The basketball gym at White Plains was named Richard Madden Gym on Nov. 11 in honor of the man who coached from 1958 to 1976. In those 18 years, he registered 338 wins and 151 losses.

Coach Madden was from Water Valley, Miss. He and his wife, Roberta now live on Robinson Road in Golden Springs.

They tried to keep the naming of gym a secret from him, but Coach madden told me his barber told him two weeks early but not to tell anyone he had give the surprise away.

Coach Madden is a good man and is so deserving of this honor.

Coach Madden had one state tournament team (1973-74) and three all-state players — Doug Harbin, Gary Brooks and Anthony Chatmon

The 1973-74 team that went to the state tournament in Tuscaloosa, beat Notasulga 68-45, but lost to East Perry 42-35. Members of that team were Jarris Sampler, Larry heath, Keith Penny, Tim Brown, Mike Teague, Melvin Busby, Anthony Chatmore, Roger Nunn, Kenneth Gilbert and Randy Brooks.

Buddy Knapp, who coached the Notasulga team, was present at the event. He now lives in Centre and has been coach 41 years.

More than 250 persons, including former players, attended the event

He has had some serious health problems over the last several months.

He lost an eye to cancer and then on Nov. 29 he had surgery for prostate cancer at a Birmingham hospital.

We will hope a higher power will take care of him in recovering from this. May God bless you very much in the days ahead.