although he was always one of the best players in every league he played in.

[To The Topp]

To the Topp,

I think part of the problem is WDAM and HA's general lack of luster to actually "work" for a good story.

Also, Dustan was not a popular guy around town, although I got along with him fine. Dustan was a bit cocky, to say the least, and he and his daddy, who is one the finest men I've ever known, didn't hang with the regular little league baseball circle in H'burg/OG. In my opinion, Dustan has never been appropriately recognized as one of the true greats to come out of OG baseball.

He is one of two area baseball players, Charlie Hayes being the other, who has had any kind of stay on the major level in recent memory.

The Hattiesburg area seems to be more concerned with little league all-stars than big league players from the area. I think one of the reasons Dustan made it to the top was because he and his daddy never really got caught up in the all-star hype, although he was always one of the best players in every league he played in.
Is Dustin the only OG guy to make it all the way? I know Donnie Bridges got close and Kary was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the Stros and the Yankees.

Only one from Petal i can remimber is Rollison who got up at the end of 2 seasons. Bill Lott got close.

Alot of people forget that Bobby Myrick played with the Mets, Jermain Van Buren is the 2nd from HHs. Thats not counting Wendall Magee who never played hs ball.

I guess when you throw Hayes in that gives every school close by at least one guy except for North Forrest and Purvis.

[EricStratton]

Donnie and Kary had short stints, if any, in the show.

Forgot about Wendall Magee. He was a heck of a football player in HS.

I didn't forget about Nate R. or Van Buren, but I was talking about guys who stayed in the bigs for at least a couple of full seasons. I don't know if either one of those guys ever did or have.

[noway]

Is Dustin the only OG guy to make it all the way? I know Donnie Bridges got close and Kary was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the Stros and the Yankees.

Only one from Petal i can remimber is Rollison who got up at the end of 2 seasons. Bill Lott got close.

Alot of people forget that Bobby Myrick played with the Mets, Jermain Van Buren is the 2nd from HHs. Thats not counting Wendall Magee who never played hs ball.

I guess when you throw Hayes in that gives every school close by at least one guy except for North Forrest and Purvis.

Walter Young from Purvis made it With San Diego last year (http://sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/383459)

A field Goal Kicker from North Forrest Played in the Superbowl A few years ago.. Lindsey? With New England?

[EricStratton]

Walter Young from Purvis made it With San Diego last year (http://sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/383459)

A field Goal Kicker from North Forrest Played in the Superbowl A few years ago.. Lindsey? With New England?

You're correct. I forgot about big Walter. I thought he made a mistake by not going to college to play football, but....I guess I could have been wrong.

Steve Lindsey was the kicker from North Forrest/Ole Piss that kicked for the Carolina Panthers. I don't think he played Major League Baseball though!

[To The Topp]

I dont think Kary ever got up. He did go to spring with the Yankees a couple of times.

I forgot about Walter Young as well.

Van Buren got called up, lol on the day Katrina hit. He went back and forth about 5 times with Boston last year and is now on the 40 man with Washington.

I forgot all about Lindsey, i guess the nfl counts too.

Not growing up in this area, Im kind of jealous of the kids that do. No where will you find the kind of facilities you Hburg kids had.

Optimist was nice when it was new, the old Dixie youth park has seen some great players come through as well as Kamper Park.

High school players have a treat with Petal having a nice park, the quaint crackerbox that og moved away from and then Smokey Herrington. I taped the movie Dont Look back off of espn classics a few years back.

No wonder this area produces the players it has.

[sidelinetolong]

Nobody has mentioned Bubba Phillips, Mr USM in the late 50"s probably the best all around player of all sports until he died in the late 80's or early 90's

[cubby 1]

You KNOW some stuff!! James Lester Lowery was a hellacious young baseball player. "Lifestyle" stuff derailed what would have been a great pitching career! He's one of my favorite "encyclopedias" of local sports also. You have MADE my day by bringing up James Lester Lowery - THANK YOU!



I'm just glad somebody knows about this other than myself. If you actually know him personally, you could probably tell some great stories. I don't know him, but my father grew up with him.

c1

[Augustus McRae]

I remember Bubba well. He was a tremendous football and baseball athlete at USM. He was from Macon, Mississippi. Grew up with William Winter there. He retired to Hattiesburg and become "Mr. Tennis" for many, many years. Nice guy.

