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Faculty & Staff
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The pictures are as represented in the Woodrow Wilson High School, Portsmouth, Virginia yearbook or annual of the year indicated on the page. The Memory pictures may not be complete and pictures and names may have been removed by request of the person involved. Also, it does not offically indicate the year of graduation and/or that the party in question graduated. This section of the website is dedicated to the memories of all alumni and are found in personal items that alumni have saved and were kind enough to allow it to be shared with others. Thank You. If you are not represented in your class, or have other pictures for the memories section you may submit a photo to be added. John “Eddie” Lee ’68.
P. O. Atkinson, Tommy Bush put the stopper on Oscar Smith ball carrier.
Billy Sawyer, Carlyle Duncan help smother a Cavalier.
First row: Carl Rhodes, Billy Sawyer, Dickie Leigh, Co-Captains David Opauski and David Williams, Gary Pratt, Carlyle Duncan, Jerry Gwaltney, George Ridenour, Jerry Cross.Second row: Steve Parrish, Freddy Cobb, Paul Long, Bill DeLoatch, Ken ny Ponton, Jimmy Hendrix, Hank Hannah, Sonny Wellons, Larry Holmes. Third row: Danny Duncan, Richard Hoffler, Pete Holland, Tommy Vaughan, Kenny Robinson, Butch Beale, Tom Everett, Bruce Parker, Herbie Hale, Sammy Brooks, Head Coach Pete Mills. Fourth row: Asst. Coach Jack Mounie; Bobby Strickler, Gary Lusk, E. W. Riddick, Larry Keanon, Chester Harrison, Bobby Allen, Dukie Woodard, Vaughan Privett. Fifth row: Dickie Journee, Johnny Rowe, Kitchen Harris, Eric Belcher, Wayne Wynn, Steve Hollowell, Bobby Leary, Gerald Gwaltney, Asst. Coach Bill Strawn
Shows Just Two Wins
CARLOS "PETE" MILLS
Head Coach
DAVID WILLIAMS, DAVID OPAUSKI
Co-Captains
Coach Mills and a word of advice to
Richard White.
Asst. Coach Sherrill, the sideline phone, and boys keep a
catchful eye on the procedings.
Asst. Coach Strawn in one of his pep
talks.
1959 SEASON RECORD
Wilson 6
Wilson 26
Wilson 0
Wilson 0
Wilson 0
Wilson 20
Wilson 7
Wilson 0
Wilson 7
Wilson 3
Oscar Smith 6
Hopewell 12
Norview 12
Wash. & Lee 14
Hampton 20
Churchland 12
Maury 18
Princess Anne 12
Granby 12
Cradock 44
GEORGE RIDENOUR
Quaterback
BUTCH BEALE
Center
KENNY PONTON
End
BRUCE PARKER
End
BILLY SAWYER
Center
DICKIE LEE
Center
P. O. ATKINSON
Halfback
GARY PRATT
Tackle
BILL DeLOATCH
Guard
JERRY CROSS
Halfback
CARLYLE DUNCAN
End
Truckers knock on touchdown door as P. O. looks on.
FREDDIE COBB
Quarterback
STEVE HOLLOWELL
Fullback
RICHARD FRANKS
Tackle
DON RIDDICK
End
JERRY GWALTNEY
Tackle
VAUGHAN PRIVTT
Guard
WILSON 7 - GRANBY 12
The Granby Blue Comets took advantage of two fumbles in the first quarter to score all of their points in a 12 - 7 victory over the Presidents.
The middle of the Prexie line again proved to be a deciding factor as Preston Hodges, Comet fullback, found a hole and romped for the second T D, a 55 yard sneak.
The Prexies' only tally came as the game was almost over. Reserve quarterback Freddy Cobb tossed to reserve end Carl Rhodes on the two yard line, and Rhodes just stepped over for the six pointer.
Co-Captain David Williams split the uprights for the extra point.
WILSON 3 - CRADOCK 44
The Cradock Admirals did everything right as they handed the Presidents their most humiliating defeat since 1938, a 44 - 3 thrashing.
The Admirals blocked an attempted punt by Kitchin Harris on the opening series of downs, and a Cradock lineman picked up the loose ball on the 20 to race to pay dirt.
Early in the second period, after the Presidents failed to score on their first series of plays set up by recovering a fumble on the Cradock eight yard line, David Opauski brought the crowd to its feet with a high school spectacular, a 21 yard field goal.
The Presidents spent the rest of the game helplessly watching the Admirals run up the score.
Jerry Cross about to halt Versprille of
Norview.
Type of defense that stopped Norview cold in the
second half.
WILSON 6 - OSCAR SMITH 6
Lack of experie nce was the keynote as the Presidents opened the 1959 season. This was borne out by the fact that they were unable to do any more than gain a 6 - 6 tie against Oscar Smith.
