Class of 2025

  Charlene Jones Bates believes in teamwork toward accomplishing goals and her success on the hard court propelled her to great heights as she helped her teams to finals and championships on the high school and junior college levels of women’s basketball in Mississippi.

While at Forest High School, Bates stood at 6’1” in the center position and electrified games for the Lady Bearcats with her 12-15 points per game average scoring and averaging 10 rebounds per game. Under the leadership of Coach Haywood Reeves (2023 HOF inductee), the girls’ team reached the state finals for three straight years among their highlights. For her part in that success, Bates’ recognition included All-Little Dixie for two years, All-District, All-State, and All-South for three years.

In addition to leading Forest in scoring in many games and other contributions, Bates was named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Stars in 1976; named Best Defensive Player and a high scorer in the Central Mississippi Basketball Classic tournament. Bates ended her Forest career with the Lady Bearcats posting a 28-5 record in 1975-76 and she finished with 328 career points averaging 9.9 points per game.

Heavily recruited by several colleges and universities, Bates carried her skills to the next level at (then) East Central Junior College playing for the Lady Warriors and legendary coach Lucille Wood. Bates said attending ECJC was the right choice for her because of the level of talent Coach Wood had assembled across the five-county district.

“We had a great team both years but were especially blessed with a lot of team speed my sophomore year. We were successful because we were a team, and not just a group of individual players. Everyone contributed to the success we had, and we had a great coach, too. Although Ms. Wood was very tough, she was fair in dealing with players,” Bates said. “I truly believe that working as a team we can accomplish a lot in anything we do. Coach Wood taught us that.”

During her freshman season, East Central posted a 17-9 record and placed third in the state. Bates was named to All Region 7 and the All-Region Tournament Team, and All-State. She was also named Best Defensive Player by her teammates.

Bates said she had a slow start to her sophomore year, “but when this country girl went to the state games at the coliseum in Jackson, the bright lights, the sound of the basketball bouncing on the court, and the large crowds was just so electrifying and exciting.” Referring to her first state game against Houston, Bates said, “the flood gates opened” and she scored 21 points, had 20 rebounds, and 13 blocks. “I knew that was somewhere I wanted my team to return to each year.”

Bates doubled down in her performance during her sophomore season averaging 20 points and 15 rebounds per game. In the state title win over Coahoma Junior College, Bates was the second leading scorer with 22 points, behind the team leader who scored 24 points. Bates was rated the top women’s basketball player in Mississippi leading the Lady Warriors to the 1978-79 South Division and State titles and a third-place finish in the national regional tournament that also included Tennessee and Kentucky. That campaign ended with a 20-9 record. 

She was selected to All-Region and tournament team, All-State, All-Star Game, and All-Star Most Valuable Player. She was named permanent team co-captain and received the Earline Wood Memorial Award. This success later led to her induction into the East Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

After college, Bates later worked as a purchasing agent for Sara Lee Bakery. She now works in the same position for Multicraft International in Pelahatchie. She enjoys serving her church at Sylvester United Methodist Church where she is a member of the choir, finance, and several other committees. 

Bates married her high school sweetheart, Terry, who was also a standout athlete at Forest and East Central. They have three children including Christina, Theresa, and Andrew; and nine grandchildren. Bates said many of their current activities include following their grandchildren to various activities they participate in including athletics.   

Kiley Culpepper was a significant contributor to helping his Hornets win a state championship on the baseball diamond during his career at Lake High School.

Culpepper’s success started in 1998 when he received the RIP Squad Award as Best Offensive Player and qualified for the .300 Club for his batting average. It was only the beginning of what turned out to be a stellar record.

In 1999, Culpepper showed his skills on defense as a pitcher with the Most Victories on the Mound Award with seven wins. He won the RIP Award, Golden Glove Award, and the Most Outstanding Awards for best player, best pitcher, and baserunner. He remained in the .300 Club with a .432 batting average.

