McNease inducted into Hall of Fame at MCHS Sports Banquet
by Glenda Bailey, Sports Writer

Coach Ronnie McNease

Miller County High School has always been known for its ability to hold a sports banquet that duly honors all the athletes and their parents and also pays tribute to the accomplishments of past athletes. This year's 2007 Sports Banquet was no exception as the inductee to the Hall of Fame was our own Coach Ronnie McNease.

The program got underway with the welcome from senior Jontavious Hopson and the invocation by senior Josh Rathel. The Miller County High Lunchroom was beautifully decorated by our Miller County Cheerleaders and Coach Susan Wade. The delicious meal consisting of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes, string beans, rolls, sweet tea and mouth-watering orange cake all prepared by Mrs. Nita Prescott and her super staff was enjoyed by all. Opening remarks were presented by Middle School Principal Frank Killingsworth. Booster Club President Ty Godfrey then came forward to introduce a former Miller County Pirate Coach, Alan Ingram, who made the Hall of Fame presentation. It was only fitting to have Coach Ingram here to do the honors and tell stories about our 2007 Inductee Coach Ronnie McNease. Who could have done a better job than his former assistant coach? No one! These two coaches worked side by side for 20 years at Miller County High School, and it was an honor to have Coach Ingram here at this most rewarding moment for Coach McNease. Coach Ingram began by telling that Ronnie is the youngest of five boys born to the late Mr. James Richard and Mrs. Ozie Kirksey McNease. He graduated from Miller County High in 1969, and while he attended MCHS, Ronnie was a valuable asset to the sports program. Coach McNease played football, basketball, and track. Just a few highlights of his athlete days included Ronnie playing his junior and senior years under Coach Wayne Profitt. It was noted that Mc- Nease only weighed in at 125 pounds, but he was a giant of a football player. His position was as the Pirates' quarterback. Some say he had an arm on him better than Brett Favre. In a 1967 sports article, Bainbridge Bearcats former Head Coach Sam Williams states, "Miller County's quarterback Ronnie McNease is a dynamic quarterback, and his brother Jerry McNease (who was the Pirates field goal kicker) are two of the most energetic, hard driven football players I've ever seen during my coaching days."

Seminole County head football coach, Alan Ingram, told some great stories on his old boss.

The Pirates were smoking hot back in the late 60s! During a game between the Pirates and Kendrick High School, Kendrick drove down to the Pirates' 5 yard line, the Black Death defense caused a fumble, and Miller County's quarterback Ronnie McNease was right there to pick up the fumble and run a 95-yard touchdown with a Kendrick defender hot on Ronnie's cleats. In a game against the Turner County Rebels, Ronnie threw a perfect 40 yard pass into the arms of Speedy Joe Sloan for a touchdown. In a game against Randolph, Ronnie ran 80 yards for the winning touchdown with his brother, Jerry, placing the pigskin between the goal posts for the victory.

MCHS senior football players honored by coaches

Also during his senior year 1968-69, Friday the 13th was a lucky day for the Pirates. They beat the Early County Bobcats, 29-7. It was stated several times in the Miller County Liberal that Ronnie was an outstanding football player as well as a basketball player. The Pirates went on in his senior year to defeat the Turner County Rebels, 396. Coach Wayne Profitt stated, "That McNease boy can call a game as good as any coach, and his brother Jerry could place a football between two strings if he needed to."

MCHS girls' basketball players were given high praise by their coaches.

Pirate Fans, you have to remember that even back then Pirates football players had to play both sides of the field. They beat the Seminole County Indians, 26-7, Ronnie's senior year. During the 1968-69 fall sports banquet Ronnie was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award and the Scholastic Award while his brother, Jerry was given the Sportsmanship Award. After graduation, Ronnie went to ABAC, Georgia Southwestern, and then on to the University of Georgia. He studied to become a high school history teacher and a football coach. Little did he know that his journey would bring him back to his hometown of Colquitt, Georgia. Ronnie started his coaching career in the 80s as an assistant coach at a private school in Meigs, Georgia, called Ravenwood. He coached there for a year, then came closer to home at SGA; a private school in Damascus, where he coached for about five or six years before coming to Colquitt. He was an assistant coach under John Griffith and after four years became the head football coach for the Miller County Pirates.

