Thank You Rick Cleveland!
Special thanks to Rick Cleveland of Mississippi Today for coming to Forest Friday (July 17, 2020) and interviewing coaches and teammates on the 1970 Forest High School Little Dixie Conference Championship team. Rick, a former Clarion-Ledger sports editor, is helping to publicize the 50th Anniversary of an amazing season during which the Bearcats captured the conference crown with an 11-0 record. It was the second-straight LDC championship for the FHS football program. A special program is scheduled Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, to honor the 1970 team. Cheerleaders and members of the 1970-71 FHS All-Superior Band are also invited to participate in the halftime ceremony. Rick and I are shown displaying a framed copy of the team photo and photos of the championship trophy presentations (North and Overall LDC titles). Billy Ray Dill, who served as an assistant coach with the late James C. “Bo” Clark, is seated at right. Standing from left are Jackie Calhoun (displaying the LDC championship football), David Lee, Tye Gaddis, Lambert Lane and Rodney Russell. Head Coach Gary Risher, currently in remission with his cancer battle, was interviewed by Rick outside for obvious reasons. Thanks also to Penn’s Fish House for use of a private room.
A Special Forest Bearcat Season is Celebrated on Fiftieth Anniversary!
By Bubby Johnston
1970 Bearcat Team Member
They traveled from across the United States to be reunited as a team once again and share memories of a championship season 50 years ago!
Despite many challenges, the 1970 Forest High School football captured the Little Dixie Conference championship with a perfect 11-0 record.
The 1969 Bearcats had won the LDC with a 10-0-1 record under head coach Ken Bramlett and assistants Warren Crain and Gary Risher.
Following the championship season, Coaches Bramlett and Crain left Forest for Northwest Mississippi Junior College in Senatobia.
Risher was named the new head coach. He selected Billy Ray Dill as his first assistant, and when it was announced the Forest schools would be fully integrated for the 1970-71 school term, Risher approached the late James C. “Bo” Clark, head coach of the “Black Bearcats” at E. T. Hawkins School, to join his staff.
That season the 1970 Bearcats depended on a strong rushing attack and a stout defense throughout the season. Forest won the North Little Conference title by rallying to defeat undefeated Morton 10-7 on the Panther field. Quarterback Mike Massey’s 43-yard field goal – his only field goal attempt the entire season – proved to be the winning margin.
The day of the overall LDC battle at L. O. Atkins Field in Forest, Coach Risher’s infant son became seriously ill and was rushed to a Jackson hospital. Young Robin was diagnosed with a form of meningitis, and Coach Risher was under quarantine and could not be with his team for the championship battle. A special phone line was set up so Coach Risher could communicate with his assistants throughout the game.
The result? Forest broke away from a close contest to score twice in final period for a 22-10 victory and a second-straight LDC title was claimed by the Bearcat football program.
Members of that special Forest team gathered together for the first time in five decades to be honored during halftime of the Forest/Florence game Friday, Sept. 18 at Atkins Field.
Joining team members for the special ceremony were family members of deceased players, cheerleaders, as well as representatives of the 1970-71 All-Superior Band, school administrators and faculty members from that championship season.
A team member who travelled the farthest to participate in the celebration was Edmond Harvey, who drove from Las Vegas and picked up teammate Lee Evans in Shreveport.
Why did he travel so far to attend the celebration?
“This was a team I loved and I wanted to pay my respects to everyone, “ said Harvey, who was a junior offensive end on the team.
“We worked hard…very hard…and it was tough during those two-a-day workouts in August. I just looked at the practice field and got nervous, again! But those tough workouts were worth it and resulted in a championship season.”
Evans, also a junior on the team who played offensive end and defensive back, said what he remembers most about the championship season was that “we were a team and played well together. Everyone got along and we had great coaches.”
Mike Massey, who lives in Ridgeland, said attending the 50th anniversary of a special season is just that…special!
“It means a lot to me,” he said, “You don’t get many opportunities like this. It’s huge…it’s big! And I still remember everything about that year. It was a great season…a great time in my life.”
Dea McCrory Irby, one of the Bearcat cheerleaders that season, flew from Durham, North Carolina, just to see longtime friends and participate with other cheerleaders in the halftime ceremony. They performed “Two Bits” prior to the Forest Band’s playing of the school’s fight song, “Anchors Aweigh.”
“Why did I come home for this special event?” she asked. “It’s simple…this is home. This is where I am from. These are my roots. The people who helped make who I am live here. They are the influences of my life.”
She added, “And of course, being able to cheer on the Bearcats one more time is very special to me. Leading the team onto the field with the other cheerleaders will be another special highlight of my life. It is very comforting and very welcoming…to be home again.”
Lee Dukes, who lives in Ridgeland, said seeing longtime friends and reminiscing about special times at Forest High is the reason he chose to attend the night’s activities. Dukes, a senior wide receiver, also served as student body association president. He represented the team in providing remarks during the ceremony, and recognized deceased team members – Billy Thompson, Dave Gibson, J. W. Clark, Elbon Johnston, Raymond Robinson, Tug Ledford and Howard Chambers, and asked for a moment of silence in their honor.