Had the locals been able to cash in on either of two breaks that presented themselves in the first and third quarters, the outcome may have been different. Carlyle Duncan recovered a Smith fumble at the 30 yard line of the visitors on the opening kickoff, but the Wilson attack bogged down. In the third quarter, David Williams broke away for 52 yards, but Smith held for downs at the two, where they took over.
Williams registered the only score' for Wilson.
WILSON 26 - HOPEWELL 12
The only bright spot of the 1959 season came when the Presidents whipped the Central District power, Hopewell, 26 -12.
The four touchdowns scored by the Prexies represented their highest output for the season. These were registered by David Williams on a five yard run, Steve Hollowell on a one yard plunge, Jerry Cross on a two yard sweep, and Carlyle Duncan on a pitchout-pass play which went from George Ridenour to Williams, who then passed the distance.
Cross was the outstanding player of the game, gaining 95
yards in 15 carries. 60 of these yards resulted from a first quarter sprint that set up the first score.
CARL RHODES
Quarterback
AUSTIN NASH
Halfback
TOMMY VAUGHAN
End
ARTHUR HENDERSON
Guard
ERIC BELCHER
Tackle
WAYNE WYNN
Halfback
LARRY HOLMES
Quarterback
CHESTER HARRISON
Tackle
GARY ANGELL
Halfback
WILSON 7 - MAURY 18
The Maury Commodores, winless in 16 straight games dating back to Thanksgiving Day, 1957, came to Portsmouth Stadium fired up, and upset Wilson to the tune of 18 - 7.
David Williams, Prexie candidate for any and all honors, did everything possible to keep the visitors from winning. He ran, passed, received passes, and punted, but his all-out efforts were not enough. He scored the only Prexie touchdown on a 22 yard pass from George Ridenour.
This was Maury's first victory over the Presidents since 1955, but they still hold an over-all edge in a rivalry that is probably the oldest in the South.
David Opauski, Gary Pratt, and Freddy Cobb all played out- standing games in a losing cause
WILSON 0 - PRINCESS ANNE 12
Wilson was assured of its first losing season in 11 years by dropping a 12 - 0 decision to the Princess Anne Cavaliers.
The game was evenly fought during the first half, with neither team challenging seriously. However, the second half told a different story as the Cavaliers march 64 yards after the kickoff for their first score.
In the fourth period David Opauski pounced on a fumble at Cavalier 25, but the Presidents lost the ball on downs at the eight yard line. The home team then marched 92 yards for their second tally. Outstanding were Opauski, David Williams, Kenny Ponton, P. O. Atkinson, Gary Pratt, Hank Hannah, Carlyle Duncan, Steve Hollowell, and Jerry Cross
DUKIE WOODARD
Guard
Jerry Cross breaks into the clear against Maury.
PAUL LONG
Tackle
STEVE PARRISH
Fullback
Williams takes off on 72 yard touchdown jaunt to complete
scoring against the Truckers.
HANK HANNAH
End
KENNY ROBINSON
Guard
KITCHEN HARRIS
Fullback
WILSON 0 - NORVIEW 12
The Prexies suffered their first loss of the season, 12 - 0, at the hands of Norview, 1959 State Champions.
In the first quarter the Pilots' Eddie Vesperille scored both touchdowns and the -one exrta point.
Co-Captain David Williams was injured in the second quarter, and for the remainder of the game. Although Jerry Cross led the Prexie offense, which dominated the second half, by amazing 83 yards in 17 carries, the team needed the extra punch Williams would have added.
The President stone-wall defense of th scond half was led by Co-Capt. David Opauski, Carlyle Duncan, and Kenny Ponton.
WILSON 0 - WASHINGTON & LEE 14
The Washington & Lee Generals came up with a mighty defense against the invading Prexies in their 14 - 0 romp.
Before Steve Hollowell galloped up the middle for a 17 yard gain late in the first period, the Prexies were minus 13 yards rushing.
The Generals capitalized on two Wilson fumbles, as well as grabbing off four aerials intended for President receivers, as they marched to victory.
The Generals' powerful line held the visitors to a mere 59 yards rushing, and at. the same time completely bottled up the Prexie passing game.
W. & L.'s second tally came after a host of Generals blocked a punt on the Wilson six yard line.
WILSON 0 - HAMPTON 20
Homecoming day was a heartbreaker at Wilson as the Prexies dropped their third straight game, a 20 - 0 decision to the Hampton Crabbers.
The Presidents held the visitors scoreless up until about four minutes before the end of the half. At this point, Crabber Jimmy Eason climaxed a 52 yard drive by plunging for .six points from three yards out.
Co-Captain David Williams, who had been on the injured list since the Norview game, returned to action and picked up 74 of the 105 rushing yards credited to the Presidents.
The only highlight for the locals was the crowning of Queen Jackie Drake by retired principal, Mr. R. L. Sweeney
WILSON 20 - CHURCHLAND 12
The Presidents scored their second and, as it turned out, last victory of the season over the Churchland Truckers.