Girls' softball team had a winning season, and the future looks bright even with the loss of some great seniors.

Coach Ronnie McNease has been the head football coach for the Pirates for 23 years and during those 23 years, records have been made and broken under his coaching ability. His record stands for 23 years as 172 wins, 86 losses, 1 tie back in 1986. During his reign at MCHS, the Pirates have been in the playoffs 16 years out of the 23 years. Average points scored were 34.55 and average points allowed 16.67. Ronnie's accomplishments here at MCHS are massive. Running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive "roothawgs," offensive "roothawgs," tight ends, you name it, they all felt the guidance of Coach Ronnie McNease. The list goes on and on of what this man has done for Miller County High School. He, along with his coaching staff over the years, and Pirate teams have put Colquitt on the map.

Boys' basketball team were winners this past season.

Family members on hand for McNease's induction into the Miller County Sports Hall of Fame were his lovely wife, Terry McNease; his oldest son, Vic McNease; his two daughters, Jill McNease Addison and husband Benjie and their son Luke, Beth McNease Jarrett and husband John; Ronnie's brothers and wives, Gene and Sandra McNease, Wayne and Debbie McNease, Jerry and Brenda McNease, and Mr. Lowell Mc- Nease.

Coach Ingram introduced three of Coach McNease's children, Vic, Jill, and Beth, who offered their congratulations and comments.

Vic thanked his father and expressed how proud he was of his father's induction into the Miller County Sports Hall of Fame. Beth offered her love and said how proud she was of her father as well. Jill McNease Addison expressed her feelings by explaining to the audience the man behind the game of Pirate football. What a giant of a man he has been as a father who loves his children and loves coaching. Jill stated, "The fans saw a different side of our father than how he was at home. Vic got the ability to play football, Beth cheered on the sidelines, and I was the one giving the officials a hard time just like Daddy."

The MCHS boys' tennis team did well in all of the tournaments.

Unfortunately Coach Mc- Nease's youngest son was unable to be present, due to his enlistment in the United State Army. Jim is stationed in South Korea, but had video-taped his comments for the occasion. Jim spoke to his dad from the heart letting him know that he too was proud of him and that Jim loves him. Glenda Bailey presented a book to Coach McNease for all the years he was head coach here at Miller County High School. This tribute could not have been done without the help of another die-hard Pirate fan, Tony Cook. Afterward, Coach Ingram recognized our 2007 Miller County Hall of Fame Inductee, Coach Ronnie McNease, as the audience gave Coach McNease a long standing ovation.

The MCHS cheerleaders were among the best.

Coach McNease thanked everyone and said the honor was a surprise. It was good to have all his family and brothers there to see this prestigious award being given to him. "Coach" then began to talk about his years of coaching. He spoke to the underclassmen letting them all know that he would be watching and supporting them in the fall. He also told the seniors that he would help them in every way possible. Coach McNease stated, "We have a very wonderful school system; we pull together, we work together. I reflect back to all the memories, the winning was great, and the losing was hard. Good players make good coaches, and all the athletes have been committed. Miller County has given me so much as an individual and I wanted to give back what I had received growing up. Thank you, I am proud of all of you."

Surprise! Mr. Arthur Calloway (Papa Calloway as he is well known throughout Southwest Georgia) then came on stage and told that he had nine boys that had played Pirate football under Coach McNease. Selma and Don Calloway could not be here, but Talmadge Calloway was able to attend the sports banquet. Talmadge is in the United States Army and has just recently come back from a three year deployment in Germany. Papa Calloway thanked Coach McNease as well as Coach Ingram.

The MCHS boy's golf team did well and should do even better in years to come.