In his 2000 senior campaign, Culpepper helped to guide the Hornets to a 35-9 record, including the Class 1A State Baseball Championship, and was named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches 1A All State Team. Lake is the only Scott County team to win a state baseball title. Within the Lake program, he won the Best Baserunner Award, Most Outstanding Player Award, and the RIP Squad Award. Culpepper also took care of business in the classroom to earn the team’s Academic Award. He was also named MVP All-Scott County.

Culpepper joined an elite nest of Hornets in setting a Mississippi record and tying a national record in joining the Back-to-Back-to-Back-to-Back Homerun Group in a 15-0 victory over Sebastopol. Other Hornets in the group include fellow 2025 HOF class members Jason Wooten and Craig Martin and the late Jake Nester (HOF Class of 2022).

Culpepper signed a baseball scholarship to play at East Central Community College and continued playing following a transfer to Panola College in Carthage, Texas. 

Culpepper now serves the Church of God as a licensed minister in his role as pastor of the Church of Unity in Lake. He is currently studying for a degree in ministerial leadership through Lee University. 

Culpepper and his wife, the former Ashton Vance, have two children, Uriah-Kooper Culpepper and Dawson Abel Culpepper.

Craig Martin helped to guide the Hornets to success in two sports during his time at Lake High School as a member of the baseball and football programs before contributing his skills on the collegiate level.

In baseball, Martin earned letters from eighth grade through his senior season as a catcher and pitcher. He was named to All-Scott County and All-District and teams in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons and to All-State in his junior and senior seasons. He was also selected to play in the Crossroads Diamond Club All-Star game in 2001. 

He helped lead the Hornets to the State Class 1A Championship in 2000 and a 35-9 record, becoming the only Scott County team to win a state baseball title. Lake finished as state runners-up in 2001.

In addition to numerous athletic awards within the Hornets’ program, Martin is in the Mississippi high school baseball record book and tied for a national record for recording four homeruns in a row in a 15-0 victory over Sebastopol – joining three other Lake players holding the same honor including fellow Class of 2025 inductees Jason Wooten and Kiley Culpepper; and the late Jake Nester (HOF Class of 2022).

Martin signed an athletic scholarship to play baseball at East Central Community College, giving two years to the Warriors on the diamond.

In football, Martin was a four-year letterman 1997-2001 and was selected for the All-District team in all four years of his high school career. He was recognized by the Jackson Touchdown Club and the National Football Foundation in addition to numerous athletic awards also within the Lake program.

Martin was as successful in the classroom as much as he was on a playing field earning many academic awards, which eventually placed him at the top of his class as valedictorian at graduation. Along the way, Martin was recognized as Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Scholar, WTOK Scholar Athlete, Clarion Ledger Scholar Athlete.    

After finishing his playing career, Martin stayed in baseball as a coach leading the Sebastopol Bobcats to the playoffs in the last 10 years and coached in the high school All Star game. He has served as head baseball coach for the Bobcats for 12 seasons and coached in the DM Howie All Star Game.

Martin is the son of Randy (HOF Class of 2016) and Jamie Martin of Lake and brother of Lee Martin, also a standout athlete at Lake and 2025 inductee in HOF. Craig and his wife, Brooke, have two children, Jebb, and Lilly Dale.

Lee Martin helped to guide the Hornets to success in three sports during his time at Lake High School as a member of the baseball, basketball, and football programs before contributing his skills on the collegiate level and in coaching.

In football, Martin was a starter earning All-Scott County honors (1996-1997), was named Scott County Most Valuable Player (1997); and earned All-District for his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He was named Meridian Star Defensive MVP in 1997 and received honorable mention recognition in All-State Top 100 by The Clarion Ledger.

In addition to numerous Lake internal program awards including the Marvin Morgan Award, Martin was selected to play in the Bernard Blackwell All Star Football Game. 

In baseball, Martin was a starting player during his entire playing career from eighth grade up. He was named All-Scott County and All-District (1994-1997). He was named MVP among numerous internal Lake program awards and was selected to play in the DM Howie All Star Baseball Game. 

Martin recorded a career batting average of .400 and holds a place in the Mississippi high school record book for nine hits in a row across two games with five hits coming in one game alone.