In the first and third quarters, bad passes on the part of the Truckers set up scores for the Prexies. In the first quarter David Williams drove 14 yards, and in the third, George Ridenour dove one yard for tallies.
At the half the score stood at 12 - 6 in favor of the Truckers, and going. into the final period, the Presidents led, 13 - 12.
Williams picked up 118 yards for the night, while Hank Hannah and David Opauski were defensive standouts. Late in the contest Williams iced the win with an electrifying run that covered 72 yards as he exploded off tackle without a hand being laid on him.
DICKIE JOURNEE
Center
BOBBY LEARY
Center
Fred Cobb convoyed around end by Hollowell and Nash in
Cradock game.
SONNY WELLONS
End
Staples and mate bring down Oscar Smith back as Jerry Gwaltney comes up to give a hand.
Hollowell drives for short yardage against Hampton Crabbers.
BILLY BREEDLOVE
End
NORMAN ROBERTSON
Guard
JEFF STAPLES
End
JIMMY HENDRIX
Fullback
COACH JACK RYDER
JOE ARMSTRONG
Guard
First row: D. Riddick, J. Thacker, D. Morgan, L. Keenan, E. Bryant, J. Franssen, B. Leary, C. Gwaltney. Second row; Coach Jim Sherrill, B. Cook, T. Morgan, B. Pratt, G. Moore, W. Harris, T. Everett, E. Hooks, Coach Jack Ryder. Third B. Allen, R. Strickler, B. Cross, W. Bunting, M. Harris, T. Tieslau, O. Thorpe. Fourth row: B. Horton, J. Brooks, S. Brooks, J. Armstrong, D.. Duncan, G. Lusk.
Above: Nash outruns Wellons, Duncan and Hoffler as Atkinson leads the way. Right: Holmes nailed by unidentified junior. Others pictured are Ridenour, Nash, and Belcher. (This was the game between Senior and Junior squad members. Seniors won, 21 - 6).
Bryant skirts end for sizeable gain in Band Benefit game with Hampton.
DANNY DUNCAN
Tackle
One unusual feature about the 1959 squad was the fact that for the first time it was partly made up of Eighth grade players from Harry Hunt Junior High School. These boys were Frankie Culpepper, Herb Hale, Robert Bartlett, Davis, and Ponton, who claimed the distiction of being the team's leading scorer. Hale was a defensive halfback, Culpepper, a defensive linebacker,
and Ponton, a halfback.
The outlook for 1960 should be brighter, especially since the Eighth graders will return as Freshmen with a year's experience behind them.
The Freshman team, while it only played four games, had the best won and lost record of the three teams. It suffered one defeat at the hands of Olive Branch by a 7 - 0 score. The team was again coached by Jim Sherrill.
FRESHMAN RECORD
1959
Hale hauled down from behind after short gain against Churchland.
Harris about to perform his specialty in Cra-dock game.
R. Bartlett, J. Ponton, L. Davis, H. Hale, F. Culpepper - first Eighth Graders from Harry Hunt ever to play junior varsity football.
Hollowell breaks loose for gain aginst Hopewell.
SEASON REVIEW
The 1959 season was one of ups and downs for the Junior Varsity as the record indicates. While they did slightly better than their varsity brothers, the three wins and three losses were a far cry from the previous two seasons during which not a single game was lost.
Coach Jack Ryder was naturally a little dis-appointed with the season reusIts, but was quick to point out that nothing takes the place of experience, an ingredient which was completely lacking at the start of the season.
There are always some players that stand out on any team regardless of what the record may be. Singled out for their performances during the 1959 season were Joe Armstrong, Don Riddick, Larry Davis, Eugene Hooks, Dick Morgan, and Jimbo Ponton.
Armstrong played both ways-as a guard on offense,
and as one of the defensive linebackers. Riddick was also a two-way standout at his offensive and defensive end positions. -Hooks was the regular left halfback on offense, and Morgan held forth at defensive tackle.
Cobb looks for help from Williams and Holmes as he takes off
around end in Cradock game.
Princess Ann Cavaliers put the stopper on Williams.
PETE HOLLAND
Center
E. W. RIDDICK
End
RICHARD HOFFLER
Tackle
At Season's End . . . .
. . . Junior-Senior Game
Junior Varsity. . . . . . . . . . . . .wins and losses were even
Wilson 20
Wilson 22
Wilson 0
Wilson 0
Wilson 13
Wilson 21
SEASON RECORD - 1959
Warwick 13
Maury 6
Oscar Smith 20
Granby 20
Churchland 0
Hampton 7
Wilson 25
Wilson 12
Wilson 13
Wilson 0
Westhaven 13
Port Norfolk 0
Prentis Park 7
Olive Branch 7
Butler gets real help from Bryant and unidentified team mate in
