Family and friends of Jackson State University celebrated as 15 illustrious former athletes, three posthumously, were inducted into the 2014 Hall of Fame Banquet on Oct. 31.
The night started with a boom with a processional by the JSU marching band, followed by a dinner and chat with the legendary honorees. The event in the Student Center Ballroom on the main campus was presided by Rob Jay, director of the Digital Media Center at the Mississippi e-Center at JSU.
President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, joined by Athletics Director Dr. Vivian L. Fuller, presented awards to the inductees and declared that each epitomizes what is great about JSU.
The awardees shared their JSU experiences with the audience during an informal, and often hilarious, exchange with master of ceremonies Rob Jay.
Fuller expressed excitement about the evening, saying, “We had representation from the total program. We had some outstanding women and men. We can take this back to our student athletes, and they’ll know we definitely have some role models at Jackson State.”
Overall, Fuller said she thought the event was a great way to cap the careers of the university’s athletic ambassadors. “Some chose Jackson State, and Jackson State chose some of them. Nevertheless, they all came back for a commonality – the sports hall of fame.”
“Very prestigious group”
Mario Kirksey, a native of Denver, Colo., was among the honorees. He played football from 1978 to 1983. While anticipating the award, he said, “It’s a tremendous honor being recognized as one of the greatest athletes to play at the university out of all the athletes that played here.” He described the 2014 class as a “very prestigious group.”
He credits the institution for shaping his career. “Jackson State has made me a better citizen, an all-around person. It taught me how to give back to my community and to help young folks that are going through some troubled times.”
He says he’s been able to mentor many of them now because, since leaving JSU, he’s worked as a principal at Gentry High School in Indianola and Shaw High School.
“It’s great that the university is taking the time to recognize some of the accomplishments that athletes have achieved after they’ve been at the university. It’s a way for them to really let people know that folks have taken notice of what you’ve been able to accomplish during your tenure here.”
Thelma Anderson, a native of Jackson, was hailed for her talents in track and field. She said the honor left her almost speechless. “This is the epitome of success. You don’t think about it when you’re out there running or whatever your sport is, but, after you kind of settle back, you’re just thankful for the opportunity and thankful for the appreciation the university shows. I was doing something I love. We did, however, put Jackson State on the map as it relates to track and field. So, to be enshrined in the Sports Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor.”
Describing her life after track and field and JSU, Anderson said she and her husband worked for a community service organization. Eventually, she chose the career of her major – education. “I started teaching, then decided to become a school counselor and, ultimately, administration. I currently serve as an administrator for Jackson Public Schools.”
So, what does Jackson State mean to her?
“I tell people I bleed blue. Everything that I’ve been able to accomplish in life, it circles back to Jackson State. I’m thankful for my coach who gave us a very strong work ethic, and for my mom – a chief supporter.”
Meanwhile, Harold Cooley, a native of Laurel, re-entered the spotlight. He was at JSU (then Jackson State College) from 1959 to 1963. Later, he would go on to play Canadian football for nine years, even though he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Denver Broncos. “I was the first person from Jackson State College to play Canadian football.” While playing at Jackson State, he said, “I never missed a ballgame.”
He says the university is important to him because “I was influenced at Jackson State under some good coaches. It had some good educators while I was here. We won a championship in my senior year. We finished 10-1.”
Among the other honorees:
(Posthumously) William “Pop” Gaines, considered one of the most productive guards in JSU basketball history, 1954-1958: He was nicknamed “Pop” because his jump shot was so pure that you could hear the sound of the sinking ball striking the net. He earned All-American honors. In his final two seasons at Jackson State, he scored a combined 721 points and 277 rebounds en route to a 41-8 record.
(Posthumously) Patricia Jones, a standout basketball player for JSU, 1976-79: She was a dominant post player in the SWAC, with many of her records still standing today. In her freshman year, she was selected to the Muhammad Ali All-American Women’s Basketball Team. As a sophomore, she was the team’s Most Valuable player, scoring 572 points – ranked fourth in JSU record books for most points in a single season. She was a Kemper County native.
(Posthumously) Sadie Magee, one of the most successful coaches in SWAC Women’s basketball history: As head women’s basketball coach at JSU, she won four SWAC Tournament Championships (1981-85) and two SWAC regular season titles. During her 14-year tenure, she became the all-time winningest women’s basketball coach in JSU history, compiling a 271-154 record.
James Anderson, a supporter of JSU athletics for more than 30 years: He served as director of health, working closely with the athletics department. He provided expert care for all of the university’s student athletes. He’s a native of Jackson.
Tammy Blackwell-Witt, a key member of the JSU volleyball team, 1979-82: On several occasions, she was named best player, best spiker, best server and most versatile player. She is the first member of the volleyball squad to be inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame.
Leonard Bernard Braddy, a highly respected baseball player: In 1982, he was voted SWAC Playoff’s Most Valuable Player. He’s one of the few players in JSU’s history to have more than 100 career RBIs, 100 career hits, 100 career stolen bases and more than 100 runs scored. He’s a native of Jackson.
Marvin Freeman, an All-SWAC pitcher for the Tigers and a scholar athlete: He played 10 seasons in the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox. He’s a Chicago native.
Russell Golden, a dominant rebounder in basketball at JSU, 1970-72: He was an All-SWAC and All-NAIA performer. He was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets and selected in the eighth round and as the 12th selection of the Phoenix Suns.
Edgar Hardy, an outstanding offensive guard in football, 1967-68: He was an All-SWAC team member and was named Ebony Magazine All-American. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the NFL draft in 1972. He’s a native of Mendenhall.
Julius McDougal, a standout baseball player, 1981-84: He was named to the first All-SWAC conference baseball team. After his junior season, the Chicago Cubs drafted him in the 3rd round. He played professional baseball for nine seasons with various major league teams. He’s a Jackson native.
Rosalind D. Spann, named basketball’s SWAC Freshman of the Year in 1994: She led all freshmen in SWAC scoring. In 1996-97, she led the SWAC in scoring and rebounding and was named JSU Best Rebounder, 1995-96, 1996-97. She is the leading scorer in JSU Women Basketball history with 2,035 points. She’s a native of Macon.
Keith Taylor, SWAC football’s Outstanding Offensive Player in 1981: He led the Tigers to a 9-2-1 record and a SWAC Championship and the Division IAA playoffs. That season he recorded 1,877 total yards en route to 13 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. As a senior, he was named a Sheridan Black College All-American and Jet Magazine’s Player of the Year.