Outside of the Lake program, Martin also played for Joe Gibbon and the Red Shim Fessel summer travel baseball team for three years. 

In basketball, Martin played for four years and was a starter in his junior and senior seasons. He was named All-Scott County and All-District in 1997.

While he was named a team captain in all three sports he played at Lake, Martin also took care of business in the classroom. He was recognized during his football career with The Clarion Ledger Student Athlete Award and the WTOK Student Athlete Award. This and other academic awards led to Martin earning the salutatorian title for his senior class.

Martin signed a baseball scholarship to East Central Community College where he started in center field and in one game, recorded three hits in one inning among other achievements. Martin was named an academic All-American and graduated with honors with his associate’s degree. 

Martin took his athletic and academic game to the next level in two sports at Mississippi College. In baseball, he was a starting center fielder and qualified for the American Southwest All Tournament Team. In football, Martin lettered three years and was a starting player for two years. He earned honorable mention honors in the American Southwest Conference. 

Academically, Martin graduated from MC with a 3.5 grade point average in biology and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Martin carried his athletic talents into the coaching ranks at Forest High School where he coached for 10 years serving as the Bearcats’ offensive coordinator for six years. During his tenure as a coordinator, the Bearcats won a state championship and were state runners up.

Martin has also served as athletic director for Richland High School and as an assistant coach at McLaurin High School. He returned to his alma mater as head coach at Lake, served as offensive coordinator at Clinton High School, and is now coaching at Pelahatchie High School. 

Martin is the son of Randy (HOF Class of 2016) and Jamie Martin of Lake and brother of Craig Martin, also a standout athlete at Lake and 2025 inductee in HOF. Lee and his wife Jeri have three children including Ben, Ava Claire, and Gabby Kate.

Jason Wooten helped to guide the Hornets to success in two sports during his time at Lake High School as a member of the baseball and football programs before contributing his skills on the collegiate level.

In football during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, Wooten earned significant recognition including the Ironman Award, Special Teams Award, Best Offensive Back Award, and All-Scott County honors. He was also successful in the classroom with the Scholar Athlete Award.

Most of Wooten’s success came on the baseball diamond. In 1999, Wooten received the Best Base runner Award, Most Versatile Award, and Most Victories on the Mound Award with seven. At the plate, Wooten was inducted in the .300 Club with a strong batting average.

In the 2000 season as a senior, Wooten remained in the .300 Club for batting, including eight homeruns, and earned the following honors within the program: Best Base runner Award, Most Versatile Award, Most Victories on the Mound with 19, Golden Glove Award, Most Outstanding Player Award, All-Scott County, All-Scott County Most Valuable Player Award, and American Legion School Award. Among area programs in the region, he was also named to the All-Division team.

Wooten helped to guide the Hornets to a 35-9 record in 2000, including winning the 1A State Baseball Championship with a pitching record of 19-1 including four saves. One of his saves came in the state championship game. Wooten was also named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches 1A All-State Team and MHSAA All-Star team. The Hornets were state runners-up on 2001 and they are the only Scott County team to claim a state baseball championship. 

In addition to numerous athletic awards, Wooten is in the Mississippi high school baseball record book and tied for the national record for recording four homeruns in a row in a 15-0 win over Sebastopol – joining three other Lake players holding the same honor including Craig Martin, Kiley Culpepper – both fellow inductees in HOF Class of 2025, and the late Jake Nester (HOF Class of 2022).

Wooten advanced to the collegiate ranks playing baseball for the Warriors at East Central Community College for two years.

Wooten graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in construction management and for the past 19 years has worked as president for Dunn Roadbuilders.

He resides in Enterprise with his wife, the former Lori Hollingsworth. They have five children, Hannah Brooke Wooten, Mary Leigh Wooten, Lee (Maddison) Hollingsworth, Belle Hollingsworth and Lilly Hollingsworth; and one grandson.

Bob Tom Johnson parlayed a stellar athletic career in high school into success on the levels of junior college and senior university and later served honorably in the education profession.

