Seven Inducted Into Hall of Fame
The BYK Event Hall was almost at capacity last Friday night for the Third Legends Gala where seven more names were added to the Yellow Jacket Football Hall of Fame.
Players inducted were Arley Finley from the 1950s-1960s, Sammy Beecher from the 1970s, Dexter Knox from the 1980s, Jason Carver from the 1990s and Matt Wise from the 2000s. Supporting role inductees were former coach and player the late Neil Graham and Ledger Editor-Publisher Tommy Purser.
Accepting on behalf of Finley, who is 85 years old and was unable to travel from Texas for Friday’s event, was Hall of Famer E.M. Wilkes III. Scottie Graham accepted on behalf of his late brother Neil Graham. The other inductees were present to receive their awards.
Six current Yellow Jacket players were honored as Legacy Players, chosen to wear this fall the jersey numbers of the six original Hall of Fame members, Calvin Harrison, Mike Stewart, Deshay McKever, Barry Jones, James Earl Cray and Nate Hybl.
Carter Mullis is to wear Harrison’s number, Nate Lewis – Stewart’s number, Landon Roberson – McKever’s number, Kiyon Dotson – Jones’ number, Tre Chandler – Cray’s number and Tyson Alls – Hybl’s number.
Saturday, following the Gala, some 100 players participated in the Legends Golf Tournament held at Little Ocmulgee State Park.