Gleason Honors 1963-64 Undefeated Bulldogs

GLEASON — In the fall of 1963, the Gleason Bulldogs, under the direction of Coach Ed Settlers, had an undefeated season and had the best statistics of any Gleason football team in the school’s history.

Several of the team members traveled home to the annual Gleason Gazelle’s Tater Town Special and were honored at halftime of the Gleason-Hollow Rock-Bruceton football game. Each player, cheerleader, manager, and members of the Homecoming royalty were invited to walk out onto the field for special recognition. GHS Principal Lee Lawrence announced each name. Some attended in person, and some had family representatives to represent them.

The 20 young men had a record of 9-0-1, scoring 195 points to 12 points to the opponents and had a scoreless tie with McKenzie. They scored 27 touchdowns during the season while their opponents scored only two during the regular season. Two post-season games resulted in a record of 230 points to 32 for the other teams.

The players were Larry Joe Freeman, Johnny Bradberry, Russell Byrd, Ronnie Dilday, James Brawner, Jimmy Belew, Jerry Sanders, George Sawyers, Gary Cooper, Ronnie Taylor, Freddy Spain, Jere Jeter, Jerry McElhiney, Billy Snider, Jimmy Dellinger, Glen Margrave, Nicky Bowers, Gary Owens, James Morris, and Jeter Trevathan. Team managers were Frank Gibson, Robert Tuck, and Richard Hodges. Cheerleaders were Karen Dellinger, Doris Blassingame, Lucy Hunter, Betty Ward, Kay Roney, and Janice Bookout. The football Homecoming royalty was: Queen - Martha Boone, Senior Maid - Carolyn Travillion, Junior Maid - Bonnie Arnold, Sophomore Maid - Sharon Morris, and Freshman Maid - Lavelle Blassingame.