Saturday, January 14, 2012

Reflections on RFHS- #1

Scott Neeper (RFHS Class of 1972) recently emailed with some things he had been reminded of after reading posts in The Colonel's Commentary. I really appreciate that he has chosen to share and I hope others will follow his lead. I think he shows that it is really an easy thing to do. It certainly made me smile as I read it--- because I remember, too.


There is nothing I can submit that would improve upon the wonderful history that Kenneth Burns assembled.  Kenneth did a truly splendid job in capturing the essence of the Colonels' spirit and pride. However, I had some memories that I wanted to share with others. Hopefully, each of them will submit their own special remembrances.

The athletes worked hard, but I think the Cheerleaders worked just as hard, if not harder.  I think about the countless hours they spent hand painting the football goal post break-through signs for each football game, and the little cut-out Colonels for everyone's lapels, just to mention a couple.  I can't remember if it was before we went to football camp at Lake Grenada or when we returned, but there was a large sign in the weight room with all the players’ names on it, and beside each name was a simple one syllable word like 'prod', 'plod', 'lug', etc.  It must have taken a lot of time, going through the dictionary, picking out these kinds of words, and assigning them one-by-one to the players’ names.  The Cheerleaders were relentless in their efforts to boost school spirit.  THANK YOU ladies and Charlie Darden for helping to create so many great memories.

I really enjoyed playing in the band, especially the Stage Band.  There's no telling how many contests and awards the Colonels Bands won.  Whether in Marching, Concert, or Stage Bands, we had a great time with Mr. Lunceford.  We went to contests in Jackson and Starkville, and Christmas Parades in Greenwood.

One time when I was in the 9th grade, we were in the gym practicing basketball with Coach Cain. For some reason the girls team was also in there that day.  Our (the guys) spirits were exceptionally high.  In fact, they were so high that I began smiling, while Coach Cain was instructing us.  Then Coach Cain saw my smile.  He called me over, placed his hand over my eyes, slid his hand down past my nose, and then back up, again and again.  Each time on the upstroke, his hand caught the bottom of my nose, creating discomfort, and saying “wipe that smile off your face.”  You haven't lived until you've had a smile wiped off your face by Coach Cain.  The funny thing is that I don't remember smiling!  I remember the other guys, Cauley (Chase), Humby (Marshall Lynch), Butch (Newman), et al, trying not to crack up or burst into laughter.  God, we might still be running, had that happened!  In all seriousness, I cannot say enough good things about Coach Cain.  He is truly the best man I have ever known.  I never wanted to disappoint him.