White County High School (Cleveland, Georgia)

White County High School is a public high school located in Cleveland, Georgia, United States, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which serves the youth of Cleveland and Helen in grades 9-12. It is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

White County High School
White County High School front entrance
Address
2600 Highway 129 N

Cleveland, Georgia 30528
Coordinates34°37′02″N 83°47′40″W
Information
Established1959
School districtWhite County School District
PrincipalMary Anne Collier
Staff68.10 (FTE)[1]
Grades9-12
Enrollment1,132 (2018–19)[1]
Student to teacher ratio16.62[1]
Color(s)   
Athletics conferenceGHSA Div. 7A-AAA
MascotWarrior
RivalsLumpkin County High School
North Hall High School
WebsiteWhite County High School

School colors

The school's traditional colors are navy blue and white. In the early 1990s, gold trim was added to uniforms to honor the old Nacoochee High School, which merged into White County High School in the late 1950s. In more recent years, silver has also been used for many uniforms and other spirit gear. Gold is officially no longer recognized as a White County school system color, and all uniforms containing it have been phased out.

History

The school opened its doors in 1959 but it has since moved and is located about five miles north of the original campus on Highway 129. In the 1950s, the 23 local community schools were consolidated into four districts. Most of the community schools only went to the eighth grade; afterwards, the students matriculated to either Cleveland High School or Nacoochee High School. Cleveland High School and Nacoochee High School consolidated into White County High School in 1959. Both the old Nacoochee gym and school still stand; the school is now a museum.

Students were segregated until 1964 in the White County School System. Prior to integration, black children went to one of three schools: Rock Springs, Oak Springs, or Bean Creek. After completing grade school, black students were bussed to nearby Habersham County to attend high school. Desegregation was accomplished in White County schools harmoniously and without much fanfare.[2]

In 2010, the old White County High School building (which had served as the middle school) was demolished to build a new middle school. At this time, community members were offered the opportunity to keep a brick from the old school building, to cherish the memories and many generations of learning that took place in the building over 50+ years.

Significant events
  • 1872 - The Board of Education approved the first textbooks for use in local schools.[2]
  • 1912 - The Corn Club was formed. This was the forerunner of the present FFA Club and the first school club in White County.[2]
  • 1920 - Sports programs were established when basketball was introduced at Cleveland and Nacoochee High Schools.[2]
  • 1938 - Gymnasiums were completed at Cleveland and Nacoochee High Schools.[2]

Notable alumni

Athletics
  • Football
  • Boys' basketball
  • Girls' basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Baseball
  • Girls' fastpitch softball
  • mountain bike team
  • Marching band
  • Cross country
  • Track and field
  • Boys' soccer
  • Girls' soccer
  • Boys' golf
  • Girls' golf
  • Wrestling
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball

Football
  • Overall Record: (296-329-10/ 47.4% Winning Pct) as of 2020, per online historical data.

White County launched its football program in 1956 when the school was still known as Cleveland High School. The team finished 3-3-1 in its inaugural season.

Head coaches of the Warrior football program since its inception:[3]

  • Ed Singleton, 1956-1959
  • William “Wicky” Loudermilk, 1960-1964; 1966-1970
  • Henry Shaddix, 1965
  • Bill White, 1971-1977
  • Jerry Dorsey, 1978-1983
  • Mitchell Barrett, 1984-1988
  • Brent Brookshire, 1989-1993; 2000-2002
  • Danny Wiseman, 1994
  • Lee Shaw, 1995-1999
  • Mark Wilson, 2003-2005
  • Gregg Seagraves, 2006-2010
  • Tommy Flowers (interim), 2010
  • Bill Ballard, 2011–2017
  • Tim Cokely, 2017–Present

The most successful of all Warrior head coaches was Coach Jerry Dorsey, who holds a .609 winning percentage.[3] He was the first coach to lead the program into the playoffs back in 1980.

The early to mid-1980s are considered the "golden age" of Warrior football. Between 1980 and 1987 the program boasted a 51-33-1 record with four trips to the playoffs. The 1983, 2010, and 2013 squads earned Region Runner-Up accolades. The 1980 and 2010 squads are the only squads to earn Sub-Region Championships.

