ECHS Commemorates 40th Anniversary Of 1976 State Champions

Back row L-R: Mark Hennion, Jeff Doyle, Jimmy Cole, Timmy Ashley, Chester Bethel, Aaron Goad, Ricky Houchin, Phil Rich, Larry Starnes. Front Row: Terri Vincent Webb, Becky Alford Brannon, Stephanie Stewart Gibson, Kevin Clemmons.

Edmonson Voice Sports
Darren Doyle, photos
Former players, cheerleaders, and staff members of the history-making Edmonson County Wildcats 1976 State Championship team were honored between games at ECHS last night with the iconic trophy to a near capacity crowd. 

Three cheerleaders, Terri Vincent Webb, Becky Alford Brannon, and Stephanie Stewart Gibson were recognized along with players and staff Mark Hennion, Jimmy Cole, Jeff Doyle, Tim Ashley, Chester Bethel, Rick Houchin, Kevin Clemmons, Aaron Goad, Phil Rich, and Larry Starnes.

"I'm so happy for us to host the 1976 State Championship team," said ECHS Athletic Director Kyle Pierce. "Their accomplishment forty years ago is something that is not just remembered here."

Known as a true "Cinderella" team, the Wildcats were coached by the late Bo Davenport and defeated Betsy Lane in the first round 77-52, Harrison County 61-57 in the elite eight, Shelby County 53-52 in a nail-biting final four, and then Christian County in the finals by a score of 74-52. 

Pierce said for a school the size of Edmonson County, to win a state championship where there is no classification is something incredible. 

"I've been to the state tournament for 30 years," he said. "I've talked to random strangers sitting near and then after they find out I'm from Edmonson County, they usually respond with something from 1976. Then they normally talk about the tournament and remember that special run."

Team members were given a standing ovation from the crowd and enjoyed a team meal together as they looked at old photos and reminisced about their magical journey.