A Final Photo Album before...

Before we get into the 1979 AAU National Title run in Charleston -- for which Mike Reed and I hold the Torch at Opening Ceremonies as then-Governor Jay Rockefeller speaks over our shoulders -- the 1978 near miss in Iowa, and the last years of Rodger Monk's involvement in AAU, I am putting up some more pictures from the AAU Reunion held July 31, August 1, 2009 at Appalachian Power Park's Club House and at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. Thanks for your interest, and thanks even more for helping to make this a first-class event.

Jamie Phillips seems to be recalling the score of an important state tournament game with former Williamson teammate Mark Cline. Mark of course went on to stardom at Wake Forrest, and is now an Assistant Basketball Coach at Oklahoma. Jamie went on to play at East Tennessee State and has been working in the chemical industry in the Kanawha Valley for 17 years.

"Watch it Rodger, he's going for your wallet!" John Maywer puts a surprise squeeze on Coach Rodger Monk as Steve Vorholt watches. Both John and Steve were outstanding ball players at South Charleston and George Washington, respectively. John has numerous real estate holdings and is possession of the pool table in which President Obama shot pool in the Kanawha Valley during his campaign run.

You would have to ask them to be certain, but I believe that Sally and Dale Monk, Jimmie Monk, Rodger's cousin and business partner, and Rodger's wife Linda had a wonderful time at the events. In fact, Sally and Dale changed their Saturday travel plans to attend at Sleepy Hollow.

Two of our lovely wives: Myssy Spradling and Kathleen Walker, always quick to cling and pose. Part of the beauty of this basketball fraternity, Dave and I have been great friends since the New Orleans trip of 1980. Kathleen, with Myssy and Beth Elmore's help (Beth is pictured below), was responsible for bringing the Komen Race For the Cure -- which brings 5,000 participants annually and has raised over $750,000 for breast cancer awareness and eradication-- to Charleston.

Gay and Beth Elmore, two of Charleston's finest, successfully managing a law firm, four kids, and a whole lot of basketball coaching.

Linda Monk has a laugh with Joey Bowles and his girlfriend, Tamera. Joey was a central component in the 1977 AAU National Title run in Cincinnati, and was the leading scorer in the semi-final game against Washington D.C., with 16.

The memories and stories got going quickly as Mike Reed tells a great Larry Bryson story from the New Orleans trip.

Brian Eddy sheds some light on his cousin Jeff. Brian is another animated story teller.

I had to call for the help of Dave Walker to read the plaques presented to Rodger Monk and Ron Cobb -- Jim Triplett had to be out of town -- that night. I just couldn't get through it. For many it was an emotional evening.

Alex Nagy, right, seems to be telling one on Buster Diugiud (second from right), as Mike Reed, Mark Cline, and Joey Bowles listen intently. Being around these guys made me feel like a kid again, busting out in class.

As Jeff Eddy (right) talks with Mark Cline, Coach Rodger Monk points out family members to Herbie Brooks. Behind them are Jamie Phillips and Steve Vorholt.

Twins? No, but former South Charleston standouts Dave Walker and Gay Elmore get a laugh out of seemingly dressing from the same closet.

My parents, Alan and Ruth Spradling, pose with myself, Bruz Hicks and his mother, Greta,

on Saturday evening at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. Greta has always been a great friend to my family, and that began with AAU following our seventh grade year.

Mike Reed, Jr., is a grandfather?? Which makes Mike Reed, Sr., a great-grandfather?!! Yes, Tina Reed and her daughter, Alison, proudly display the newest member of the Reed crew, Layla, who was born July 26, 2009. Turns out Mike was already a grandfather of Baylee, two years old.

Rodger Monk catches up with Brett Harrison on Saturday night at Sleepy Hollow.

Jane Harrison reads about her husband, Brett, a post player on the 1979 AAU National Champions, as Linda Monk, foreground, takes in the action.

Ron Dawson graciously offered Sleepy Hallow as our meeting place for Saturday night, which included a great round of golf on Saturday afternoon. His family, pictured, includes Tina, Mrs. Dawson, future volleyball star Ashley (behind the cup), and Ron. One of the reasons he might regret making the offer is in the next photo...

Claire Spradling, 3 1/2, our youngest, gives a Sleepy Hollow-grown flower to her Grandfather, Alan Spradling, as Ruthie visits with Willie Jenkins. Claire handed out flowers -- or stems -- to just about everybody at the reunion.

