This letter reminds me of the fun and joys of B.F. Darrell as a student-athlete-school crossing guard, spelling bee champ and more great stuff. Also my 1st association with the great Booker T. bulldogs!

In 7th grade Darrell coach Charles Taylor and BTW coach Hollie had arranged my hurdles training every day since they added hurdles to the City Elementary School Track Meet at Cobb stadium my 7th grade year. Coach Hollie introduced me to the team in the huddle (WOW) and appointed Robert "Hawkeye" Simpson to teach me to hurdle during BTW varsity track practice. Hawkeye was and IS one of the nicest guys I have ever met and known!

Hawkeye's training really produced a winner that year, but a funny thing happened on the way to 1st place. Yards out in front of everybody, I kicked the last hurdle over, stumbled and almost fell, then after what seemed like a long time straightened up re-started running just in time to see K.B. Polk's Ira Battle cruise past me to the finish line first. Well, a red (2nd) ribbon was better than none under the circumstances, and I think I still have it somewhere. That was the 1st year I recall them giving out "letters" at Darrell, and I wore mine proudly on a white sweater my mother sewed it on! Thank you, Jesus, for those teachings, trainings, and victories -- and all the ones since!!!

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Comments

  • Im with Bonita, WHAT A MEMORY.But I guess something like this would be hard to forget. THIS IS GREAT STUFF.
  • This is GOOD STUFF GALEN! I remember that spring day, I first saw you practice with the Track Team on the yard. If my recall is correct, you are the only Track athlete I know to train with Varsity Track Team while still enrolled at B.F.Darrell. A Great Accomplishment My Friend!
  • Wow Galen, You have some good memories!
  • A NUGGET PURE GOLD!
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