As good as he was, I honestly think James Ray Carpenter may have been a better "all around" athlete in that era than Bubba. J.R. became "Mr. Golf" around here for many, many years.

Both great guys and "treasures" to this area!



Nobody has mentioned Bubba Phillips, Mr USM in the late 50"s probably the best all around player of all sports until he died in the late 80's or early 90's

[Augustus McRae]

Shoot, Dawg, I probably know yo' Daddy! Ol' James Lester fell prey to some demons over the years, but a heart of gold and a mind for sports like few I have EVER seen! Last time I talked with him he was working at one of the Kangaroo convenience stores. We talked football for a while!

Thank you, again, for bring up JLL - one of my all time favorites. The sumbuck could throw a baseball!!!!




I'm just glad somebody knows about this other than myself. If you actually know him personally, you could probably tell some great stories. I don't know him, but my father grew up with him.

c1

[cubby 1]

Somewhere along the lines of the time he got 3 outs with one pitch.

c1

[EricStratton]

I'm just glad somebody knows about this other than myself. If you actually know him personally, you could probably tell some great stories. I don't know him, but my father grew up with him.

c1

Cubby,

Gus is so old, that he, Hawk, and Dollfus, used to drink with Col. Hardy and the boys!

[Augustus McRae]

Missed that one, Cubby. But I bet it's a great story!

And note to Eric Stratton - Hawkeye, Dfus, and I did not drink with Colonel Hardy - We did drink Barq's Root Beer and eat steak sanwiches with "Bud" at the Oaks, and I think he probably had known Colonel Hardy and Miss Hattie personally!




Somewhere along the lines of the time he got 3 outs with one pitch.

c1

[To The Topp]

I remember Bubba well. He was a tremendous football and baseball athlete at USM. He was from Macon, Mississippi. Grew up with William Winter there. He retired to Hattiesburg and become "Mr. Tennis" for many, many years. Nice guy.

As good as he was, I honestly think James Ray Carpenter may have been a better "all around" athlete in that era than Bubba. J.R. became "Mr. Golf" around here for many, many years.

Both great guys and "treasures" to this area!

Its been many years ago, but i believe i heard bubba say he played in the world series once. He did play in the majors for a couple years.

[To The Topp]

I answered my own ?. Bubba did play in the ws. I remember him saying he played vs the dodgers at the La Col. I never knew before then that baseball was ever played there.

Here is a link to bubba's lifetime stats.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/phillbu02.shtml

[Augustus McRae]

Bubba played in the World Series for the Detroit Tigers with Al Kaline. Later that year, after they played in the Series (and, for the life of me, I cannot remember if they won or not!), Al Kaline came to Hattiesburg to visit Bubba and made a couple of appearances here. I was pretty young, but I remember it.

John Melvin "Bubba" Phillips, lived at the corner of South 28th Avenue and Mimosa Lane for many, many years. Bubba and my man, Coach Willis Terry, were great friends! The two public tennis courts in Hattiesburg are named for them: Bubba Phillips and Willis Terry.



Its been many years ago, but i believe i heard bubba say he played in the world series once. He did play in the majors for a couple years.

[Augustus McRae]

The stats link you provided cleared up my "fuzzy" memory! He actually played in the Series with the White Sox. But he played with Kaline, Fregosi, et al, in Detroit. But Al Kaline DID come to town - a great memory for a kid!



I answered my own ?. Bubba did play in the ws. I remember him saying he played vs the dodgers at the La Col. I never knew before then that baseball was ever played there.

