Parry McCluer High School - Parrimac Yearbook (Buena Vista, VA)

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Sina) Doesasees, Even before school began, the football 7. iP team was hard at work in the blistering sun. It was obvious that they were young, small, and inexperienced. However, en- thusiasm was so great that there was still hope of retaining the Allegheny Highlands District Crown. Football found its way even into the tra- ditional opening day assembly, which is actually meant to welcome the students back to ‘schoolwork’. As the football coach, Mr. Williams, spoke to the student body, he quoted the principal, Mr. Lead- better, in summing up the team as ‘small potatoes, but hard to peel”. This statement seemed to proving true as halfway through the seaso n the foot- ball team stood undefeated. Many mis- takes had been made, and penalties had been numerous, but the team had always come Out on top. There had been mud and injuries during these first games, but still the Fighting Blues had pulled through. For four straight weeks, bad weather accompanied Friday night football. Sophomore, Robbie Doug- las, whom everyone depended upon as offensive leader, was injured and team morale seemed dampened. Still tied for first place in the district, Parry McCluer met Bath County during a downpour. The fans stood soaking, as they watched the Blues be overcome by a strong Charger team. The rain kept falling, and proved to be a factor in several other games as well. Unfortunately, as Coach Williams stated, that factor was against the Blues, as small teams seem to be at a disadavantage on a wet field. During defensive action, fullback Jay Austin, and halfback Robbie Douglas, take a breather. Both players saw a great deal of action in this victorious first game against Rockbridge. After scoring a touchdown, B.B. Manuel is con- gratulated by Danny Ramsey and another player. Despite the cold, rainy weather, this final game of the season against William Monroe was highlighted by victory, easing the disappointment of the crushing loss to Riverheads the week before. 28 Football

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i aM a Underclassmen dominated the ranks of all athletic teams. Striking examples were the basketball team with only two seniors and the track team with only one senior member. However, inexperience did not hin- der the spirited teams as the sports program remained the focal point of all activities in the school and city. In the fall, the football team be- gan the athletic year. Drawing large crowds, the team overcame its youthfulness, and ended with a re- spectable 7-3 record. Girls’ athletics continued to grow with a record turnout for girls’ basketball. Winter brought the year's only championships. The wrestling team captured the W L tournament trophy during the Christmas holi- days. The basketball team also added to the holiday spirit by win- ning the area Christmas tournament. Spring athletics brought several changes to the traditional program. Because of conflicting baseball and track schedules, the baseball team played its games on the field behind the school, rather than at the munici- pal field as in the past. The young baseball and track teams did not have the experience needed to capture championships, but perpetual shifting gave versatil- ity to the members. Also plagued by inexperience, the girls’ track team, in its second year, consisted of all underclassmen. While inexperience played an important role in competition throughout the year, the spirit and enthusiasm with which the teams faced their inadequacies was the determining factor. The charity game played for the March of Dimes left the Lady Blues Volleyball Team victorious over the Lady Faculty Team. Rita Carter, Coach Mary Moore, Kim Chittum, and Miss Cindy Reid lead the teams to the locker room. Ecstatic coaches, Dave Ellison and Marshall Hamilton cheer against AA foe Brookville. The wrestling team crushed the Bees 30-23. The last heat of 100-yard dash is run by Jane Cash, Sherri Figgers, and Lil McClung at the track meet against Lexington, one early sea- son loss. Competition 27

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2U3 Aare) BO Veal Parry McCluer Rockbridge Parry McCluer Wilson Memorial : , a Parry McCluer Fort Defiance ‘ Parry McCluer Stuarts Draft Parry McCluer Buffalo Gap Parry McCluer Bath County , Parry McCluer Natural Bridge Although underdogs in tifis early season meeting, y Parry McCluer James River Parry McCluer chalks’ up its second’ victory . Parry McCluer Riverheads Richie Fields knocks away a pass intended for Parry McCluer this Wilson Memorial Hornet. j . Fox itball 29