In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958

In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958

A Tribute and Celebration

We were the class of 1958, members of the Greatest Generation as well as children of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1940, we are also called members of the Traditional Generation.

Our childhood, post World War II, "was the best of times . . . it was the age of wisdom . . . it was the epoch of belief . . .it was the season of Light . . . it was the spring of hope . . . we had everything before us . . .we were all going direct to Heaven . . . ." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.) At least, that's the way I felt about it. We were truly blessed.

- Ouida Tomlinson -

This blog is a place for 1958 graduates of Meridian, Mississippi, High School to stay in touch, post their news, items of interest and photographs.

CLASS OF 1958 MEMORIES (Click to read all posts relating to sports, honors, graduation and other memories of our class in 1957-58.)

FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CLASS OF 1958
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MHS58/

____________________________________

HOME


Monday, May 17, 2010

DICK SMITH EDITORIAL 1958



Remember Dick Smith, Sportswriter for the Meridian Star?

A clipping of Dick Smith's editorial written apparently one week before a flurry of state tournaments for our 1958 spring sports teams gives a good overview of where we were and what could be expected in the upcoming tourneys. Dick's wording and substance are the same with minor editing for clarity. Remember this is mid May, 1958. Dick writes:

TENNIS, TRACK and BASEBALL titles are up for grabs for the Meridian High Wildcat athletes this weekend, and we have the feeling dear old MHS will wear some kind of crown before the week is ended.

Coach Doug McLean takes netters to Jackson Friday for two events in the state tennis finals in what right now ranks as the best bet for Meridian honors. Phillip George, undefeated this year, will meet Henry Lodge of Tupelo in the first round of the Mississippi High School boys' singles championship while Edwina Hubert and Lynne Johnson also undefeated will meet Joyce Price and Judy Brooks of Amory in the state girls' doubles tourney.

We look for both titles to become a part of an outstanding Meridian High tennis history. George is one of the outstanding netters in the South while Johnson, a defending doubles champion, and Hubert far outclass anything they have played. Meridian could also claim the team championship by winning the two titles.

*************************
Coach L.D. Gebhart trackers have qualified for the Big Eight event scheduled for Greenwood on Saturday afternoon. Sterling Ainsworth will seek the pole vaulting honors, but he has been beaten a couple of times already by Greenwood's Charles McDaniels and Laurel's John Crawford and isn't likely to take them tomorrow. Bob Bullock qualified in the discus, but is in about the same boat as Ainsworth.

Glen McQuage and Charles Bradley are entered in the mile event. There's the best chance for a title for Meridian. McQuage hasn't finished lower than second in a meet this year and will be the choice man to beat in the mile run. He'll be against Sam Burkett of Hattiesburg, Henry Skelton of Pascagoula, Bradley and Robert Young of McComb. He's beaten them all. Charles Bradley could finish high among the list for a couple of Meridian points.

Murrah High School of Jackson should walk off with the Big Eight team championship for the second straight season. Brookhaven and Greenwood then Hattiesburg could come in that order after the Murrah Mustangs.

*************************

THE WILDCATS BASEBALL TEAM will be up against Guy Parker and the Murrah Mustangs starting Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at Battlefield Park in Jackson. It will be lefty Parker against Jim Watson of MHS, the "backbones" of both teams. Parker has nine straight wins and Watson has an 8-1 record at our last count.

In a repeat of last year's South Mississippi championship playoff, the second game will be played in Meridian, Tuesday at 2:30 pm at the high school baseball field. If a third game is necessary, it will be played in Meridian on Thursday.

The way the schedule is set up, Parker can see action in all three games . . . but that is what Murrah and Meridian officials agreed to do.

Meridian went into the South finals by taking an extra inning from McComb while Murrah edged Biloxi 3 to 2 with Parker fanning a dozen.

We strongly believe the Cat baseball team can whip Guy Parker for the first time. Meridian's bat strength is probably stronger than anything Murrah has seen . . . but Parker is certainly the best pitcher Meridian will see this year.

If Meridian gets by Murrah, they'll go to the state finals with the North Mississippi champ . . .either Mt. Olive or Tupelo.

No comments: