CHERAW - It is hard to believe that 30 years has passed since Cheraw High School's first AAA State Football Champions made history and won the State Championship in football back in 1979. However; time was turned back during Friday night's Cheraw's first region game against Mullins, as the former state football team champions, band members, coaches and cheerleaders; were honored and recognized during a 30-year reunion event. The former champions were recognized during the game's halftime as they had the golden opportunity to once again, run out onto their old football field, just as they did in the past. They reunited not only with their friends but also with fond memories that each one has carried with him since their "old school days." Those who attended the event were Lee Townsend, Jerry Dixon, William Winburn, Dean Williams, Chris White, David Boon, Ricky Carter, Michael Thurmond, Ronnie Nicholson, Norman Brown, Bill Baker, Cyrus Murray, Reggie McCoy, John Foster, Patrick Patterson, Charles Rivers, James Hudson, Barry Poole, Calvin James, Mike Bruneio, Richard Pierce, David Coates, Jerome McLoyd, Terrell Stubbs, Jackie Myers, Tyrone McDonald, Dale Hatcher, Darrell Burch, Tommy Taylor, John Sarter, David Bennett, Cliff Hunter, Kip Kiser, Harry Newsom, Alton McDougald, Jap Roddy, Jeff Hunter and David McIver, Head Coach, Burney Bourne and Asst. Coaches were Council Porter, Quinn Alford and Bill Hewitt. Three other former team members, Roderick Patterson, Ronald Davis and George Gibson, are now deceased but not forgotten.

"This is something that they will always remember and so will we," said Cheraw High School Asst. Principal Sandra Sowell. "Since that time, former team members such as Harry Newsom, Dale Hatcher and current Coastal Carolina Head Coach David Bennett and Council Porter, have all made numerous achievements in their lives as well as the rest of the team. It is amazing to see what these men have accomplished over the years. One member even went on to the NFL," said Sowell. She continued to add that about 28 of the 44 members responded to the request to participate in the event.

Cheraw High School Athletic Director, David Byrd, said, "It is a special event filled with rekindling of friendships and remembering an event that has always and will be special for them and Cheraw." In addition to Friday's event, the group also participated in the 1979 Cheraw Braves Football State Champ Reunion Golf Tournament that was held at Moree's Cheraw Country Club on Saturday. The community was also invited to participate in the tournament with the team members. All of the proceeds from the golf tournament were donated to the Cheraw High School Booster Club. Golf tournament committee members are Jap Roddy and David Bennett.