Dear Editor,

The first and only white American to coach basketball at Selma High School was the legendary Coach James Booth.

There have only been three coaches in the history of Selma High School: Coach Booth, A.A. Sewell and Willie Maxey Jr.

When Selma High School opened its doors in 1971, Coach Booth was the talk of the town. He didn&8217;t care if you were black or white. All he cared about was education and winning. In fact, Booth was the first white man I saw come to G.W.C. Homes in the 1970s and talk to black kids about being educated and having pride in themselves. He was a very intense man who could get every ounce of gut out of you that you did not know you had.

The late Booth once said, &8220;The only man to lead the Selma High School basketball program must put at least 10 or more years in the system of Selma High, be respected by the students and have a proven track record.&8221;

Booth led Selma High School to the 1977 state championship, resigned and became the head coach at George C. Wallace Community College, winning two division titles there. After Booth resigned, he was instrumental and made sure his assistant coach, A.A. Sewell, would become head coach. For more than 15 years, Sewell had 20 wins a year. His first four years, Selma went to the Final Four. Then Sewell stepped down, opening the door for another Selma City School family member, Maxey.

Maxey led Selma High School to the 1994 State Championship and made five appearances in the Final Four with his assistant coaches Anthony Harris and David Foster. Now, my question to the Selma City School Board is this: Why didn&8217;t either one of these coaches get an interview for the vacant head coaching job?

Coach Anthony Harris&8217; record speaks for itself. To go along with loyalty and dedication, he is the most winning active coach in the past five years with two Final Fours, a record of 62-5, having never lost to any Dallas Count team, as well as having won 25 or more games for five straight years.

In 1988, he coached basketball, track, baseball, football and softball, and all teams appeared in the playoffs. Yet he could not get an interview?

Welcome Coach Woodie Jackson to Selma High School. We deserve nothing less than a champion.

Bruce L. Holmes, Sr.

Youth Football Camp success thanks to community support

Dear Editor,

We would like to inform you that the Rehab Associates Youth Football Camp held on May 10 was a great success.

It was due to hard work and dedication as well as support. Rehab Associates would like to thank the City of Selma Recreation Department, Pepsi, Wal-Mart, Concordia College coaching staff, Blackmon Designs, Southern Sportsman Hunting Lodge and The Selma Times-Journal.

Your acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with you in future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Eric Jackson

Facility director, Rehab Associates