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Kneeling: Tri-captain Howard Blackman, Coach Jack Ryder, Tri-captain Carl Rhodes. Standing: Frenchie Johnson, Buddy Saunders, Ray Baker, Larry Schwab, Tri-captain Jerry Lawson, Larry Keenan, Tommy Smith, Larry Davis, Ronnie Bucher.
Rufus Tonelson, chairman of Eastern District
Principal’s Association, presents winning team
trophy to Coach Jack Ryder.
Tri-captains Carl Rhodes, Howard Blackman, Jerry Lawson, Coach
Jack Ryder.
Lawson lays one up for two points in win over Newport News
that decided championship. Trying to block the shot are Mack Hill (25), and co-captain William Ansbach (22).
Rhodes outdistances Conway Smith (21) and Larry Brady (41) of Warwick for two points in win which gave Wilson the District Tournament title. In the background is Larry Davis.
Jerry Lawson
Center
Howard Blackman
Forward
Carl Rhodes
Forward
Frenchie Johnson
Guard
Ray Baker
Guard
Larry Davis
Guard
Tommy Smith
Forward
Larry Keenan
Center
Ronnie Bucher
Guard
LeRoy Saunders
Guard
Larry Schwab
Center
Coach Ryder in typical time out scene.
The 1960-61 basketball campaign proved to be a highly successful one, with the team posting a 21-6 won-loss record. The season opened with city rival St. Pauls High School, and Wilson went on to win seven straight games before losing to the Maury
Commodores and the Warwick Farmers, two teams that always play their best against Wilson.
The Presidents elected Jerry Lawson, Carl Rhodes and Howard Blackman tri-captains, and they proved themselves capable leaders throughout the season.
Lawson with a 16.1 average, Blackman with 12.3 and Rhodes with an average of 7.8 points per game were the main reasons for the Presidents finishing first in the Eastern District. Little Frenchie Johnson, 3.4 and Ray Baker, 6.8 combined their talents to make up one of the best back court combinations in the district. Larry Davis, 2.6, Tommy Smith, 2.6, and Larry Keenan, 2.3 were always ready whenever Coach Jack Ryder needed a capable replacement.
The Presidents created a three way tie in the final standings by defeating Cradock in the last regular game of the season. A playoff was necessary between Wilson, Cradock, and Newport News in order to decide the champion. Coach Ryder lost the draw for a bye, and the Prexies had to play Cradock and Newport News back to back.
Coming up with three sound games in five days, the Presidents clinched the season title and a berth in the State Tournament at Charlottesville, the last victory being an impressive 53-37 one over Newport News.
The Eastern District Tournament was held in the Norfolk Arena. The Presidents defeated Norview. 64-43, in the quarterfinals, and then Princess Anne in the semi-finals, 65-47, to gain the right to play
Warwick for the tournament championship. The Prexies defeated the defending champions, 50-45, with Jerry Lawson and Carl Rhodes each scoring 16 points.
Lawson won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Trophy. He was leading scorer with 64 points, and leading rebounder with 37. In addition to this, he was a selection on the All-Eastern District Team and All-Eastern District Tournament Team. Rhodes and Blackman were also recipients of the latter honor.
Wilson journeyed to the State Tournament to meet Virginia of Bristol in the opening round. With Carl Rhodes and Jerry Lawson leading the way, the Presidents recorded a smashing 61-39 victory. Rhodes displayed his finest efforts of the season in scoring 23 points and hauling in 12 rebounds. Lawson scored 20 points and was credited with 13 rebounds. Howard Blackman, Wilson’s defensive specialist, limited Pat Robinette, Bristol’s high scoring senior, to eight points.
In the semi-finals, E. C. Glass of Lynchburg overcame the Presidents, 39-27. Wilson was limited to 11 field goals in 43 attempts, a poor 26 percent. Blackman led the Prexies in scoring with 10 points.
Warwick’s Farmers hit a hot streak in the fourth quarter and finally subdued Wilson in overtime, 39-37, in the consolation game. Lawson led Wilson in the scoring department with 10 points. Rounding out the squad were Buddy Saunders, Kenny Coles, Ronnie Bucher and Larry Schwab.