Twins Ricky and Randy Dilley were juniors on the championship squad. Ricky, who lives in Southaven, played fullback and Randy, a defensive back, resides in Forest.
“I am here to celebrate our championship season that no one predicted we would have,” said Ricky. “We were not expected to win but about half the games we did. We did not have a whole lot of talent but we were accustomed to winning after the 1969 team’s success and did not know how to quit.”
Randy added, “It’s great to see old buddies again and just reminisce about the fun times we had. It’s been very cool. I am just proud to be a part of this team and celebration.”
Phyllis Reynolds Dilley, Ricky’s wife, was a senior member of the All-Superior Forest High School Band during the 1970-71 school year. A flute player who later switched to cymbals at the request of band director Doug Harvel, said being invited with other band members to attend the special ceremony is wonderful. “We appreciate the invitation and look forward to being with our championship team during the halftime ceremony.”
Willie Bowie was a junior wide receiver and return specialist on the championship squad. He continues to reside in Forest.
“I feel the same way I did 50 years ago,” Willie said. “I still have wonderful memories. We pulled together to win a championship and I am glad we can still pull together to celebrate! The highlight of that year for me was simply having the opportunity to get out there and play football. We played as a team and everybody had the same goal.”
Wanda “Tutti” Calhoun Carter drove from Boynton Beach, Fla., to join other cheerleaders participating in the special celebration. She also came to see her brother Jackie Calhoun being honored with other members of the 1970 team.
“It’s awesome that this group of young men worked so hard to win a championship. Forest has had a great tradition of winning…those teams in late ‘60s and early ’70’s started the tradition of winning and it has continued. It’s great to be here and great to cheer one more time.”
Bob Smiley was an offensive guard on the 1970 squad. He lives in Laurel. He provided his thoughts on the championship season.
“Being here means a lot to me. It’s a time for us to get together and reflect back on the great times we had. Our team did not have a lot of great stars but we had a lot of unity, a lot of camaraderie and we sure worked hard in practice! We had great coaches that we respected, and they respected us a players. It was a good combination. We worked well together.”
Martha Marler Eppstein was a senior cheerleader for the 1970 Bearcats. She lives in Forest.
“This (event) is very special to me and I look forward to walking onto the field with the Bearcats and cheering with the other cheerleaders at halftime. We had a special team in 1970 and our coaches were absolutely amazing to put the first integrated team together and win a championship. There was no trouble between the blacks and whites….we were all friends. Everything worked out well that year and it could not have been any better to have an undefeated season during Coach (Gary) Risher’s first year as head coach and the first year of integration.”
Rodney Russell, who lives in a Forest, was a senior lineman on the championship squad. His response is similar to other team members.
“It’s just great to be back wth my brothers that I went to battle with. We were not expected to do a lot our senior year because of the success of the 1969 team and the many players that graduated. We did not have a lot of super stars on our team but we all depended on each other and trusted each other to get the job done. We did not think anybody could beat us. Not that we were cocky or that good, we just expected to win. Coach (Bo) Clark was a great motivator and had us believe we could run through a brick wall. He just took us under his arm and loved us and we loved him. I would tell my son (Nathan) when he played football the same thing Coach Clark told us… ‘Hit somebody!’ He could get us fired up like nobody else could. As far as the integration thing, I never thought anything about it. This is a special event tonight and I just thank everybody for coming.”
Former Forest High School head football coaches Gary Risher (left) and Ken Bramlett share a laugh as they reminisce about their respective coaching careers during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 1970 Bearcat Team winning the Overall Little Dixie Conference title. The special event was held Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, on L.O. Atkins Field at FHS. Bramlett led the 1969 squad to the program’s first overall conference title with a 10-0-1 record. Risher, who served as line coach that season, succeeded Bramlett as head coach and led the 1970 team to a perfect 11-0 mark and a second-straight LDC crown. The 1970-71 school year also marked the first year of full integration at FHS. Serving as Risher’s first-year assistant coaches were James “Bo” Clark, who previously served as head coach of the “Black Bearcats,” and Billy Ray Dill, a former FHS gridiron standout. Sadly, Coach Bramlett died at age 86 on March 22, 2021. Coach Risher lost his battle with cancer at age 81 on Sept.15, 2022. (Coach Clark was interviewed for a news story about the magical 1970 campaign but died at age 89 on May 28, 2019.)
REVISED – SEPT. 16, 2020
Agenda/Script for
A Celebration of a Championship Season:
1970 Forest Bearcat Football Team Honored
on 50th Anniversary of Winning Little Dixie Conference
Championship, 11-0 Record, First Integrated Squad
Time Frame for Day’s Activities:
Friday, Sept. 18, 2020
5 p.m. : Everyone invited to meet at Embrace Church (across from football stadium) for food and fellowship. Professional photographer and videographer will be there to “capture the moments.” We need to
purchase tickets to game ($6) while we meet at the church. (Note: We later learned that former Bearcat great Stanley Douglas purchased tickets for the 1970 Forest team/cheerleaders!)