Claire with the beginning bouquet...

Two of the Hicks crew, Ty, in the back, and Sidney, center, along wth Audrey, left, Evan, right, and Claire, front and center. All of the children played well and had a great game of Freeze Tag, on the noll overlooking 9 and 18 greens at Sleepy Hollow.

Seeing Buster Duiguid after probably 26 years was another thrill that evening. In addition to winning the '79 title together, we battled many times against each other as Charleston High squarded off with St. Albans. I can tell you, Buster was hard to keep up with. He went on to play at Alderson-Broaddus, but sat out his freshman year as well. At right is Mark Cline and Jamie Phillips.

Four of the ladies on Saturday evening, Jane Harrison (background), temporarily unidentified,
Linda Monk, and Sandi Morrison watch their men, friends and sons share stories about the good old days.


Standing behind Rodger on Saturday night, Ron Dawson, Bruz Hicks, Mark Cline (obscured by Bruz), Gay Elmore and J.T. Morris have a laugh over one of the many stories being told.


Dave Walker gives some pointers to the older Elmore boys, Ot, left, and John, who will both be heard from in the hoops world soon. Dave and Kathleen have two wonderful daughters. Kensi is beginning her sophomore season at Wooster College, in Ohio. Carley, is a senior at South Charleston and being recruited for basketball as well.


Bruz Hicks, Ron Cobb, Ron Dawson, and myself at the event at Sleepy Hollow Saturday night. You can tell by our faces it was a joyous occasion.


Big Mike Reed chats with Mark Cline as twighlight sets in at Sleepy Hollow.


Dale Monk moves in for the big kiss on his wife, Sally, Saturday night at Sleepy Hollow. Dale had designs for Rodger's full, individed attention at Monk Builders, but allowed him the freedom of his coaching window in AAU. That decision made history in West Virginia basketball. Thanks, Dale!


Maggi Overstreet, wife of Dr. Jeff, watches the men ham it up on Saturday evening. Jeff and Maggi took their four boys and Jeff's chiropractic practice to her native South America for a time. That is a story that will be featured in a future blog.


The former Judy Reed, with her great-granddaughter Alison, at Sleepy Hollow Saturday. It was great to see Judy, who retired as an educational administrator and now lives in Indiana.



Looking eloquent as always, Brisey Cline takes in the festivities on Saturday evening. She had a short distance to go since she has relocated to Putnam County. Momma is proud of her boy, Mark!

A letter from those who said "You Gotta Believe"

With permission, here is a letter written by Rodger Monk and Ron Cobb almost immediately following the AAU Reunion. I'll add more pictures since my slideshow is taking so long. A great time was had by all. Seeing each other again brought back so many wonderful memories, and I believe a bond is there that transcends time. There was real respect, admiration, and love for our coaches not only from the players but from their parents as well. That tells a story in itself, whether we were standing in the shadows of some tall hardware or not. (above photo illustration by Rachel Bush... click pictures to enlarge) -AS.

Willie Jenkins puts his big arm around Ron Cobb Saturday. Willie was a strong, stern athlete growing up, but he was all love on Friday and Saturday.

Guys, Ron and I just want to thank everyone that came to the AAU reunion........it was so nice to see everyone again ......plus now you guys have a family....and wow.....what nice looking kids. It was nice to see how much love everyone had towards each other........Ronnie Cobb and I both never dreamed that you players would keep so close and look out for each other as you do.( remember 75-year old Ronnie is still helping with basketball and the AAU ) ............as I was snapping pictures I noticed Gay Elmore was holding hands with his wife as they headed to the food line.......you would think after 4 children she would run away from him.....(just kidding Gay) ..........I'm not sure who has fathered the most but Jeff Overstreet had several in his party and I expect he might have that honor........Joey Bowles was a hoot as usual ...............and Mike Reed Jr. could go on stage with Jay Lenno.........(Oh where is Larry Bryson) .......Mike Reed Sr. had so many kind words for Ronnie and I......it was heart touching............I learned that J.T. Morris is playing an important part in keeping America safe.....it was great to see Sandy Morris as she was always a great supporter.....................Mark Cline made it to both nights and Mark invited me to a game if I could make it out......lets hope that Mark returns somewhere close so we can go see a game together ( I see Mark coaching in the Pro's soon) ....(good luck Mark) .....great to see Mark's mother again...........Ronnie Dawson has changed so much.......I now