In his fifth year as head basketball coach at Wilson Coach Jack Ryder has compiled a record of 99 victories and 19 defeats, an impressive .833 percentage.
Looks like Mike Glenn of St. Pauls caused Rhodes to fumble on this play in opening game win by Wilson.
Lawson has no trouble controlling rebound in win over Princess Anne. Other players are Robert Henderson (45) and Lynn Jones (51) of Princess Anne, and Carl Rhodes and Howard Blackman.
Lawson and Blackman have this rebound pretty well under
control in overtime loss to Warwick. Coming up behind are
Charles Snead and Allan Vann of the Farmers.
Lawson is hemmed in by Mike Cole and Billy Rew of the
Crabbers as Blackman stands by to help.
Tournaments . . . . . . . .
Morris of E. C. Glass is pretty well tied up
by Blackman and Lawson with Johnson ready to give a hand.
Blackman beats Morris of E. C. Glass
for an easy two points in State Tourna-
ment loss to Hilltoppers.
Lawson and two easy points against Typhoon as John Car-eton (32) and William Bryant (34) make a vain attempt to prevent the score.
Rhodes passes off over head of Typhoon de-
fended William Ansbach (22). Robert Worth-
ington (35) is in the background.
Baker is completely surrounded by William Bryant (34),
Mark Hill (25) and Horace Underwood (24).
. . . . . District Playoff
Theophilos (51) has Rhodes pretty well
covered, Number 11 is Larry Grizzle.
Lawson looks for mate to pass to
with Charles Snead (45) ready to
block from behind. Coming in fast
is Tyke Theophilos.
Baker drives around J. W. Stal-
lings (23). In the background is Smith (23).
Morris of E. C. Glass looks like he’s in
for it from the expression on Davis’ face, Lawson lunges for the ball.
Stallings (23) and Mike Challoner put the squeeze on Baker.
Rhodes is really trying to pass off even though it
looks like he’s trying to kick Blackman during E. C. Glass game.
Presidents Bounce Back
With Five Wins, Five Losses
First row: Wally Bunting, Dukie Woodard, Mike Opauski, Robert Bartlett, Otis Thorpe, D. C. Evans, Steve Parris, Jimbo Ponton, Johnny Rowe, Jimmy Thacker, Bobby Allen. Second row: J. T. Mariner, Gary Lusk, Steve Hollowell, Carl Rhodes, Jerry Gwaltney, Charlie Jenkins, Jerry Cross, Freddie Cobb, Eric Belcher, Chester Harrison, Paul Long, Calvin Trueblood, Don Riddick, David Smith.
Steve Hollowell
Fullback
Carl Rhodes
Halfback-End
Tri-captains Duncan, Cross, Cobb await presentation of awards from Coach Mills.
Third row: Coach Strawn, Cecil Ricks, Johnny Brooks, Bobby Cross, Bobby Cook, Larry Davis, Sonny Wellons, Tommy Vaughan, Bobby Vernon, Bobby Leary, Sammy Brooks, Kenny Robinson, Carlyle Duncan, Coach Mills. Fourth row: Coach Mounie, Robert Cox, E. W. Riddick, David Straeten, Rickey Turner, Gary Owens, Bernard Doleman, Donald Langston, Coach Beale.
Fred Cobb
Tri-capt.
Carlyle Duncan
Tri-capt.
SEASON RECORD—1960
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
19
31
0
7
13
6
7
27
7
12
Oscar Smith
Norfok Cath.
Norview
St. John's
Hampton
Churchland
Maury
Princess Anne
Granby
Cradock
26
0
13
6
6
13
28
7
0
25
Bill Strawn, asst., Howard Beale, asst., Pete Mills, head coach, Jack
Mounie, asst., Jim Sherill, asst.
Jerry Cross
Tri-capt.
