Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Feb. 25, 1988, edition 1 / Page 13
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Thursday. February 25. 1988 - THE CHARLOTTE POST - Page 13A A Charlotte Post Black History Month Achiever McCoUough: The Sportsman, The Coach By Russell Clark Post Staff Writer As a kid growing up In the Falrvlew Homes Community In the late 30s, Charles McCol- lough aqulred a Indelible taste for sp)orts. The well rounded athlete tested his talents In eve ry game he could Including baseball, basketball, football, golf and track which earned him __a athletic scholarship. Today, most p>eople know West Charlotte coach McCoUough as the fearless general who has guided the Lions' boys basket ball team through many battles over his 28 years as head coach. But what a lot of people don't know Is that high jumping pro pelled him to an athletic schol arship. "1 went to college at North Car olina Central University In 1951 on a track scholarship," he remembers. "When 1 got there, the coach had already over extended his track scholarships ► so. 1 ended up with a baseball scholarship from the baseball coach who was also the athletic director." While at NCCU, he had a sud den impact on the athletic de partment. As a tall, slender jumper, he set a school record , with a 6'10" performance while also raking In many prestigious honors. . I In 1956 he was the high jump ■; "champion In the Penn Relays with a jump of 6'8" and 3/4 Inch- ^ es. Later that year, he qualified T~ior the Olympic Trials held at J the Los Angeles Coliseum where he placed sixth with a leap of > 6'7"andal/2. Only three jump ers made the team including one alternate, but It was still the highlight of his track career. He remembers that experience with that "ah-those-were-the- good-old-days " look in his eyes. "1 didn't make the team but I'il never forget It because 1 got a chance to witness Charlie Pu mas 7 0" jump which set a new world record. The old world record was 611" and plenty of guys were at that mark but he was the first person to ciear 7'0" " At Central, his track coach was Dr. Leroy Walker who is still one of the top track and field experts in the world. "He was an outstanding coach and a leader, who stressed per fection to his athletes. " cause he always took us on at least one out of town trip each- season," he relates with a smile. Perhaps these fun memories has kept him at W.C. for so many years. As a coach, his record currently stands at 434 wins versus 211 loses. The highlight of any high school coach Is having a perfect season and winning the state championship. In 1965 his team won the title while his 1986 team went 29-0 and became the first team to win the state championship In the Dean Smith Center In Chapel Hill. When not busy at school, he enjoys playing golf and bowling. 'These are some of the long range sports 1 try to stress to my players not for competition but for fun." When asked how long he plans lo continue coaching, he replies. "I'm Interested In starting a new career In the next four to six years. 1 have a lot of things In mind but 1 look forward to a new career challenge." Support Our Advertisers SHOP THE POST! U LESTER B. WALLACE, JR.. M.D. Practice of OBSTETRICS And GYNECOLOGY (Female Medicine) CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY Randolph Medical BuHding 1928 Randolph Road, Suite 308 Charlotte. NC 28207 Hours By Appointment M-T-F 10-5pm W 11-6 pm (704) 334-8777 Photo by Fnmk J. WmiaitM McCoUough, A leader of men. In basketball, McCullough teamed with players like Sam Jones (formerly with the Boston Celtics) and Tex Harrison. After his first two years at Central, he turned to the Army for a brief military experience in the Infintry. While in the ser vice, he was a member of the ITiird Army Championship Bas ketball Team and a member of the All-Army Track Team. Upon return back to campus, he rejoined the basketball team and placed in the AAU National Track and Field Champloshlps. Before he left, he was averag ing 14 points per game but after wards, he was converted into a role player. "1 was a defensive specialist and 1 always liked to check the other teams' best player. I remember when we played against Tennessee State and 1 held Seull Barnette to only nine points. Barnette was a great player who went on to play several years for the New York Knicks." Before going to college, the hard-driving youth was coached at W.C. by Jack Martin. "He was the first coach West Charlotte ever had," McCoUough points out. "He coached all girls and boys sports at the time and did a great job. We used to look forward to basketball season be- RUSSELL AIVD SHEELY ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW Vernon A. Russell Concord native. North Carolina Central University and UNC Lttw School Graduate. Elxtenslve experience In trial matters. Michael A. sheely charlotte resident for more than 15 years. University of Massachu- sette and UNC Law School Graduate. More than 14 years experlenc In extensive Federal and State Court trial and appellate work. Celebrate Black History! Live it daily, year roimd! General Practice of Law with Emphasis on: Personal InJury-Auto Accldents-Crimlnals-D'WI-Trafflc Tickets Domestic-Real Estatc- Wllls-Buslness Matters-Employments Excellent Services VTll Be Provided 730 E. Trade SL Law Buildlng-Sulte 418 376-6591 17 Cabarrus Ave. W. Concord, N.C. 786-8116 llUu |1 1 Gift wrap, Ribbon, Bows, Boxes, Tumblers, Napkins Cups, Plates Catering, Baking, Shipping Supplies. 4426 Independence • 568-6663 • Also in Pineville M-F 9-6 Sat. 9:30-3:30 MC, VISA BOB WHITE makes it easier. With down-to-earth talk about insurance and low rates to match. Outlet Square Office Gallery Suite 603, S. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28204 /llisfafe AiUuu C— Bus. (704) 376-3479,376-3484 Res. (704) 596-2273 We Salute Black Achievers ynSSJ l7^' ARCHITECTURE -SITE Id'l U & MASTER PLANNING M ‘SPACE PLANNING ARCHITECTS/PLANNERS -GRAPHIC DESIGN A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION .PEASIBILITYSTUDIES TIMOTHY MCMULLEN MICHAEL MARTIN (704) 333-1211 of Carole’s Corner offers Individual, Parent/Child & Marriage cowssBLma By ftppiontment Only X A y X ^ ^ y X 0 1300 EAST MOREHEAD STREET SUITE 210 CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28204
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 25, 1988, edition 1
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