Article XIV Volume II Friday, December 21, 2012
This story express some of my observations and experiences during my junior year. My school year started when I reported for football practice in August 1958.
Coach Turner greeted us. He let us know that we had a tough schedule this year. He also informed us that he would only carry 33 players on the team, because he only had 33 uniforms. Therefore, about 28 players would not make the team, and the released players could include some who were on the team the prior season.
Seemingly, I can still hear the coach yelling out his favorite phrase, "You birds are expected to fly high this year!"
We spent most of the morning running and doing light drills. Couldn't push it too hard on the first day. The pace picked up each day. By the end of the week we were going all out in practice.
Also, Bobby Bright, nearly drowned why trying to swim in a small pond in Pleasant Hill. He was saved by Red Scott (South Suffolk). Bobby's condition was listed as critical. He survived, but, for a period, it appeared that his life and football career may be over. But it was not.
The surprise player of the preseason was McCoy Ricks (No. 20), In his junior year, he had played in only two games. However, this year was going to be different.
He surpassed all the returning backs on the depth chart, including highly touted William Harrell Porter.
Also, Bobby Bright fully recovered and resumed his football career. He won the starting offensive guard position.
***Some members of the team are listed below.
Coach told us to take Friday, August 29th off, and report back on Tuesday, September 2nd. ( after labor day). Our first game was going to be against I. C. Norcum on Saturday night in Portsmouth.
Our excitement level was high when we departed the gym that day
***Some of the team members:were: William Sparrow (E); Lawrence Weaver (Tac); Eley (G); Jerry Jones (C) Bobby Bright (G); Grady Bryant (T), Nate Williams (E); Wm Porter (QB); John Crute (HB); McCoy Ricks (HB); Randolph Bolling (B); Mickey Almond (B); Art Copeland (E); Sidney Glee (E); John Baker (T); Chester Stewart (T) Harry Mayfield (L); Billy Freddie Coleman (LB); Bud Grant (G); Shirley Ford (G); Bob King (T); Alan Biggs ( L); and a host of others. .
(to be continued)
Copyright 2012 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved
This story express some of my observations and experiences during my junior year. My school year started when I reported for football practice in August 1958.
Football
On Monday August 18, 1958, about 60 guys reported for football practice at 10 a.m. It was hot and muggy that day. But we were ready to play football after a long summer of doing a variety of things. There was no planned workouts for the players during the summer. Each to his own.
Coaches
The coaches were there to greet us. They were: Fitz Turner, head coach; Mack Benn, assistant coach; Charlie Jones, assistant coach; and Roosevelt Ricks, assistant coach.Coach Turner greeted us. He let us know that we had a tough schedule this year. He also informed us that he would only carry 33 players on the team, because he only had 33 uniforms. Therefore, about 28 players would not make the team, and the released players could include some who were on the team the prior season.
Seemingly, I can still hear the coach yelling out his favorite phrase, "You birds are expected to fly high this year!"
We spent most of the morning running and doing light drills. Couldn't push it too hard on the first day. The pace picked up each day. By the end of the week we were going all out in practice.
Tragedy
It was not a happy summer for many of us. During the summer, Joseph Riddick, a top player from the '57 team, salutatorian of his class, drowned on or near the campus of Virginia State in Petersburg.Also, Bobby Bright, nearly drowned why trying to swim in a small pond in Pleasant Hill. He was saved by Red Scott (South Suffolk). Bobby's condition was listed as critical. He survived, but, for a period, it appeared that his life and football career may be over. But it was not.
Pre-Season Prep
We worked hard for two weeks. Some days we had 2 practices. One in the morning and another one in the afternoon.The surprise player of the preseason was McCoy Ricks (No. 20), In his junior year, he had played in only two games. However, this year was going to be different.
He surpassed all the returning backs on the depth chart, including highly touted William Harrell Porter.
Also, Bobby Bright fully recovered and resumed his football career. He won the starting offensive guard position.
Team Selection
On Thursday, August 28th, after practice, Coach Turner announced the players who had made the team.***Some members of the team are listed below.
Coach told us to take Friday, August 29th off, and report back on Tuesday, September 2nd. ( after labor day). Our first game was going to be against I. C. Norcum on Saturday night in Portsmouth.
Our excitement level was high when we departed the gym that day
***Some of the team members:were: William Sparrow (E); Lawrence Weaver (Tac); Eley (G); Jerry Jones (C) Bobby Bright (G); Grady Bryant (T), Nate Williams (E); Wm Porter (QB); John Crute (HB); McCoy Ricks (HB); Randolph Bolling (B); Mickey Almond (B); Art Copeland (E); Sidney Glee (E); John Baker (T); Chester Stewart (T) Harry Mayfield (L); Billy Freddie Coleman (LB); Bud Grant (G); Shirley Ford (G); Bob King (T); Alan Biggs ( L); and a host of others. .
(to be continued)
Copyright 2012 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved
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