The program has produced fourteen all-state/all area players throughout the years:[3]

  • Bradley Dorsey - 1959
  • Bill White - 1962 (later a Head Coach of the Warriors)
  • Chris Black - 1967
  • Bruce Tolbert - 1971
  • Jesse Dorsey - 1971 and 1972 (also the AJC's "Running Back of the Year" in 1972)
  • Gary "Curly" Moss - 1981
  • Glen "The Hoss" Dorsey - 1982 and 1983
  • Donnie Joe Campbell, Jr. - 1988
  • Chase Crumley - 1999
  • Tasi Suaava - 2008
  • Lafoga Tokio - 2009
  • Mark Berdenwarper - 2009
  • Ashley Lowery - 2010 (also made the AJC's "Fab 50" recruits list and was named an Associated Press All-State player as an Athlete in 2010)[4]
  • Will Stonecypher - Gainesville Times 2012 All-Area Linebacker[5] - Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2012 All-State Linebacker Honorable Mention[6]

In the 1970s and 1980s the school gained a reputation for turning out some of the best tailbacks in the state, often with the last name Dorsey or Moss.[7] During that time three players distinguished themselves from all others - Jesse Dorsey (1970s), Gary "Curly" Moss (1980s), and Glen "The Hoss" Dorsey (1980s). Jesse Dorsey still holds the career rushing record at White County.[8] Jesse Dorsey went on to play college ball at Georgia and Tennessee Tech, Gary "Curly" Moss played for Georgia coaching legend Vince Dooley, and Glen "The Hoss" Dorsey played at Western Carolina. Donnie Joe Campbell, Jr. is still the all-time passing leader for the Warriors and played for Appalachian State in college. He is now a plastic surgeon in Gainesville, Georgia, and is a top sponsor for the Warrior program.

Gary "Curly" Moss had a very successful collegiate career at the University of Georgia where he was the hero of the 1984 Cotton Bowl and the defensive MVP of the 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl.

The following is an excerpt from the Cotton Bowl Archives: "When the clock struck the 4:35 mark in the fourth period, the Texas defense again had forced a frustrated Bulldog offense into a punting situation at the Georgia 34-yard line. Only twice in the second half had the Dawgs managed to move the football into Texas territory. In came Chip Andrews to punt the ball away for the eighth time. With the clock becoming a factor, and Georgia growing more and more desperate as each second passed, Texas became fearful of a possible fake. The Longhorns selected not to bring in their regular punt return unit, and Craig Curry replaced Jitter Fields as the return man. Andrews got the kick away, a 43-yarder and Curry moved into position to make the catch. But, Curry dropped the ball and the Bulldogs' Gary Moss was on the spot to make the recovery at the Texas 23. In a matter of seconds, the Longhorns' fortunes had taken a severe turn for the worse. Three plays after the fumbled punt, Texas' hopes for the No. 1 spot went down the drain. Georgia quarterback John Lastinger, working the option around the right side, broke free at the line of scrimmage, turned up-field and carried 17 yards for the touchdown. Butler added the extra point with 3:22 left and the underdog Dawgs had a 10-9 victory. The Longhorns had suffered their first defeat when they could least afford it. Seven hours later, top ranked Nebraska met the same fate. Miami pulled off a 31-30 upset over the Huskers, and used the victory to climb into first place." Gary "Curly" Moss went on to play safety with the Atlanta Falcons in 1987.

Since the initial 1956 season the Warriors have played sixty-five different opponents,[3] with their oldest, and arguably biggest rival being the Lumpkin County Indians. As of 2013 White County and Lumpkin County have played a total of forty-six times with the Warriors holding a commanding 34-11-1 record in the series. Sadly that series may come to an end due to reclassification in 2013. In recent years the Warriors have developed a heated rivalry with the North Hall Trojans, mostly due to the inter-division match-up and proximity of the schools to one another (20 miles). As of 2013 the series is tied 21-21-0. Monumentally, the 2010 and 2013 campaigns will go down as the most successful campaigns in Warrior football history. The 2010 squad boasted a 9–3 record, a home playoff win, a Sub Region Championship and a player (Ashley Lowery) committing to a Division I school (Kentucky). Lowery joins Jesse Dorsey (UGA, Tennessee Tech) and Gary "Curly" Moss (UGA) as the only Warrior football players to sign with a FBS program. The 2013 squad also boasts a 9–3 record, a home playoff win and Region Runner-up accolades. Barron Pilgrim holds the basketball scoring record with 41 points against South Habersham, 1963. He was listed among the top 25 basketball players in the state

Notable football seasons
  • 2013: (9-3) Class AAA State Playoffs (second seed)
  • 2012: (7-3) Class AAA State Playoffs (third seed)
  • 2010: (9-3) Class AAA State Playoffs - Sub Region Champions - Region Runner-Up
  • 2009: (7-3)
  • 2007: (7-4) Class AAA State Playoffs
  • 2001: (6-5) Class AA State Playoffs
  • 1987: (6-4) Class AA State Playoffs
  • 1988: (5-5) Class AA State Playoffs- Sub Region Champions (Region Semifinals)
  • 1983: (8-4) Class AA State Playoffs - Region Runner-Up
  • 1981: (8-3) Class AA State Playoffs
  • 1980: (9-2) Class AA State Playoffs - Sub Region Champions
  • 1979: (9-1)

