Published: November 14, 2008 09:00 am      

Woodlawn Grade School honors its coaches

Staff Report

WOODLAWN — A new gymnasium floor was officially dedicated this week and to help celebrate, several former boys and girls basketball coaches returned to take part in the ceremony.

During the preparation for the new floor and the dedication it was discovered that Woodlawn Grade School features a tradition of nearly 100 years of hoops.

Several of the coaches, or their representatives, were on hand before the dedication to receive a token of gratitude from the school.

• Matt Patterson — He is the current girls basketball coach at Woodlawn Grade School and is a graduate of its halls. Patterson is in his seventh season coaching the Lady Warriors and led his team to a third-place finish at the 2003 Class M state tournament.

• Mark Richardson — Before Patterson, Mark Richardson coached at Woodlawn for 12 seasons. In that time he led the program to a 2000 class M state title.

• Beth (Russell) Ethridge — Known as Coach Russell during her three seasons as coach of Woodlawn. Coach Russell was the only Woodlawn Grade School Lady Warrior player to return to the school and serve as coach. She is currently a first grade teacher.

• Nancy Verhines — Coached the girls program for four seasons. She is currently serving as a third grade instructor.

• Shlonda Horton — Coached at Woodlawn Grade School for one year. She also coached softball and cheerleading for 12 years and track for 23 seasons. In her time as track coach she helped guide several teams and individuals to a state championship.

• Frances Moore — The Woodlawn Grade School girls basketball program began in 1974 and Frances Moore was the first coach to serve in the capacity. She served Woodlawn Grade School as coach for 10 years and was represented by her widow, Frank Moore.

• Chris Braden — Coach Braden is the current Woodlawn Grade School boys basketball coach. This is his second season as coach and he has already led the team to a second-place finish at the Class M state finals at Rend Lake.

• Ron Harlow — Led Woodlawn for one season and graduated from Woodlawn High School.

• Jerry Travelstead — Coach Travelstead led the Woodlawn team for one season and a third place finish at the 2006 Class M state finals at Rend Lake. Travelstead is the current principal and superintendent at the school.

• Mike Richardson — Richardson served as basketball coach for two seasons and played an integral part in running the Woodlawn Pee-Wee basketball team for several years.

• Mike McClure — A fixture at Woodlawn Grade School for 19 years, McClure led the Warriors to a Class S state championship in ‘82 and ‘85. His teams were second in the state in ‘81, ‘84, ‘86. McClure’s team was second in ‘91 and fourth in the ‘99 Class M tournament.

• Ann Kehrer — Kehrer began serving at the concession stand during McClure's tenure. Kehrer also serves as the current Booster Club leader.

• Catherine and Junior Chapman - Both Katherine and her late husband Junior Chapman loved to spend time inside the Woodlawn Grade School Gym. Ms. Chapman spent several seasons working at the scorer’s bench and both were recognized for their work and dedication to the program.

• Jim Copple — Coach Copple was the first person to coach a basketball game at the current Woodlawn Grade School Gymnasium, which opened in ‘78. Copple coached for five seasons with his teams finishing second in Class S in both ‘79 and ‘81. He was represented by his widow Debra Bicanich and son Jamie Copple.

• Charlie Crane — Served as coach of the Woodlawn Grade School for 22 seasons. He was also a fifth grade teacher.

• Norman Gentle — Coach Gentle was in charge of the basketball program for three years during the ‘50s. Coach Gentle took time off coaching to serve his country during the Korean War.

After all were introduced to the crowd, the lot of coaches made their way to center court where Superintendent Travelstead cut a ribbon to officially dedicate the new gym floor.