Some of the greatest athletes to ever come through Greenwood will be honored by the Future Champions Greenwood-Leflore Hall of Fame next weekend at the Leflore County Civic Center.
After last year’s ceremonies were canceled due to the pandemic, two Hall of Fame classes will be inducted during the three-day event.
The festivities kick off Thursday with the spotlight on the inaugural 2019 class, headlined by basketball legend and Amanda Elzy graduate Lusia Harris-Stewart.
Then on Friday, the 2020 class will receive its long-overdue recognition during a banquet. Amanda Elzy graduate Leroy Jones, a standout defensive end for the San Diego Chargers who passed away last month, and the late Kent Hull, a former center for the Buffalo Bills who became the brains behind their revolutionary no-huddle offense, are among a slew of ex-NFL talents in the group.
“It’s going to bring in a lot of people coming back to Greenwood,” said Charles Brooks, a former lineman at Threadgill High who will be inducted on Friday. “It’s good for the city for people to get together and have a good time. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s like a reunion.”
Brooks has worked as a local educator for four decades, watching generations of Greenwood athletes reach the pinnacles of their sport. Now it’s time for the 71-year-old to take his turn in the spotlight.
“There’s not too many people in my age group left around to remember what went on,” Brooks said. “I’m really proud that somebody remembered. I think it’s really important for the younger guys to get a chance to remember and reflect back on some of the guys who came before them.”
Saturday’s banquet will commemorate the 2021 class, highlighted by former MLB pitcher Louis Coleman, a Pillow Academy graduate, and ex-NFL safety C.C. Brown, a Greenwood High graduate.
“It’s hard to believe when you look at the group of athletes — it’s amazing for such a small, little town,” said Cissye Meeks Gallagher, a former LPGA golfer who will be honored Friday. “I think maybe it was a long time coming. Mr. (Charles) Cooley thankfully took that initiative.”
Cooley, Greenwood’s fire marshal, is putting on the second annual event through his youth organization, Future Champions of Greenwood.
“It means a lot to me to be able to spearhead such an historic event,” Cooley said. “Many of our great athletes never received the thanks that they really deserved and it’s an honor to be a part of such a great event. Just to see how excited everyone is makes me look forward to honoring more people for years to come.”
Those interested in attending or sponsoring next weekend’s event should contact Cooley at 662-458-1942. Tickets are $20 for Thursday and $25 for the banquets on Friday and Saturday.
- Contact Riley Overend at 581-7237 or roverend@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow @OverendOut on Twitter.
