The Marion County school board honored the state champion East Marion basketball team at Monday’s meeting.
Superintendent Wendy Bracey gave plaques to each player, who wore dress shirts and bow ties, and Hilton Holmes of Custom Trophy made a special presentation to head coach Calvin Brown.
“I’ve known this man since the first day he came to Marion County. I knew the county superintendent of education, and I tried to get him to get him to come to West Marion. Folks who know me know I am a diehard West Marion fan,” Holmes said to laughter. “When I found out he wasn’t going to bring him over there, I said, ‘At least don’t let him leave the county.’ Coach, we’re proud of you.”
He presented him a framed copy of a newspaper photo of Brown with the gold ball given to state champions and a plaque with a heartfelt message written on it. The crowd at the meeting urged Brown to read it aloud.
“What an asset to have someone with your character to represent our schools and county on and off the court, in the regular season and at the state level. Congratulations, coach, from your friends Hilton and Ruby Holmes.”
Brown also spoke, detailing the losses they had overcome in past years and praising his team for making the difficult step from good to great to become champions.
Bracey lauded Brown and the team and said it was exciting to watch them this school year. She said she has tons of videos she plans to put together for the players and their families.
“Thank you for the time, effort, love, money you put into our programs and into your kids,” Bracey said to the parents assembled.
The Eagles (27-5) had captured the school’s first-ever basketball championship with a 58-53 victory over defending state champion Okolona on March 7 in the 1A final.
School Board Member Larry Jenkins expressed how proud they are of the coach and team for their accomplishment.
“To get to the top of the mountain, that’s the ultimate goal, and you made it this year,” Jenkins said. “And I want you to know we’re proud of you as a school board; we’re proud of you as a community. We’re proud of you on and off the court. You guys are also excelling in the classroom.”
Pictured Above: Hilton Holmes of Custom Trophy, left, presents during Monday’s county school board meeting two custom pieces he made for East Marion basketball coach Calvin Brown in honor of the Eagles state championship victory. | Photo by Charlie Smith