Next on the program was the awards presentations with the Miller County Pirates Cheerleaders under the direction of Mrs. Susan Wade and Mrs. Leslie Godwin recognized first. Mrs. Wade presented Region 1-A medals to all the cheerleaders. Special awards which were voted on by the cheerleaders were Best All-Around Award, Jessica Henry, and Most Spirited Award, Brittany Franklin. Each year a Pirate cheerleader who has raised the most money for their year of cheerleading is given an award, and that award went to Jordie King. Also each year, a cheerleader who has the highest academic average is recognized, and for three years in a row the recipient has been Miss Ashley Spooner. The 2006-07 cheerleading squad consisted of seniors, Jessica Henry, captain, and Jontavious Hopson; juniors, Danielle Collier, Kayla Cook, Britney Franklin, Kelsi Richardson, Ashley Spooner, co-captain, and Kristy Watson; sophomores, Courtney Brownlee, Cassietta Coon, Jordie King, Hannah Manry, Laci Phillips, and Brooke Widner; freshmen, Chelsea Freeman, LeAndra Kelley, Breche Roberts, and Tarah Sloan. Congratulations are extended to all our cheerleaders for an awesome performance for the 2006-2007 year.

Next on the program were the presentations of our Miller County Pirates' Football Team with Head Coach Ronnie Mc- Nease, Coach Jason Houston, and Coach Frank Killingsworth. Coach McNease asked all the football players to stand as he noted, "Our season was not what we thought it would be; but it wasn't because these young athletes did not put forth the effort. They worked extremely hard, and I am proud of all of them." Coach Houston spoke about the Pirate linemen, about how they do not get much recognition and what a hard working group these athletes were, and if it was not for these linemen, our backs, ends, wide receivers could not accomplish their job in scoring.

Coach Houston then presented the Best Offensive Linemen Award to Preston Golden and Zack Griffin. Root Hawg Awards went to Chris Bailey, Dalton Snipes, Allen George, Robert Baker, Philip Mackey, Cosby Salters, Zack Griffin, Preston Golden, and the Defensive Linemen Award was presented to Craig Huntley. Coach Frank Killingworth came forward and presented to Justin Coon, Best Receiver Award, Jeryn Collier, Best Offensive Back Award, and to Shawndre Sheffield, Best Offensive Back Award. Next up was Coach McNease presenting the Pirate Award. Coach McNease stated, "This award represents someone who is dedicated, a winner no matter what, and I want to hug this young man every time I see him in the halls, and that is Jake Hayman. Senior plaques were presented to Jeryn Collier, Preston Golden, Chris Bailey, Jake Hayman, Justin Coon, Shelby Brown, Zack Griffin, Craig Huntley and Quavis Carter. Then all the seniors thanked Coach McNease for all his guidance and support and expressed how much they were going to miss him. The 2006-07 Miller County Pirates football team consisted of seniors Chris Bailey, Shelby Brown, Quavis Carter, Jeryn Collier, Justin Coon, Preston Golden, Zack Griffin, Jake Hayman, and Craig Huntley; juniors, Trey Bush, Allen George, Jeremy Grant, Frank Jones, and Phillip Mackey; sophomores, Robert Baker, Tony Grier, Russell Hart, Malcolm Horne, Nick Rawlings, Richaurd Sheffield, McQuel Sims, Dalton Snipes, Hunter Whiddon, Chris Williams, and Terry Williams.

Girls' fast pitch softball was next on the program Heads Coach Richard Prescott was unable to attend the banquet, so assisting Coach Renza Israel in the presentations was Head Basketball Coach Robert Melton. Coach Israel recognized the Junior Varsity Fast-Pitch Softball Team consisting of Olivia Andrews, Shena Cheatem, Hunter Cleveland, Nicky Donley, Nikki Griffin, Isabella Lawson, Heather McDonald, Beth Anne Phillips, Jenna Phillips, Laci Phillips, Joanna Richardson, Macy Richardson, Jessica Roberts, Christina Tabb, and BrookeWidner. Coach Israel began by telling the audience that this group of girls realized that they could play softball, and they did so with a record of 13- 0-1. Coach Israel presented awards to the following: Joanna Richardson and Jessica Roberts, Most Improved Awards; Paige Godfrey and Mindi Merritt, Defensive Player Award; Joy Jones, Offensive Player Award; Coach's Award, Brooke Widner; Outstanding Player Award, Stephanie Hart, and Captain's Award, Kayla Calhoun and Jessica King. The varsity girls' ended the season with a 13-11 record, and Israel commented on the team's progress in fast-pitch softball competitionover the years. He recognized Joy Jones, Paige Godfrey and Stephanie Hart as members of the first group of girls to play fast-pitch softball at Miller County High. Jones and Hart went on to be named First Team All-Region in the sport, and Godfrey was Second Team All-Region. The seniors then thanked Coach Israel for all he had done for them. The Varsity Fast-Pitch Softball Team members were seniors, Kayla Calhoun, Paige Godfrey, Stephanie Hart, Joy Jones, and Jessica King; juniors, Mindi Merritt, Erika Rigsby, and Jessica Roberts; Sophomores, Amber Kelley, Brittany Miller, Beth Anne Phillips, Laci Phillips, Joanna Richardson, Christina Tabb, Brooke Widner, Ja'Lessia Williams; freshmen, Olivia Andrews, Isabella Lawson, and Heather McDonald.