Johnson graduated from Morton High School in 1961, standing 6’5” having starred on the basketball team earning numerous awards within the program. Among them, he was named to the All-Little Dixie Conference team and was named the Most Valuable Player at Morton. He was also named to the District A-AA All-Tournament team during his senior year. His high school resume also includes numerous student body and other non-athletic honors.

Johnson graduated to the collegiate level at East Central Junior College where he flourished on the basketball court leading the Warriors to the state semi-finals and a 22-3 record in the 1962-63 season. Johnson averaged 11 points per game as a freshman; 22.3 points per game as a sophomore; earned honorable mention honors in All-State selection as a sophomore; and he was also the team’s top rebounder.  Johnson was later inducted into the East Central Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

After receiving his Associate of Arts degree at ECJC, Johnson continued his academic and athletic career at the University of Southern Mississippi where he helped the Golden Giants (as they were called at the time) set a new school scoring mark with 118 points. Johnson scored the team’s 116th point with his hook shot skills, breaking the previous record of 115 points. He closed out the scoring with a tap-in from a rebound, giving USM a 118-80 victory over Northwestern Louisiana. 

Johnson received his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Education degree in health and physical education at USM. He earned a doctorate degree in school administration at Mississippi State University. 

Johnson began a teaching and coaching career at Ponchatoula High School in Louisiana, 1967-1969. Johnson led the boys’ basketball team to a 22-15 record in his second year as coach. The team had won just one game prior to Johnson’s arrival. Johnson returned to East Central in 1969 serving as dean of men and physical education instructor. 

Johnson began a 23-year run in 1970 serving in the education profession on the county and state levels. Through his career in various roles and responsibilities, employers included the Scott County School District, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State Textbook Procurement Division, and the Mississippi State Department of Education. 

One of his positions along the way included serving as assistant superintendent of education for the Scott County School District, which he counted as one of his career highlights. During this time, Johnson assisted in establishing a kindergarten program in the school district several years before the state programs were established and funded by the Mississippi Legislature.

Johnson entered the private sector starting two businesses, including Johnson Educational Sales and J and J Trucking Company. He returned to the classroom to teach business management and finance and education courses for four different universities in Mississippi. 

Athletics never left his attention as Johnson was certified as a high school and college basketball official and was a member of various organizations in his community and state.

Johnson was a member of multiple organizations and associations. He resided in Forest, participated in HAM radio among other activities, and enjoyed attending Forest Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, church clerk, Sunday School director and teacher, church training director and teacher, usher, church bus driver, and a member of committees.

Johnson died on November 1, 2023. He was preceded in death by his son, Bob Tom Johnson Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; three children including Amy Johnson Easton, Jay Miles Johnson, Joy Johnson Lowrey; six granddaughters; and two great-grandsons. 

John Madison (Matt) Lassetter was one of Scott County’s and Mississippi’s best athletes excelling in five sports during his athletic career just after the turn of the century.

Lassetter was born in the Lillian Community on April 25, 1888, and attended high school at Ludlow and Pulaski from 1903-1906 at a time when athletics were not part of school curriculum.

Lassetter came to Mississippi College as a freshman in 1907 and was considered a natural athlete as he enjoyed track the best among sports. His first race was a three-mile event on campus, and he finished first in bare feet. Lassetter would go on to win every distance race he entered earning him the nickname “Marathon Matt.” As a senior in 1910, Lassetter represented MC in a five-mile race at the Mississippi State Fair, won it, and was considered the state champion.

During his senior year, Lassetter was manager of the varsity track and tennis teams, captain of the senior class baseball team, a member of the senior class football team, and a member of the senior class basketball team. 

He earned letters in all five sports he played including baseball, football, tennis, basketball, and track. Lassetter received his bachelor’s degree from MC in 1910 and returned to earn a master’s degree in 1932.

Professionally, Lassetter served as a teacher, supervisor, and coach in the Philippines for the Department of Education shortly after college. He starred in baseball while in Manila and was a tennis champion. He coached the first high school baseball team to a championship on the island of Mindanao. In one instance, he trained a seventh-grade boy in throwing a discus and that boy later won the Far Eastern Olympic Games in that sport. 