Here is a link to bubba's lifetime stats.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/phillbu02.shtml

[Olderndaylight]

Hello Ladies, and men! I just got signed up on the forum and ran across the sports section. And got interested in quite a bit of it. I don't get arguementive as it serves no purpose here. But, I do recognize all the names you are throwing out, even though they were eight to ten years younger than I. Dennis Devrow for instance ran in 1956. He was a State and Big "8" hurdles champion anchored the 2nd place 880 relay, and ran on the Mid-South Relays (Memphis, Tn) record setting Mile Relay Champs, and may still be the all time scoring leader, according to Buddy Watkins in 1988, I believe. He was also All State and All Big "8" in Basketball. He was one of Billy's older brothers. Ronnie Toussaint was in the tenth grade and Mid-South Relays Most Valuable Athlete. Over 5000 high school track men from 7 states. He was State Champion High jumper and vaulter, and ran on the Mile Relay. He is still around the 'Burg. That team is the only track and field team in Hattiesburg High History to go undefeated, or win the State, or Conference title. They did all three, and won the Mid-South Relays with, I think, 11 guys.
And my nomination for coach of all time would be Chuck Rohe. He started out coaching basketball and football at Hawkins, and track at HHS. If you want to compare, type in a search for Chuch Rohe, then do the same for any of the afore mentioned coaches. You will be amazed. He is known world wide, not just locally or statewide, and in just about every Hall of Fame you can find. And he started out right here. Thanks for letting me put in my two bits, but these guys were a little before your time. Many of their meets were run on the San Antonio Field track.

[Augustus McRae]

Hello Ladies, and men! I just got signed up on the forum and ran across the sports section. And got interested in quite a bit of it. I don't get arguementive as it serves no purpose here. But, I do recognize all the names you are throwing out, even though they were eight to ten years younger than I. Dennis Devrow for instance ran in 1956. He was a State and Big "8" hurdles champion anchored the 2nd place 880 relay, and ran on the Mid-South Relays (Memphis, Tn) record setting Mile Relay Champs, and may still be the all time scoring leader, according to Buddy Watkins in 1988, I believe. He was also All State and All Big "8" in Basketball. He was one of Billy's older brothers. Ronnie Toussaint was in the tenth grade and Mid-South Relays Most Valuable Athlete. Over 5000 high school track men from 7 states. He was State Champion High jumper and vaulter, and ran on the Mile Relay. He is still around the 'Burg. That team is the only track and field team in Hattiesburg High History to go undefeated, or win the State, or Conference title. They did all three, and won the Mid-South Relays with, I think, 11 guys.
And my nomination for coach of all time would be Chuck Rohe. He started out coaching basketball and football at Hawkins, and track at HHS. If you want to compare, type in a search for Chuch Rohe, then do the same for any of the afore mentioned coaches. You will be amazed. He is known world wide, not just locally or statewide, and in just about every Hall of Fame you can find. And he started out right here. Thanks for letting me put in my two bits, but these guys were a little before your time. Many of there meets were run on the San Antonio Field track.


GREAT post! Thank you! I remember Ronnie Touissant and grew up with Billy and Bobby Devrow, when Charlie and Dennis had already come through and left. Chuck Rohe's name was still around then! After college, I coached track and attended clinics and heard Coach Rohe's name a lot! Hawkeye (one of the cast of characters here on MyHattiesburg.com) was a track guy and ran with David Scire, who Coach Rohe took a special interest in later on. David later ran at the University of Tennessee (a miler and two miler). They still ran on the cinders at San Antonio field even then! Scotty Hargrove, a 1958 grad of HHS, I "think" still holds the State "100 Yard Dash" record. About ten years later they converted to 100 meters. And all of it on that hard cinder San Antonio field track that was "just a shade over" a quarter mile!

Dollfus (another MyH.com senior citizen!) and I both have older systems who graduated from HHS in 1960, so as "little boys" we been around a lot of those guys and relish the memories.

My "mentor" in life is Sam Hollingsworth, Class of 1952. You remember the Hollingsworth, Ollie Yates, Lewis Myrick, M.D. Brackman, et al crew. They won the Big 8 football championship in 1952 (I think) under Coach C.D. "Red" Galey.

You don't have to be argumentative to enjoy coming here. There are several old Hattiesburg "heads" in here and the sons and daughters of even more. Enjoy yourself, and thanks for coming!

[cubby 1]

Anybody remember Gray Toney that used to pole-vault?

[Augustus McRae]

Anybody remember Gray Toney that used to pole-vault?


Remember all the Toney boys. Gray was the athlete. Laddie was the oldest and brilliant. Their Daddy was a veternarian. Good people!