Newspapers / Chowan University Student Newspaper / Dec. 1, 1987, edition 1 / Page 3
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Tribute for 30 Years of Service Football Stadium named for Garrison; Baseball Field named to honor Hawkins A special day in November, with a banquet in the evening, will be a day two Chowan staff members and their families will never forget and long remember each time the athletic fields are mentioned. In a ceremony honoring four in ductees, Jim Garrison, Jerry Hawkins, Ben Rich and Dave Whaley, into the Chowan College Hall of Fame, Dr. Bruce Whitaker named the Braves’ football stadium the James G. Garrison Stadium. The dedication brought tears to the eyes of the surprised Athletic Director and Head Football Coach who has guided the Braves over 30 years. During the Hall of Fame dinner in Thomas Cafeteria that evening. Dr. Whitaker named the college baseball field the Jerry Lee Hawkins Field for the man who has served 30 years as Head Baseball Coach- Came in 1957 Garrison came to Chowan Col lege the summer of 1957 as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. In his 30 years in Murfreesboro, he has become a legend in Eastern North Carolina. With a 29-year career record of 158-120-11, Gar rison ranks as the third most suc cessful coach in the National Junior CoUege Athletic Associa tion. Garrison now has 27 winning football seasons out of 30 as his Braves went 6-4-1 this year. He has coached over 3,000 student/athletes and had 19 players sign with professional teams. Upon receiving the award Garrison thanked his wife and family for their support and un derstanding and helping him gain “one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.” Thanks Family iembers “I would like to Ui^ my mother who is sitting here h f’-cnt of me tonight, that I love her and I could not have done any of these things without her,” added Garrison. “I want to thank my wife and tell her that I love her for givmg me the opportunity to do what I love for 33 years,” said Garrison. “Chowan has been a great challenge for me. All I have ever wanted to do is teach and coach. Thank you. Dr. Whitaker, for allowing me to fall in love with Chowan College, Murfreesboro and Hertford County,” continued Garrison. “Today for the first three minutes of the game I did the poorest coaching job I have done in 30 years. Dr. Whitaker, you made my legs buckle. Please don’t ever do that again.” said Garrison in reference to the stadium being named for him. Jerry Hawkins was the first recruit of Athletic Director Garrison and the two educators have been together 30 years. Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Football Coach Hawkins has actively coached over 1,070 college contests for the Braves. With 448 wins, Hawkins is closing in on the 500-career victory milestone. Swimming Instructor Hawkins has taught students and the children of students how to swim, while aiso teaching Psychology and Physical Education. When Dr. Whitaker announced the college baseball field was to be named the Jerry Lee Hawkins Field, the honoree stated, “I have never had anything but my children named after me. Well, I guess I will have to start keeping the field a little cleaner now.” Garrison has become a legend in Eastern North Carolina with a record in football of 158-120-11. “When Hawkins first arrived at Chowan he was the baseball coach, assistant football coach. Dean of Men, P.E. instructor and even security officer, passing out 4 / Jerry Lee Hawkins receives an engraved plaque for the naming of the baseball field in his honor. parking tickets,” stated William Sowell, who introduced Hawkins. “Knowledge, respect and honor is what he has built his life on and, Jerry that is how you live your life,” said Sowell. Rich Played in 1954 Ben Rich came to Chowan College in 1954 and started as center for the Braves for two seasons. As a sophomore. Rich was All-State and captain of the team. Transferring to Guilford College, Rich started for the Quakers for two seasons and won the Hustle Award both years. He was also runner-up for the M.V.P. his senior year. After graduation from Guilford, the Virginia native went into coaching at the high school level. Rich coached in 164 victories, 83 defeats and eight ties. He won eight district championships and three state championships. Active in Commuiiity Rich currently resides in Newport News where for the last 10 years he has been the Summer School Director for the City of Hampton and assistant Principal of Syms Middle School for the last four years. Dave Whaley came to Chowan College from William Penn High See COACHES, Page 4 The Chowanian, December, 1987—PAGE 3
Chowan University Student Newspaper
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Dec. 1, 1987, edition 1
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