He returned to Mississippi and served as a principal and then superintendent of Clinton Public Schools from 1923-1945, developing and maintaining a strong physical education program for young men and women. 

Lassetter also taught summer classes to Navy personnel attending MC to help their training and leadership skills during World War II. He even earned a second nickname “Prof” because he taught at MC. In retirement, Lassetter taught in private school and tutored in the 1960s and early 1970s. He worked into his late 80s as a parking lot attendant at the Baptist Bookstore in Jackson. 

“Dad was a consummate people person. He loved his family and the classroom,” said one of Lassetter’s sons, Stuart. 

Lassetter was named Citizen of the Year by the City of Clinton in 1983. He was inducted into the MC Sports Hall of Fame in 1977 and as of 2016, there were about 230 members. He was one of only three who were five sport lettermen.

Lassetter died just three months shy of his 101st birthday on January 12, 1989.  He was joined in death by his spouses, Annie McLean Lassetter and Genevieve Stuart Lassetter; daughter, Mary Beth Lassetter Beck; and son, John Stuart Lassetter.

He is survived by his daughters, Nina Lassetter Compton and Gene Lassetter Everitt; son, John Madison Lassetter Jr.; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Dr. Carolyn A. Rogers enjoyed a successful high school and college athletic career as a member of the Lady Panthers at Morton and Lady Choctaws at Mississippi College, helping the latter to a national playoff run.

Dr. Rogers was a three-year starter for Morton High School girls’ basketball program where she was selected for All-Little Dixie Conference, All-District, All-South Mississippi, and All-State. She was also selected by her coaches as the best athlete in the ninth grade, Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player, and Best Rebounder. She also won the Sportsmanship Awards given by the athletic staff during her senior year.

Additional activities at MHS included class officer, class favorite, Most Versatile, Activities Award, head cheerleader, homecoming queen, Beta Club, French Club, Pep Club, M-Club, Dramatics Club, Math Club, Choral Club, Paper Staff, FBLA, and class beauty. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Morton and participated in youth mission trips and youth choir. 

Dr. Rogers attended Mississippi College where she was a starter for the Lady Choctaws, 1972-1975. She was selected for numerous all-tournament teams and was a member of the 1973-74 AIAW National Runner Up team. She was inducted into the MC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

After earning her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, both in education, Dr. Rogers coached basketball for five years at Jackson Preparatory School and Jackson Academy collectively. Her teams were overall state champions three of those five years and she was selected as an Overall State Coach of the Year three times. 

Dr. Rogers earned a second Master of Science degree in counseling and human development from Troy State University in Dothan, Ala. She moved to Tallahassee, Fla., where she earned her doctorate degree in education at Florida State University with emphasis on sports psychology. She became a licensed mental health counselor and operated in private practice for 26 years. 

Dr. Rogers returned to Mississippi in 2017 and has continued in private practice as a licensed professional counselor now residing in Brandon where she is a member of Pinelake Church. 

Dr. Rogers is married to Paul Bevan-Thomas, and they have four children, Michael Wallis Jr., Andrew Bevan-Thomas, Isabelle Bevan-Thomas, and William Bevan-Thomas.

Lewis Bradford was a two-sport standout for the Scott Central Rebels, excelling in football and

baseball throughout his high school and collegiate career. His athletic achievements, leadership,

and dedication paved the way for his transition into coaching and educational leadership.

Bradford’s football journey began in eighth grade when the Rebels achieved a perfect 7-0 record

in 1995. As a freshman in 1996, he was named All-District Offensive Player, helping Scott

Central to a 9-1 regular season and a 3-0 district record. The Rebels finished 9-2 overall, scoring

257 points (23.4 per game) while allowing just 68 points (6.2 per game), with four shutouts.

During his sophomore season, Bradford earned spots on the All-Scott County offensive team

and All-District offensive team and was recognized as Best Offensive Back on his team. Scott

Central posted an 8-2 regular season record, went 3-0 in district play, and finished 3-1 in the

playoffs to win the South State Championship. The Rebels ended the season 11-3, scoring 312

points (22.3 per game) while allowing 168 points (12 per game), with two shutouts.