know ...I'm his father....(same hair doo) ....he was a great host and has a soft heart......(thanks for the golf ride home) (and thanks to Walker for the golf ride down the hill) .......Alex Nagy was his usual self......I think he made a few side bets on the golf course and took Mawyer and Dr. Walker for a few bucks.......On Friday Hubie Brooks made it to the Power Alley as did Jeff and Brian Eddy........speaking of Eddys...Elmore was babysitting one of Eddy's daughters on Saturday ....( call that networking) ........Steve Vortholt and his family made it.....great to see them doing well....(spoke to his father by phone) Ron and I coached him since he was in the fifth grade.........Brett Harrison made it .........and he still looks the same........Of all the people that changed the most was Bruz.........I just couldn't put his face with the name.....he looks great !!........plus his mother came.....and great supporter........
How about Jenkins....was he working the room.......when we got ready to take pictures I thought he was going to pick me up out of my seat.......darn he's a big man..................Buster made it Friday night and I had been wanting to see him for such a long time.......he has some health issues but he is still on top of his game....Buster son will be playing for Capitol this year.....(gosh a repeat--Elmore's against Buster's kid) ..Andy Spradling and his crew...wow......Andy’s children are movie stars......and will be on TV someday......It was nice to chat with Andy’s father and mother............and thank Andy's wife for taking 1000 pictures......I know I will be leaving someone out but maybe after my cobwebs clear... I'll write more..........I hope I can hook Buster and Ronnie D up someday so for a lunch or dinner before I head back to Florida.......(they were good AAU buddys) let me know if anyone else wants to do the lunch....
I want to especially thank Andy for all his efforts because it took 18 months to pull this thing off.......his time and money.......I wish that everyone could have made it .......but some players live so far away and some had trips they could not work around....( we were thinking of them anyway) ........and for everyone looking out for me. both days.........hoping I didn't crash into some chairs or the floor.......some were even holding their breath.......hopefully the next time we meet I'll be over my health problems.......................I'll be heading back to Florida soon and if I can help anyone please call on me................may my heart always be with you !!! ....I could listen to your stories all night......Please-please keep in contact ..........I really want to hear more about your familys and what they are doing...so shoot me an email when they are(children) doing soccer-football-basketball-baseball-fishing or whatever- I don't have everyone email so pass this to the other guys.............

Rodger Monk
Ron Cobb

My son, Evan, and I stop to pose with Rodger (right) and my father, Alan Spradling, at Sleepy Hollow Saturday evening. The parents played such a big part of those title teams because for one, as I said that night, AAU trips were often our family's only vacation. Plus, we weren't driving. It was a committment for everybody, but especially for these next two guys...

When do you ever see two guys from Logan and Williamson arm in arm? Well, sure, if they've won a national title together. We had a great time playing golf at Sleepy Hollow Saturday, and here is some of the evidence, Alex Nagy and Mark Cline, definitely the golfers in our group which included Bruz, Mike, and myself. Mark is about a... four handicap, was it?

Bruz has a serious look of determination heading for the teebox; Mike has a look I more often saw in high school, and the activities surrounding it. We had many, many good times growing up...

The winning group: J.T. Morris, Dave Walker, our host, Ron Dawson, and John Mawyer. In a scrambles match, these guys shot a 60 at Sleepy Hollow, two strokes better than our fivesome. Dave and John were teammates on South Charleston squads that went to at least two state tournaments. John was on the '78 team that almost won it all in Iowa. Dave and John both went to New Orleans in '80. That was a trip for the books.

We Take a "Happy Birthday" Break...

I couldn't let this morning pass without sending out a special, sincere Happy Birthday wish to two of our followers, Rachel Bush and Rebekah "Beka"Messer -- the Kendall twins of Sissonville. These sisters competed successfully in soccer, basketball, and softball for the Indians, playing in numerous West Virginia state tournaments and winning titles. They went on to have successful careers in soccer at Morehead State University. The bond between these sisters - with their family and their wonderful husbands - is grounded in Christian values and truly unique in this day. Rachel is a talented graphic designer now working in higher ed. In mere minutes she made the front and back covers of the AAU Reunion program worthy of the occasion. For me, getting to know these girls over the past year has been gratifying, and our kids love them! For their part, they get a kick out of seeing this ol' man try to play hoops still. Let me tell you, they can both shoot the lights out! Happy 23rd Birthday to two wonderful young ladies, from Claire, Audrey, Evan, Myssy and me.