Warrior football playoff results
  • 11/14/1980 White County 13 Oconee County 35 (first trip to playoffs in school history - Coach Jerry Dorsey)
  • 11/13/1981 White County 27 East Hall 28 (Coach Jerry Dorsey)
  • 11/11/1983 White County 21 Oconee County 14 (first playoff win in school history - Coach Jerry Dorsey)
  • 11/18/1983 White County 0 Duluth 48 (Coach Jerry Dorsey)
  • 11/20/1987 White County 6 Jefferson 32 (Coach Mitchell Barrett)
  • 11/18/1988 White County 7 Meadowcreek 28 (Coach Mitchell Barrett)
  • 11/23/2001 White County 12 Putnam County 36 (Coach Brent Brookshire)
  • 11/16/2007 White County 13 Carver (Atlanta) 20 (Overtime - Coach Gregg Seagraves)
  • 11/12/2010 White County 28 LaGrange 20 (1st home playoff win in school history - Coach Tommy Flowers)
  • 11/19/2010 White County 20 Grady 39 (Coach Tommy Flowers)
  • 11/16/2012 White County 14 Blessed Trinity 35 (Coach Bill Ballard)
  • 11/15/2013 White County 52 Adairsville 28 (Coach Bill Ballard)
  • 11/22/2013 White County 0 Blessed Trinity 38 (Coach Bill Ballard)

Playoff record as of 2013: 3-10 (.300)[3]

The Warriors' first playoff game took place on November 14, 1980. White County was actually the home team in the contest versus Oconee County; however, White County's Stadium did not meet GHSA regulations as it related to seating capacity for playoff games. As a result, the game was played at nearby Habersham Central, whose stadium met the minimum seating capacity required for playoff games. The 2010 squad is the first squad to host a home playoff game; however, the 1980 squad was actually the home team in the school's first playoff appearance.[9] As a result of playing in another stadium, the White County Touchdown Club and Athletic Department approved funding for additional seating that brought the capacity of Warrior Field up to GHSA standards for playoffs.

Baseball

White County baseball has seen a resurgence since 2007 under the guidance of Coach John Brown. Since 2007 the Warriors have an 85–46 record and have enjoyed the GHSA Playoffs three times.

Records by year:[10]

  • 2007 - 16-10
  • 2008 - 15-13 (Playoffs)
  • 2009 - 15-11
  • 2010 - 19-8 (Playoffs)
  • 2011 - 20-4 (Playoffs)

When the baseball team qualified for the playoffs in 2008, it was the first time since 1990 that a Warrior baseball team had made it into the post season. They were the number 4 seed coming out of Region 7-AAA.

All-State players:[10]

  • Derek Sheffield - 2006-2007
  • Jesse Brown - 2008
  • Kevin Frederick - 2009
  • David Sosebee - 2011
  • Luke Crumley - 2011

Gainesville Times All-Area Player:[11]

  • 2011 David Sosebee

Gainesville Times All-Area Team:[11]

  • 2006-2007 Derek Sheffield
  • 2011 David Sosebee
  • 2011 Luke Crumley

In addition to being named to the Gainesville Times All-Area Teams, both Luke Crumley and David Sosebee inked letters of intent with the University of Georgia's baseball team.[12] Sosebee was also drafted in the 48th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.[13]

Women's basketball

The White County women's basketball program was the only program to bring a State Championship to the school prior to the 2010 softball team. Notable final state rankings for the Lady Warriors:[14]

  • 1961 – 4th Class “B”
  • 1962 – 3rd Class “B”
  • 1981 – 1st Class AA (State Champions)
  • 1982 – 3rd Class AA
  • 1983 – 4th Class AA
  • 1984 – 3rd Class AA

On Saturday March 14, 1981, at Georgia Tech's Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the Lady Warriors, led by guards Frankie and Jeanette Dorsey, forward Anne Smith and center Sonya Thomas, downed the East Hall Lady Vikings 46 – 39 to claim the school's first state championship. The game was a see-saw battle until the fourth quarter. Coach Loudermilk decided to triple team East Hall's All-State player, Brenda Hill, and essentially shut her down for the majority of the contest. When Hill left the game for a break, Coach Loudermilk employed a tight zone defense. With their leading scorer effectively neutralized, East Hall had trouble scoring and became more demoralized as the game went on. After the game Coach William "Wicky" Loudermilk was asked how he felt by a Gainesville Times reporter, to which he replied "Fine, fine."[15]

During the late 1970s and early 1980s the Lady Warriors' biggest rival were the East Hall Lady Vikings. In recent years the Lady Warriors have had a heated rivalry with the North Hall Lady Trojans.

