Meridian High School - Meri Dian Yearbook (Meridian, MS)

Page 72 text:

I1 sf r 4 Clifton Skinner, Harold Tanner, Billy Allen George Benson, Donald Strange, Ross Dawkins, Otis Pickard Yvrrunl row: Charles Felker, Ed Paine, Lugenc Naylor, Charles O'Flynn, Harmon Rawson, ll1t Davis Charles McDonald, Lee Smith. BOXING Boxing reached a climax with the finals of the intramural matches held in the high school gymnasium February 12, 1937, before a ca- pacity crowd. Winners in each weight division were selected and pre- sented with golden gloves as recognition of sportsmanship and boxing ability. Those winning in the various divisions were Flats Davis, Royce Dawkins, George Benson, Otis Pigott, Eugene Naylor, Harmon Rossin, Charles McDonald and Lee Smith. These men were selected from approximately forty contestants who originally started work- outs and represent the best in each of their groups. Flats Davis, winner of the 125 to 135 pound class, was the most outstanding man of the season. Davis ended his fifth season of high school boxing and promises to be even better next year. Each of che winners presented an outstanding exhibition of skill and sportsman- ship. 68

Page 71 text:

TEAMS... Front row: Dot Welcli, Zora Griffin Leila Benson Grace Speed, Hattie Mae Miller, Mary hm B1rnes Swoznl mu: Miss Alford, Tiny Miller Ida Marie Smith, Nollie Smith, li. V. Childress, Dot Knight Mar tha Speed. Following the fine example set by the boys' track team, the girls' squad proved quite efficient in taking a lead if not setting a pace, by winning the Big Eight crown. Overflowing in an abundance of seasoned veterans, the team was well fortified in all phases of activity. Coaches Alford and Nichols took advantage of the wealth of material and developed a team capa- ble of offering opposition to the best team in the state. The aftermath of the regional field meet found the 'Cats casually licking their chops after having made a meal of the opposition in short order. But the finis of the Laurel-Meridian dual meet found the top hon- ors gone with the wind due principally to the velocity of the Tor- nado. Following this ill-fated tangle with one of Mother Nature's strongest forces. the Wildcats looking for greener pastures, journeyed to the state meet where they placed in three events after stiff oppo- sition. The last meet was a gala affair characterized by the dauntless spirit of four score gir's pitting their speed and skill againstithe best that the opposition had to proffer. It required the best the Wildcats had, but they met the qualifications and gained the Big Eight title as a reward. 67

Page 73 text:

lirwzf wut Red Perry, Harold Tanner, Skeets Weleli, Raymond W'right, Coach Pearson. Svmmf raw: Aloe Knight, Lloyd Bullock, Ralph Knight. 'I'lrir11 mir: Willnur Wfilliams, joe Stringfellow, Coach Van. Fourth row: Billy Herring. .lack Watts, Leon Brett, Tom Hin- ton, Pat McNair, Virgil Pricster, Richard W'oodruff. BASEBALL Climaxing a glamorous season, literally studded with victories, the Wildcat diamond squad ended its encounters in a blaze of glory, after losing only one game in thirteen starts. Coach Van had a roster of capable baseball players which he molded into a team possessing potentialities which far surpassed any- thing the opposition had to offer in the way of competition. Both offensively and defensive'y the team was in a class of its own, defeating any club that was unfortuinate enough to cross its path. Among the big guns, Joe Knight, Joe Stringfellow, Pat McNair, and Virgil Priester, were chief offensive threats, while the entire in- field composed of Bob Young, Skeeter Welch, Pat McNair, Red Perry and Jack Waitts played an air tight brand of defensive ball. Carl Edney, Virgil Priester, and Leon Brett led che hurlers, claiming speed, accuracy and poise. The squad was rich in its endowment of competitive spirit, sports- manship and all other desirable qua'ities necessary for the success of an organization. 69