Miller County Pirates and Lady Pirates Basketball Teams were then recognized, and awards were presented by Head Coach Robert Melton and his assistant coach, his lovely wife, Marianne Melton. Coach Robert stated they were very proud to be the girls' basketball coaches and thanked several peoples for all their support during this past season. "We have only senior who is graduating, so I am very proud that I will have all my players coming back for the 2007-08 season. I have been here for eights years, and out of those eight years, the Miller County Lady Pirates have gone to state six out of those eight years. This is a lot of accomplishment, and Marianne and I are proud of what our girls¿ teams have done," commented the coach. Each girl received a Basketball Award, and Shannon Crankfield received a Second Team All Region honor, and Tori Worthy was presented a Senior Plaque. Tori Worthy, Christy Daniels, Katrina Crankfield and Toya Bush read a card to Coach Melton, thanking him for his guidance. Miller County High School Resource Officer, Melody Diamond was also recognized and thanked for her guidance. Team members were senior, Tori Worthy; juniors, Cassandra Calloway, Talisha Calloway, and Shannon Crankfield; sophomores, Janay Anchetta, Syltoya Bush, Reva Butler, Christy Daniels; freshmen, Katrina Crankfield, Sukena Diamond, Shanlia Kelly, and Chamondia Moten; and managers, Ulbrikia Daniels, Selena Diamond, and Janell Grant.

Next, Coach Tim Martin presented weightlifting plaques to all the weightlifting participants. Coach Martin stated, "We had about 30-35 boys to be involved in weightlifting, and that is a good number of athletes working hard to get stronger and quicker in football, basketball, and baseball. Senior Preston Golden was presented a plaque for the 450 pound squats. Congratulations, P-Word! Weightlifting team members were senior, Preston Golden; juniors, David Barwick, Phillips Mackey, Joseph Parker; sophomores, Robert Baker, Jeffrey King, Anthony Thompson, and Chris Williams; freshmen, Will Martin, Trez Morgan, and Cosby Salter.

Coach Tim continued on with the presentation of basketball awards. All of his players were award receivers. "We had a great season; we went 16-10, and we were #9 in the state," the coach observed. There were four B-team players, Marquez Shuler, Christian Richardson, Cedric Fountain, and Lorenzo Hayes. "Losing my three seniors is hard, I hate to see these leave, but they are going to bigger and better lives," stated Coach Tim. Senior awards were given to Willie Butler, Melvin Patterson, and Craig Huntley. Willie made All State Region 1-A and was also was selected as Defensive Player of the Year Region 1-A. Melvin Patterson and Craig Huntley were chosen Second Team All Region. Willie and Melvin also received a two year scholarship to Albany Tech to play on their up and coming new basketball team. Team members consisted of seniors Willie Butler, Melvin Patterson, Craig Huntley; juniors, Trey Bush, Lorenzo Hayes, Victor Johnson; sophomores, Colby Gilbert, Freshmen, Cedric Clarke, Cedric Fountain, Will Martin, Trez Morgan, Christian Richardson, Cosby Salter, Marquez Shuler, and Zenario Shuler; and managers: Nick Huntley and JaColby Jones.