The Highs and Lows of Media Coverage

Check out the Charleston Gazette-Mail Sunday for a column by Frank Giardina on the event. Click on: http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200908080122 to read Frank's column. Or, here it is, posted below. My apologies to Steve Vorholt, who played on a couple of Monk teams, went on to star at George Washington, and is now a local physical therapist, and to Big Willie Jenkins, power forward on the '79 championship team who played the same role on South Charleston teams of 80-81, 81-82, both of whom were accidently excluded from this column. Also present was "youngster" D.J. Johnson, a player of Ron's from the modern era. I feel certain I mentioned them to Frank because I was looking at the group photo when we spoke, but in his defense, I'm sure he was doing a lot of scribbling as we spoke by phone. I'm going to add art from Saturday night, but I'm saving the group photo for the "photoshopped" version. Cutlines are in italics and not part of the column. AS.

The Sunday Gazette-Mail
August 8, 2009

AAU hoops reunion stirs memories of '70s success

IN THE 1970s, AAU basketball was big, but it was not the big business is it today. During that decade, the Kanawha Valley and the state of West Virginia made quite a showing on the national scene as a nucleus of 14- and 15-year-old players won national tournaments in 1977 and 1979 and was national runners-up in 1978. Coached by Rodger Monk, Ron Cobb and Jim Triplett, a team of West Virginia boys won the 12-and-under national title in 1977 and the 14-and-under championship in 1979.

The 1977 tournament was played in Cincinnati, and the 1979 event was played right here in Charleston at the old Civic Center and televised across the state on public television. Former Marshall assistant coach C. J. Woollum and I did the telecast.

Last weekend, many players from those teams gathered for a reunion at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Putnam County. Former St. Albans High School player Andy Spradling organized the event and offered these updates on some of the players that came back for the reunion:

Joey Bowles, Dunbar - Bowles was known for his hustling style as a young player. He gave up basketball to play football for the Bulldogs.

Coach Ron Cobb, Andy Spradling, Alex Nagy, Mike Reed, Jeff Overstreet, Joey Bowles, and Brett Harrison listen as the '77 and '79 players tell stories and await their group photo at Sleepy Hollow Country Club on Saturday, August 1, 2009.

David Bradley, South Charleston - Bradley, who missed the reunion, was a three-sport star at SC and played in Class AAA state basketball title games in 1981 and 1982.

Herbie Brooks, Mullens - Brooks had an incredible career at Mullens High School, where he led the Rebels to three Class A titles and set the state tournament single-game scoring record. Brooks, who had a good career at WVU for Gale Catlett, now lives in Beckley and, according to Spradling, "looks as if he can still play."


Herbie with Coach Rodger Monk. Herbie played against the Russians for Rodger in Huntington in 1983, and spent a great deal of time at Rodger's home in preparation for the game. Rodger is also a huge WVU fan, so having Herbie there on Friday night was special.

Mark Cline, Williamson - Cline was the MVP of the 1979 national tournament and a McDonald's High School All-American at Williamson High in 1983. He later helped Wake Forest to the NCAA Elite Eight as a freshman and is now an assistant coach at Oklahoma.

Ron Dawson, Hurricane - Spradling described Dawson as a gifted athlete who was good at everything he tried. He was good in tennis, basketball and an all-state golfer at Hurricane.


Three great people, great guards, and great friends: Alex Nagy, Bruz Hicks, and Ron Dawson.

Buster Duiguid - After playing at Charleston High with teammate Keith Tyler, Duiguid played in college at Alderson-Broaddus.

Buster Duiguid, catching up with Coach Monk upon arrival, was a sharp shooting, ultra quick guard who added scoring punch to the 79 title team. The Vorholts are in the background.

Jeff and Brian Eddy, Parkersburg - The Eddys came down from Parkersburg to play with the team. Jeff later played tight end at West Virginia and Brian is now a school administrator in Sissonville. (see previous post for art of these two cousins).

Gay Elmore, South Charleston - Elmore was the MVP of the 12-and-under tournament in Cincinnati and went on to an all-state career at SC. In college, he was one of the best players in VMI school history.

Brett Harrison, George Washington - He was one of the team's taller players and went on to play for the Patriots.