As a junior, Bradford was named team MVP, All-Scott County offensive MVP, and All-District

offensive team, while also earning honorable mention All-American recognition. Scott Central

went 8-2 in the regular season, 3-0 in district, and 1-1 in the playoffs to finish 9-3. The team

scored 337 points (28.1 per game) while allowing 165 points (13.8 per game).

Bradford’s senior season was his most decorated. He earned spots on the All-Scott County team

and All-District team, was named Most Valuable Offensive Player for Scott Central, and

received the Academic Award. He was also selected to play in the prestigious Mississippi-

Alabama All-Star Football Game, representing Mississippi against Alabama. The Rebels finished

with a 9-1 record in the regular season, went 4-0 in district play, and was undefeated 4-0 in the playoffs to win both the South State and Class 1A State Championships. En route to a 13-1 record, Scott Central amassed 432 points (30.9 per game) while allowing only 116 points (8.3 per game).

Over his four-year tenure, Scott Central achieved a 49-9 overall record, remaining

undefeated in district play (13-0), finished 8-3 in the playoffs, won two South State titles

and a state championship.

In addition to his football success, Bradford was a standout baseball player, earning multiple

honors. As a freshman, he was named to the All-Scott County team and won the Batting Title

for the highest team average. In his sophomore year, he was again named to the All-Scott County

team, won the batting title, and received the Hustle Award. During his junior year, Bradford earned the team MVP title, a spot on the All-Scott County team, and another batting title. As a senior, he was named team MVP, made the All-Scott County team, was selected to the All-State second team, and again earned the batting title.

Bradford was also named to the Meridian Star’s Top 25 Male Athlete Roster and received the Rebel Award for his contributions to Scott Central athletics.

Bradford continued his athletic career at East Central Community College where he played football and baseball as a freshman before focusing solely on baseball in his second year.

He was named Most Improved Player in baseball as a freshman and Most Valuable Player in baseball as a sophomore. 

He then transferred to the University of West Alabama where he redshirted his first baseball season and saw limited action due to injury in his second year. During his senior season, he became an everyday starter in the outfield, contributing to a historic season where the team finished with a 45-19 record, the most wins in school history.

West Alabama was ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation, finished the season ranked No. 19, and won the Gulf South Conference Tournament Championship. Bradford was named Team Captain and received the Best Team Player award.

After graduating from the University of West Alabama with a degree in environmental sciences,

Bradford worked at Clean Harbors Environmental Services in Greenbrier, Tennessee, handling

hazardous waste.

Bradford transitioned into education beginning as a baseball and football coach at Northwest

Rankin High School. His leadership in athletics inspired him to pursue a career in school

administration. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at Mississippi College

in 2010 and was appointed assistant principal at Pelahatchie High School in 2014. 

In 2019, Bradford made his way back to Northwest Rankin High School as an assistant principal. Since 2022, Bradford has served as the principal of Northwest Rankin High School, where he

was named Rankin County School District’s Secondary Principal of the Year in 2023 and

continues to impact students, staff, and the community through his leadership.

Lewis Bradford is married to Alyssa Bradford, and they have two daughters, Lilly and Madilyn

Bradford.

Kenneth Thrash used his experience in playing sports for the Bobcats to carve out a successful and rewarding coaching career, including a tenure at his hometown school.

Thrash was a 1969 graduate of Sebastopol High School where he played football and basketball throughout middle and high school. After graduation, Thrash joined the Army National Guard and attended basic training before enrolling at East Central Junior College in 1970. After East Central, Thrash finished his education at Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Thrash started his professional career with his first teaching and coaching position at Stringer Attendance Center in the 1974-75 school year. Thrash served as the junior high football coach, junior high boys and girls track coach and was an assistant high school football coach in addition to teaching science. 

Thrash started the following school year leading the track teams and was the head coach for the high school baseball program and guided that team to a district championship. The junior high girls were the Singing River Conference Champions. His coaching duties also included junior high boys’ and girls’ basketball and junior high football where the team finished with an 8-1 record and won the Western Division of the conference.

