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!
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