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A memory stirring Saturday night at Ford Gym as Wynn Bulldogs were honored, remembered
HABERSHAM, TN (WLAF)- “It’s been great to see so many familiar faces, some not so familiar. I had to ask what’s your name,” said a laughing Regina Kennedy, member of the 1983 Wynn High School state tourney team.
The Jellico Blue Devils invaded Sterling Ford Gym on Saturday like never before. The long ago arch rivals donned classic red and white Wynn jerseys, jerseys once worn by players from the long since closed Wynn High School. It was an afternoon and evening of basketball, JVs, girls and boys varsity from JHS taking on the Cosby Eagles.
WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE.
Jellico Coach Mike Reynolds won’t take credit for the idea of the honorary day, though all fingers point to him. “The community experienced these folks getting recognized. So hopefully this has been a good night for the community,” said Reynolds.
“It’s great to be here, great to be back. It doesn’t look the same it once did, but the memories are still here,” said Donald Branam, who played on the state tournament team of 1986.
“This is real special. You know we had three district championships, a state tourney team and a region championship. I’m seeing some players I haven’t seen since we left here together,” said longtime head coach Wayne Kitts.
“This was as absolutely fantastic opportunity to recognize folks who were successful. This is actually a dream child of Mike Reynolds. He asked me about coming down here, and I said “yes”. Bring it. Let’s do it,” said Danny Sheckles, principal of Wynn School
The Wynn District Championship teams were recognized. That’s the Lady Bulldogs of 1983 and 1984 and the Bulldogs of 1976, 1980, 1982 and 1986. Wynn played in two state tournaments, the Lady Bulldogs in 1983 and the ‘Dogs in 1986.
Wynn had three players that led the state of Tennessee in scoring; Larry Meadows 1970-71, Jerry Walden 1971-72 and Eddie Marlow 1975-76.
“Oh, this is wonderful. This is a great night tonight; seeing all my old teammates and Coach Wayne Kitts and Coach Don Walden. We’re definitely having a great night,” said Jimmy Pack from the 1986 state tourney team.
“The memories are great. It’s like do you remember when? I remember we won the sub-state game by one point. That was so exciting, and then going to the state. No one had ever heard of Wynn,” said Kennedy.
“It was a great opportunity for Jellico to honor some of the great people in our community from the past Wynn High School. Wynn School is now a feeder school to Jellico High School. There’s a lot of tradition here in the fifth district, and I thank Coach Reynolds for putting this together. I think it meant a lot and brought back a lot of good memories for the community,” said Jellico High Principal Joey St. John.
“People can’t understand, I mean, some schools go (to the state basketball tournament) every year, but for small schools like Wynn and a small school like Jellico, it means the world not only to those teams but to those communities,” said Coach Reynolds.
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.
For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/27/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)