Thrash returned to Sebastopol in 1976 where he taught and coached until retirement in 1999. During this tenure, Thrash coached almost every sport the school offered at one time or another. Highlights included 1982-83 when his junior high football team won the Cherokee Conference Championship. In the same school year, the girls track team won the overall Choctaw Central Track Invitational. 

In 1990, the Bobcats high school football team finished the season with a 7-2 record and participated in the Red Hills Classic Bowl. The 1991 team finished with an 8-3 record and were District 5 state runners up and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.  This was the first-ever playoff berth for the school. In 1993, the football team was invited to the Maben Lions Bowl. Coach Thrash enjoyed his football years along with his partner, Coach N.C. Eiland (HOF Class of 2018).

After retirement, Thrash attended games to watch the Bobcats in football, softball, and basketball while his grandchildren played in the sports. Former players visited him occasionally to remember their time with him as their team photos hung on the walls in his home.

Thrash also served the community in other ways including Scott County 4H Volunteer, Forest-Scott County Coliseum Board, Scott County Livestock Association Board, and a Future Farmers of America alumni member.

Thrash died on May 12, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; three children including Kitty Thrash Ladner, Cassy Thrash Madden, and Clay Daniel Thrash; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

In recognition of his decades of award-winning service as a sports journalist/columnist covering sports in Mississippi, the Scott County Sports Hall of Fame named Rick Cleveland as an honorary member. Cleveland, also former director and member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, served as the keynote speaker for our 2025 induction ceremony.

Frank Edmondson, Hall of Fame president and chairman of the selection committee, said it is fitting for Cleveland to participate in the ceremony given his history and experience in writing about sports in Mississippi.

“It is ideal for Rick to be a part of our recognizing and celebrating a rich legacy of athletic excellence in Scott County. Given his history of covering sports, he has a unique and special perspective in paying respect to what our inductees accomplished during their playing and coaching careers,” Edmondson said. “With his experience on the state level, Rick understands the Hall of Fame’s purpose in doing what we do to make programs like this possible.” 

A Hattiesburg native and Jackson resident, Cleveland is the most decorated sports journalist in Mississippi history. A 1975 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he has worked for the Hattiesburg American, Monroe (La.) News Star/Morning World, Jackson Daily News and The Clarion Ledger and Mississippi Today as a reporter, editor, and columnist. 

He also served four years as the executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. His work as a syndicated columnist and celebrated sportswriter has appeared in numerous magazines, periodicals, and newspapers. Cleveland has authored five books and has been recognized 14 times as Mississippi Sportswriter of the Year. 

Cleveland received the Richard Wright Award for Literary Excellence in 2011 and was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (2017), the Hattiesburg Hall of Fame (2018), the Southern Miss Communications Hall of Fame (2018), the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame (2023) and the Mississippi Press Association Hall of Fame (2024). In 2000, he was honored with the Distinguished Mississippian Award from Mississippi Press Association. He has received numerous state, regional, and national awards for his column writing and reporting.

The Hall of Fame instituted its first Sportsmanship Award which will honor and recognize athletes and coaches for displays of sportsmanship during competition. The award will not necessarily be given every year, but will be granted when the HOF is made aware of an occasion where the award would apply.

Sometimes winning is not the most important achievement even during competition between bitter rival schools. The first award was shared between Jaycee Mitchell of Lake (Hornets) and Clara Grace Rogers of Morton in recognizing their act of sportsmanship and compassion during a cross country competition.

Mitchell and Rogers were competing in the Scott County Cross Country Invitational hosted by Morton High School in September 2024. While closing in on the finish line, they witnessed a fellow athlete, Jessica Marquirez Alonso of Forest (Bearcats), struggling before falling near the last leg of the course. In sacrificing their own race times, Mitchell and Rogers stopped to help Alonso to her feet and assisted her the rest of the way to the finish line.  

WJTV of Jackson aired a two-part story spotlighting the occasion.

Part 1 can be viewed HERE.

Part 2 can be viewed  HERE.