6:45 p.m.: All depart to football stadium. We will sit in designated area near South end zone. Those who can are asked to bring lawn chairs. Some chairs will be provided. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the game.
7 p.m. : Kickoff for Forest/Florence game. (Yep, another former Little Dixie Conference member!)
FOREST BAND WILL MARCH TO BEGIN HALFTIME ACTIVITIES.
Halftime: Team members, family representatives of deceased team members and cheerleaders walk toward midfield for presentation as Tommy Lee announces on PA system: “Ladies and Gentlemen: Here come the Bearcats…the 1970 Forest Bearcats, that is! This outstanding team won the Little Dixie Conference Championship en route to a perfect 11-0 Season. The 1970-71 School Year was also the first year of full integration…and this team proved what could be accomplished by working together despite numerous challenges throughout the season. The Bearcats were led by head coach Gary Risher and assistants James “Bo” Clark and Billy Ray Dill. And now, please direct your attention to midfield for a special presentation on the 50th Anniversary of a Remarkable Championship Season.”
Principal Allan Atkison: (Using microphone set up on the field). “It is my pleasure to participate in this ceremony and recognize the 1970 Forest High School Bearcats on an amazing season! I also want to say, Welcome Back to Your Alma Mater! As we all know, Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat! And now, State Representative Tom Miles of Forest has a special presentation to make.”
Rep. Tom Miles: “Thanks for including me in this special event for a special team. On behalf of the MS House of Representatives, I want to present this Resolution Honoring the 1970 Forest High Bearcats on their Championship and Undefeated Season. Copies will made available to team members and the local media. Congratulations!”
Principal Allan Atkison: “Thanks, Rep. Miles. And now a presentation from Forest Mayor Nancy Chambers.”
Mayor Nancy Chambers: “This is a very special occasion for me not only because it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Bearcats’ Championship Season, it is also the 50th Anniversary of my first year as a student teacher at Forest High School! Where did the time go! On behalf of the City of Forest, we present this resolution and congratulate you on your wonderful achievement and the manner in which everyone – blacks and whites – worked together as a team for a common goal – a championship season. I only wish my longtime friend and city council member, James C. “Bo” Clark, who served as an assistant coach, could be with us tonight….but I know he is looking down, smiling, and telling his guys one more time, “Hit Somebody!”
Principal Allan Atkison: “To make another presentation, is former Bearcat Drew Kenna, president of the Bank of Forest.”
Drew Kenna: “The Bank of Forest is pleased to present this enlarged photo of the 1970 Forest Bearcats – Little Dixie Conference Champions – to Coach Risher and team members. Congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of a Very Special Season!
Principal Allan Atkison: “It is now my pleasure to recognize and introduce the head coach of the 1970 Bearcat football team, Coach Gary Risher.”
Coach Risher: “I just want to say thank you to everyone in the Forest community who helped make our 1970 season the success that it was. I especially want to thank my assistant coaches, the late “Bo” Clark, and Billy Ray Dill, who is with us tonight, and of course an outstanding group of young men who worked very hard to accomplish a second-straight championship season. Thanks also to the cheerleaders, band director Doug Harvel and the All-Superior FHS Band. We were blessed with a lot of support and will always be very appreciative.”
Principal Allan Atkison: “And now representing the 1970 Bearcat squad is Lee Dukes. Lee was a senior wide receiver on the 1970 Bearcat squad and also served as Student Body Association President.”
Lee Dukes: “Thanks, Allan. And thanks to everyone for being here on this very special occasion. It is still hard to believe that it was 50 years ago when my teammates and I took the field in hopes of winning a second-straight Little Dixie Conference title for the Bearcat program. We were not expected to repeat as champions, for many reasons. We had a new head coach – Gary Risher; and new assistant coaches, James C. “Bo” Clark and Billy Ray Dill. And yes, it was the first year of integration and no one knew what to expect. But thanks to our coaches, we quickly molded as a team, and with the support of outstanding cheerleaders, an All-Superior Forest High School Band, the administration, faculty, staff and student body – plus tremendous support from the Forest community, we were successful! We had a great bunch of guys who worked very hard and had fun (except when running sprints and line drills!). We also admired our coaches and wanted to win for them. It was just a great experience…and we were very blessed! Sadly Coach Clark and several team members –
Billy Thompson, Dave Gibson, J. W. Clark, Elbon Johnston, Raymond Robinson, Tug Ledford and Howard Chambers, are no longer with us but are represented by family members tonight. Thank you all for being with us tonight. Please bow your heads in a moment of silence in memory of our deceased team members and coach. (Pause) Thanks very much. On behalf of the 1970 Bearcats, I want to present framed copies of the team and championship photos to the City of Forest and Forest High School. And now, there is only one thing left to do. Hit it, Cheerleaders!”
Cheerleaders: Perform “Two Bits, Four Bits, Six Bits a Dollar, All for the Bearcats, Stand Up and Holler!”
Forest Band (on field behind us during ceremony) plays “Anchors Aweigh” to end ceremony.
THIS WILL BE AN EVENING TO REMEMBER, FOR SURE!
THANKS TO ALL FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN!