Jerry Gwaltney,
Tackle
Paul Long,
Tackle
Kenny Robinson,
Guard
Dukie Woodard,
Guard
Sonny Wellons,
End
Chester Harrison,
Guard
Tommy Vaughan,
End
Eric Belcher,
Tackle
Charles Jenkins,
Guard
Jimmy Thacker,
Center
E. W. Riddick,
End
Calvin Trueblood,
Halfback
WILSON 19 — OSCAR SMITH 26
Opening day proved disastrous for the Presidents as spirit and a potent offense were not enough to cope with a surprisingly strong Oscar Smith team, The scrappy Presidents, however, made quite a game of it, showing promise of future success. Breaks played a very important part in this opener. Working quite smoothly under the direction of Fred Cobb, the Prexies showed a well balanced offensive attack. Particularly outstanding was Jerry Cross, the flashy halfback who showed that he was definitely a candidate for post-season honors. Even in losing the Prexies served notice that they were going to be tough, Carl Rhodes, Cross and Steve Hollowell hit pay dirt for the Presidents, with Rhodes adding the extra point.
WILSON 31 — NORFOLK CATHOLIC 0
Bouncing back from their first game defeat by Oscar Smith, the Presidents proceeded to whip Norfolk Catholic unmercifully. The only bright spot in Catholic’s attack was their speedy halfback, Mike Caprio. Wilson, on the other hand, had quite a few bright spots. Scoring almost at will during the first three quarters, the final outcome was never in doubt. Once more Jerry Cross and Fred Cobb led a well balanced Wilson attack. Cobb’s pinpoint passing and Cross’s running proved to be a successful combination. These two were not the whole show, however, as they were quite ably backed up by a strong defense, and by the rest of the backfield. Cross led the parade with three touchdowns, helped by Steve Hollowell and Carl Rhodes who each scored once. Tommy Vaughan added the extra point.
Gary Lusk,
Tackle
Steve Parris,
Halfback
David Straeten,
Guard
Bobby Vernon,
Guard
Don Riddick,
End
Bobby Allen,
Quarterback
Solid wall of Granby defenders fails to hold Hollowell as he dives for the only score of the game.
WILSON 0 — NORVIEW 13
Rejuvenated after the one sided victory over Norfolk Catholic, the Presidents journeyed to nearby Norfolk to engage powerful Norview, defending State champions. Followed by three chartered buses of hopeful Wilson students, the once-beaten Prexies presented a real challenge to the Norview squad.
The game was closer than the score revealed. Playing Norview to a standstill in the first half, the Presidents showed a much stronger defense than they were expected to have. The offense, however, was stymied by the powerful line of the Pilots.
Finally, during the second half, the Pilots broke the ice. Behind Tom Tatem and Ken Whitley, the Pilots dealt Wilson its second heartbreaking setback in three games.
WILSON 7 — ST. JOHN’S 6
Homecoming day dawned bright and cheery for students, alumni, and members of the football team. With much anticipation, all parties looked toward the parade, barbecue, and football game against highly touted St. John’s of Washington.
Boasting the services of the best passing quarterback in the Washington areas, St. John’s traveled to Portsmouth in the role of favorite. Early in the first quarter the Johnnies scored their only touchdown. The extra point was good, but a_ penalty nullified the attempt, and the second try failed. The 6-0 lead held up until late in the fourth quarter when Jerry Cross broke into the clear over left tackle, and sped 62 yards for the equalizer. Fred Cobb then threw to Carlyle Duncan from a fake place kick formation for the extra point and a Wilson victory.
WILSON 13 — HAMPTON 7
Fresh from their stunning upset victory over St. John’s the Presidents journeyed to Hampton for their yearly meeting with the Crabbers. Early in the game the Presidents showed that this might be an easy game. However, the strong attack that the Orange and Blue had wielded in the early moments bogged down.
After three and one half periods of see-saw play the Prexies found themselves one point behind the Crabbers. The offense began to click as Cobb pitched out the Cross who proceeded to run Hampton ragged.
With just thirty seconds showing on the clock Cross took a quick hand-off from Cobb and exploded over left tackle to score standing up. The extra point came as a result of a Cobb to Rhodes pass.
Early in the contest Cobb scored from a few yards out to give the Presidents a 6-0 lead.
WILSON 6 — CHURCHLAND 13
Arch rivalry was very much in evidence as Wilson prepared to meet Churchland. The records of both teams were even, and so was the game.
The Wilson defense was geared for all-Eastern Kirt Lawson, shifty halfback from Churchland, and contained him quite well. Sparked by second-stringer Regis Lauer, the Truckers stayed in the game all the way. Unfortunately, the big break came as the Presidents began to move. A President pass was intercepted and returned 80 yards for the score that gave Churchland its first victory ever over a Wilson team.