Lady Warriors softball

The White County Lady Warriors softball team is the latest team to bring a state championship to White County. Prior to 2010, it had been 29 years since a White County sports team had clinched a state title (women's basketball 1981). In 2007 Coach John Brown took over the program and since that time the Lady Warrior softball team has had a 90-27-1 record and playoff appearances each year. On October 30, 2010, the Warriors defeated Allatoona High School 12-11 for the state title. The Lady Warriors were undefeated throughout the tournament, hitting a staggering 23 home runs, outscoring opponents 83–21, and setting a new record for home runs in a single game during the Class AAA state playoffs with 6 against Thomson High School.[16] The Lady Warriors softball team has a pre-game tradition of applying temporary tattoos to their forearms for good luck.

In 2011 Beth Kimsey became Head Coach of the Lady Warriors.

Marching band

The marching band is directed by Michael Pickett and has 140 members. The band performs at halftime of varsity football games, as well as other functions. The drum majors for White County High are Ansley Talafous and Trey "Da Goat" Morris.

Boys' soccer

The boys' soccer teams (varsity and JV) are coached by Megan Runkle, Wayne Hurst, and Clancy Loudermilk. The varsity boys' soccer team made their first ever state playoff appearance in 2016.

Records by year:

  • 2019: 4-11-1
  • 2018: 8-8-2
  • 2017: 6-9-3
  • 2016: 9-6-1
  • 2015: 4-7 (Region 1-7)
  • 2014: 6-10 (Region 3-4)
  • 2013: 5-11 (Region 2-5)
  • 2012: 4-13 (Region 2-10)
  • 2011: 1-14 (Region 1-10)
  • 2010: 4-15 (Region 1-8)
  • 2009: 3-14 (Region 1-7)
  • 2008: 6-12 (Region 0-7)

Girls' soccer

The girls' soccer team is coached by Megan Runkle. The girls team has gone as far as the Elite Eight in state playoffs in 2017.

White County High School Athletic Hall of Fame

In May 2012 White County High School had its inaugural Hall of Fame recognition ceremony.[17] The 2012 inductees were:

  • Coach Bobby Parks spent 30 years at White County High School coaching basketball and football and teaching driver's education.
  • Coach Bill White was a 1963 graduate of White County High School and a standout football player. After finishing college, he returned to his alma mater and coached football, baseball, 8th grade basketball, and tennis from 1968 to 1978. He also served as Athletic Director from 1978 to 1988.
  • Jesse Dorsey was a running back who still holds the WCHS record for most rushing yards in a career. He played at the University of Georgia and Tennessee Tech in college.

GHSA Literary Competition

In 2007, White County High School won its first GHSA Literary State Championship. After two first-place finishes at the Gainesville regional competition, the Wyszynski sisters advanced to the Annual State Literary Festival in Warner Robins. Senior Lindsey Wyszynski placed second in Dramatic Interpretation, and sophomore Whitney Wyszynski placed first in Extemporaneous Speaking.[18] Whitney Wyszynski continued to place first in Region for her remaining two years of high school. She would later win a State Runner-Up title and a final State Championship title in Extemporaneous Speaking.[19]

References
  1. "White County High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  2. In the shadow of Yonah, Garrison Baker 2005
  3. Georgia High School Football Archives
  4. Atlanta Journal Constitution 1/9/2011 Ed.
  5. Gainesville Times 12/25/2012 Ed.
  6. ajc.com 12/27/2012 Ed.
  7. Gainesville Times 1985
  8. White County News/Telegraph
  9. White County News 11/13/1980
  10. GHSA Archives
  11. Gainesville Times 6/18/2011
  12. White County News 6/2/2011
  13. Max Preps website
  14. Georgia High School Basketball History Website
  15. Gainesville Times March 15, 1981
  16. White County News/Telegraph November 4, 2010
  17. White County News 4/26/2012 Ed.
  18. http://www.ghsa.net/node/1195
  19. http://www.ghsa.net/2009-2010-ghsa-state-literary-meet-results-class-aaa

Barron Pilgrim is the only player in school history to be chosen to top 25 players basketball in Ga.1963.

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