Tennis was next on the agenda, beginning with MCHS girls' Coach Mrs. Amy Thomas. Mrs. Thomas thanked the Booster Club for the tennis teams' new uniforms. In a quote that was once said by her former teacher and now retiring teacher and coach, Ronnie McNease, Mrs. Thomas said, "Coach McNease, you once said that success is measured by the relationships you have with others. That is so true! Thank you, Coach Mc- Nease for all you have done for Miller County." Awards were presented to Paige Godfrey #1Singles Award; Christina Tabb and Ashley Josey, #1 Doubles Award; Kayla Calhoun, Scholar Athlete Award; and Erika Rigsby, the Buddy Grimes Award; Courtney Brownlee, Rookie of the Year Award; Deana Barwick, Most Improved Award; and Kayla Calhoun and Paige Godfrey, Senior Leadership Award. Mrs. Thomas then recognized all the female athletes who played tennis beginning with seniors, Kayla Calhoun and Paige Godfrey; juniors, Erika Rigsby; sophomores, Amber Espinoza, Renee Simmons, Courtney Brownlee, Christina Tabb, Ashley Josey, and Deana Barwick; and Freshman, LeAndra Kelley.

Coach Cleve Roland was the MCHS boys' tennis coach for the 2006-07 season, and he stated, "We went 9-1 and lost one game to Baconton, but we still had a great season. We won the first round of play-offs against Ware-Magnet, and these Miller County boys played with a lot of heart." Receiving awards were David Barwick and Bobby Poff, #1 Doubles; Josh Rathel, Senior Plaque Award; Dustin Mathis, the Most Improved Award; Chase Widner, the Buddy Grimes Award, and Wilkin Lane, who the coach noted was clocked with a 110 mile per hour serve, #1 Singles Award; Matthew Tully, the Scholar/ Athletic Award; and the Rookie of the Year Award, Taylor Henry. Seniors Bobby Poff and Josh Rathel thanked Coach Roland for all his patience and his friendship. Tennis team members were seniors, Bobby Poff and Josh Rathel; juniors, David Barwick, Wilkin Lane, Dustin Mathis, Matthew Tully, Chase Widner; and eighth grader, Taylor Henry.

Baseball players were recognized next on the program by Head Coach Renza Israel and Coach Robert Melton filling in for Coach Richard Prescott. Coach Israel stated, "Adversity builds character. The team's record was 11-11, and a lot of these baseball players are coming back." Award recipients were as follows: Defensive Player of the Year, Chris Bailey and Stuart Preston; Offensive Player of the Year, Russell Hart; Coach's Award, Preston Golden and Jake Hayman, Captain's Award, Josh Posey; Most Improved Award, Josh Battles; the Most Outstanding Player Award, Dane Philyaw. Senior players presented a gift of appreciation to Coach Israel for his belief in the team. Miller County High School Baseball Team members were seniors, Chris Bailey, Josh Battles, Preston Golden, Jake Hayman, Dane Philyaw, and Josh Posey; juniors, Alan Love, Stuart Preston; sophomores, Tyler Cox, Russell Hart, Jordan Kirkland, Cody Philyaw, Nick Rawlings, Chase Rawlings, Dalton Snipes; freshman, Alex West. Miller County B-Team members wereTyler Cox, Jesse Darley, Russell Hart, Lee Nix, Shelton Pickle, Nick Rawlings, Dalton Snipes, Alex West, Caleb Cunningham, Cory Hart, Jordan Kirkland, Cody Philyaw, Chase Rawlings, Levi Sheffield, and Dylan Spurlock.

Next on the presentation of awards were the boys' and girls' golf teams under the field direction of Coach Jason Houston. Coach Houston presented each player a medal and spoke about Jim Copp coming from Chicago to the small town of Colquitt. "He is a good guy; I was glad to have him on the team," the coach remarked. Junior, Andy Poff was presented the Low Medalist Award for making All Region in boys' tennis, and sophomore, Brooke Widner received the Low Medalist Award for making All Region in girls' tennis. The seniors presented Coach Houston with a gift of appreciation and thanked him for all he has done for each player.

Last on awards agenda were Miller County Athletic Booster Club President Ty Godfrey and Vice President Suzanne Griffin, who presented each senior with a small Pirate Award for his/her participation, dedication and hard work to the sports program here at Miller County High. Also our 2007 Inductee Coach Ronnie McNease was presented a gift of appreciation for all his hard work and dedication to the athletic program.

Coach Frank Killingsworth closed the program by recognizing our Miller County Board of Education, along with Supt. Robbie Phillips and his wife, Debra. He then proceeded to thank everyone for the hugely successful sports banquet. Senior Paige Godfrey gave the benediction, and the 2006-07 Sports Banquet came to an end.