Brad Johnson, Mary Scott and Bob Wheeling pose with their Cherokee County Hall of Fame plaques following a banquet on Saturday. Scott accepted on behalf of her father, John Miller, who is deceased.
Former Cherokee County and University of Auburn offensive guard Brad Johnson, former Cherokee County and University of Alabama football standout John Miller and former Gaylesville football and basketball standout Bob Wheeling comprised the Class of 2009.
Brad Johnson was the first to be inducted during Saturday’s banquet. He was a first team all-state lineman in 1984 and 1985 and was chosen as a high school All-American by USA Today in 1985. A highly-touted recruit in the mid-1980s for the Warriors, Brad Johnson took his talent to Auburn, where he was a member of three SEC Championship teams (1987-89).
Brad Johnson’s father, former Cherokee County football coach Bobby Joe Johnson, presented him into the hall.
Coach Johnson shared with the crowd a few stories of his son’s playing days, including outstanding performances against Austin, Wilson and Shelby County high schools.
He recalled his son being recruited as early as his sophomore season by Alabama, and by over 100 colleges by the end of his senior year. Schools that recruited Brad Johnson included Southern California, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State and Notre Dame.
“Anywhere they had a great football team, he was recruited,” Coach Johnson said.
Coach Johnson also shared how intense Brad Johnson was at Warrior football practices.
“He was one of those type kids who you couldn’t really grab a hold of him and shake him at practice because he would hurt one of our other players,” Coach Johnson joked. “(Former Warrior assistant coach) Bobby Beckett used to say ‘Don’t get on to Brad anymore because I’m not going to have any defensive guys left.’”
Upon accepting his Hall of Fame plaque, Brad Johnson thanked his parents, teachers and family for getting him where he is today.
“I can’t say thanks enough for everything,” Brad Johnson said. “People like that have put me where I am today. I’ve been blessed. I’ve got a phenomenal family, and a mom and dad who love me dearly. They’ve given me all the tools and resources to excel and succeed in this world.”
Miller was a member of the 1926 undefeated Warrior football team. He went on to play at Alabama, where he was a three-year starter and a member of the 1930 National Championship team. Miller was also a Southeastern Conference First Team selection following the 1930 season.
Miller, who is deceased, was presented to the hall by his grandson, former Vanderbilt football standout Chuck Scott. Accepting the Cherokee County Hall of Fame nomination for Miller was his daughter, Mary Scott.
Chuck Scott recalled his grandfather as a great storyteller. He shared one particular story with the crowd about his grandfather’s shoes.
“He would go from working in the field with the crops to football practice,” Chuck Scott said. “What he would do is take his boots he was wearing and screw in some wooden pegs to the bottom and use them as cleats. He’d come to my house and see I had my basketball shoes, my football shoes, my turf shoes, my running shoes and he said ‘Don’t you just need one pair of shoes?’”
Chuck Scott also showed the crowd several of his grandfather’s keepsakes, including a Board of Football All-American certificate and a Bear Bryant-signed letter in recognition of the 1930 Crimson Tide team that won the national championship.
“I loved being around him, and I followed in his footsteps,” Chuck Scott said. “We’re really thankful to you guys (Hall of Fame committee) for digging deep into the history of this town and this county. He definitely deserves this award. He was a great man and we’re proud of him.”
Mary Scott also spoke of her appreciation of her father.
“I know he would be very proud, and I’m very proud of him,” she said. “The best thing about him was he was the best dad in the world.”
The final member inducted was Bob Wheeling. He was a four-year starting quarterback for Gaylesville in the late 1950s, leading the Trojans to an undefeated season in 1958. He was a first team all-state selection following that season.
Bob Wheeling was also a three-year starter at point guard on the basketball team in which he led the Trojans to a county championship in 1959.
Bob Wheeling was presented by his son, Scott Wheeling.
Scott Wheeling said he’s never seen film footage of his father’s playing days, but he does have newspaper clippings from his grandmother and has had comments from people who know him remarking how great a player he was.
“When I went to Gaylesville, and was able to play sports in the seventh grade, I always got ‘Are you going to be as good as your dad? Are you going to be as fast as your dad?,” Scott Wheeling said. “I thought he couldn’t have been that good, but apparently he was. People say great things about him.
“The man loves sports. He coached my little league teams, and when I started playing football, he’d never miss a game. I know what kind of person he is, and he is a great man. He’s my hero, and he’s always going to be my hero.”
Bob Wheeling was too emotional to speak to the crowd, but longtime friend and former teammate Roy Wynn spoke on his behalf. Wynn shared a few thoughts on him, including a pair of memorable games from the 1958 season.
“He was special,” Wynn said. “He’s modest, but Bob Wheeling was a great athlete and he’s a good guy.”
Post a Comment