Feeling small: Andy Spradling, flanked by two tall and powerful players - Brett Harrison and Gay Elmore, on Saturday night at Sleepy Hollow Country Club.

Bruz Hicks, Nitro - Hicks starred at Nitro before going on to play at the University of Charleston. He now lives in Louisville, Ky.

John Maywer, South Charleston - Maywer played on SC teams that made it to the state tournament in 1980 and 1981.

J.T. Morris, St. Albans - An unheralded, aggressive and physical player, Morris played at St. Albans with Mike Reed and Spradling.

Alex Nagy, Logan - Nagy was the point guard for the AAU team and went on to play at Logan. He later had an outstanding baseball career at West Virginia State and is now a local businessman in the Kanawha Valley.


The food was great, the company even greater: Jeff Overstreet, Andy Spradling, Mark Cline, Mike Reed and J.T. Morris enjoy the festivities at Sleepy Hollow on Saturday.

Jeff Overstreet, Huntington - Overstreet played high school basketball at a private Christian school in Huntington, so many fans in the state did not get to see him play. He is a chiropractor in Huntington and recently returned from working as a missionary in Bolivia.

Jamie Phillips, Williamson - After transferring from George Washington, Phillips teamed with Cline to lead the Wolfpack to the 1983 Class AA state title and earned a scholarship to East Tennessee State. Phillips still lives in the Valley and works in the chemical industry.


Jamie Phillips and J.T. Morris, 1983 graduates of Williamson and St. Albans, respectively, catch up about the good ol' days.

Mike Reed, St. Albans - A blue-collar, steady leader, Reed is now the football coach at Hayes Junior High.

Dave Walker, South Charleston - A hard-nosed, team-oriented, physical defender and player, Walker was a multi-sports athlete at South Charleston.


The golfers consisted of Alex Nagy, John Mawyer, Ron Dawson, David Walker, Mike Reed, Andy Spradling, Mark Cline, Bruz Hicks, and J.T. Morris. Thanks again to Ron and Sleepy Hollow for allowing us on to their beautiful course.

Mike Reed, Sr., talks with Herbie Brooks and Willie Jenkins about Brooks' 50-point state tournament performance on Friday evening at The Clubhouse at Appalachian Power Park. Mike was always active in Charleston area athletics including being the first manager of Laidley Field and helping to start the Charleston Distance Run . He was the director of the AAU Tournament held in Charleston.

More of The Gathering... July 31, 2009

Coaches Rodger Monk and Ron Cobb on Friday evening. Jim Triplett, unfortunately, was called away for an emergency. These gentlemen spent years helping kids -- Ron still coaches and runs South Hills Youth Basketball (Shyball) -- when they had no children on the horizon. Ron eventually had a son, Ronnie. Rodger, Ron, and Jim received plaques that night. They read:

Rodger Monk, Ron Cobb, and Jim Triplett
West Virginia AAU Coach

A Heartfelt Thanks For Selflessly Giving Your Time, Coaching Ability, and Leadership. You Enriched Many Young Lives.

Sincerely, Your AAU Players



The St. Albans contingency: myself, Mike Reed, and J.T. Morris. Mike has brought respect back to the Hayes Middle School football program -- Hayes never lost a football game the three years I attended -- and J.T. is doing anti-terrorism work for the U.S. government.


The meat and potatoes of a strong South Charleston program in 1981-82, Willie Jenkins and Gay Elmore, who played on the 79 and 77 teams, respectively. Gay of course went on to become the Southern Conference all-time leading scorer out of VMI and was an NBA draft pick. What team drafted him?



The Eddy cousins, Brian and Jeff, were as always, the life of the party. These Parkersburg natives were a big part of the 1978 AAU team that lost in the finals in Iowa by a point. That's right, we nearly won three national titles in a row. Brian is now the principal at Sissonville Middle School, and Jeff, after playing football for WVU, is a pharacist and big game hunter. His greatest feat though was marrying a St. Albans girl, Amy Greybill.



Mark Martin, a good friend of all area sports, interviews Mark Cline Friday night. A.J. is Mark's cameraman.

Mark's coverage of the event - which included interviews with Bruz Hicks, Gay Elmore, Herbie Brooks, and myself -- ran that evening, but he has promised an expanded story that I will link to the blog and include with the dvd of the '79 AAU championship game.

I promise the slidshow is coming.