Steve Hollowell scored from two yards out, climaxing a sustained drive of some sixty yards,
David Smith,
Fullback
Rickey Turner,
Guard
Johnny Brooks,
Tackle
Sammy Brooks,
Tackle
Jimbo Ponton
Halfback
Larry Davis
Quarterback
Bobby Cross
End
D. C. Evans
Halfback
Johnny Rowe
Halfback
Bobby Leary
Center
Mike Opauski
End
Bobby Cook
End
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.
Any corrections or omissions please submit them by E-Mail
In the first Saturday afternoon game of the year the Presidents journeyed to Foreman Field to play a defensively strong Maury team. It was Homecoming Day for the home team, and the Commodores were not to be denied. Moving the ball steadily, the Norfolk boys completely outclassed a “lack-luster” band of Prexies, and sent them back to Portsmouth with their worst defeat of the season.
For some reason the Prexies could not move. The offense, which had been well-balanced all year, was impotent. The defense was even worse. Maury took full advantage of Wilson’s mistakes in inflicting a second successive defeat
on the Orange and Blue.
The only bright spot of the afternoon came on the very first play from scrimmage as Cobb dropped back and hit Jerry Cross with a scoring pass play that covered 65 yards. The point resulted from Cobb’s successful placement.
WILSON 27 — PRINCESS ANNE 7
After successive losses to Churchland and Maury, Wilson came back strong to defeat a favored Princess Anne team by twenty points. This was a rewarding victory for the Presidents as Princess Anne is coached by Pete Sachron, former Wilson mentor.
The Presidents showed a powerful attack to their surprised foes as they drove up and down the field. The students were elated as they realized that their team, which had done so poorly against Maury, was showing that early season. spark, Led again by Jerry Cross and Fred Cobb, along with the entire line, the Presidents vaulted into the win column.
Cross accounted for two touchdowns, and Steve Hollowell and Carl Rhodes, for one each, Extra points were added by Rhodes on a pass from Cobb, and by two conversions by Cobb.
Cross uses straight arm to good advantage as he turns the
corner for a sizeable gain against Princess Anne.
Hollowell picks up good yardage during upset win over
St. John’s.
Robert Bartlett
Guard
Jake Marriner
Tackle
John Harris, Huie "Moose" Benson, Larry Walters,
Managers
WILSON 7 — GRANBY 0
After a mildly surprising victory over Princess Anne, the Presidents were a spirited group the next Friday, Unfortunate- ly, the hand of Mother Nature pulled the string for rain, and the game was cancelled until the next day. Playing on a muddy field, both teams had trouble mount- ing any kind of an offense. Wilson finally came through with a touchdown and the fifth victory of the season. Coach Mills was proud of the fact that the team showed it could make a comeback, After two successive victories, the Presidents looked forward to Thanksgiving and their final game.
The only score resulted from a plunge by Steve Hollowell, who played one of his better games, and a successful con- version by Fred Cobb.
WILSON 12 — CRADOCK 25
Thanksgiving came all too soon, putting an end to an up and down season. All hands reached apprehensively for turkey dinners and a Cradock defeat as a near capacity crowd came to watch the traditional Wilson—Cradock tilt. The scrappy Presidents played good ball for the better part of the game, but the powerful Admirals were not to be denied. With end Wayne Waff rushing hard and catching passes, and the running of the Cradock backfield, the Presidents were finally vanquished in the last eight minutes of the game.
Standouts for the home team once again were Fred Cobb and Jerry Cross, the latter scoring both Wilson touchdowns.
Rhodes, after taking pass from Cobb, picks up a first
down against Maury.
Cobb finds all his receivers covered but still manages a
short gain against Princess Anne.
Cross shows how he feels as Hollowell plunges for a score against Oscar Smith.
Donald Langston
End
Hollowell plunges for a touchdown in the 31 - 0 route of Norfolk Catholic before the home folks.
Cobb sneaks over from a few yards out to register the
first score early in the Hampton game.
Duncan displays some of the drive that would have helped
the team had he not been injured and lost for most of the
season. Here, he is brought down by a Norview defender.