DCHS Honors Basketball Great Jerry “Red” Foster (VIEW VIDEO HERE)

January 26, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

It was a homecoming of sorts at DeKalb County High School Friday night as fellow class and teammates of Tiger basketball legend Jerry “Red” Foster returned to their alma mater in a show of support for him and to witness the retirement of his high school jersey number 32.

A large crowd including family, friends, and students turned out for the ceremony honoring Foster which took place between games as DCHS hosted Cannon County, a border rivalry which in itself always draws a host of basketball fans.

“I am honored. Its something that you never expect to happen but I am glad to see it happen. It was just great to see as many people turn out as they did tonight. A lot of my classmates were here and it was really great to see them show up. A lot of them came from a pretty good distance away,” said Foster who spoke with WJLE after the ceremony.

“I had a wonderful career. I played for three college coaches and two professional coaches, but my high school coach Harold Luna was probably the best coach I ever played for,” Foster added.

Foster, who is now battling cancer and is in treatment, remains optimistic.

“I’m doing pretty good. My immune system is a little low right now but I’ve got the chemotherapy and radiation over with and I will go back February 7 to have a (CAT) scan and consultation with my oncologist and find out where we go from here. I’ve got a got a good feeling. I think the Lord is going to take care of me,” said Foster.

Foster was joined at center court by Tiger teammates Danny Foutch, Kevin James, and Rick Usrey, who are themselves basketball stars, along with their old high school coach Harold Luna, who was overcome by emotion during the ceremony. The crowd gave Foster and his friends a rousing cheer, extended applause, and a standing ovation. A banner with his name and number will be hung in the gym to recognize #32 Jerry “Red” Foster as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Tiger jersey.

Foster excelled in basketball at an early age and went on to become a star athlete on the high school, college, and professional level. After his playing days, Foster was a high school basketball coach for several years. In recent years, he has been a physical education teacher at Northside Elementary School.

Jerry’s basketball career began at College Street Junior High School under the late Coach Elzie McBride and later at DCHS under former Coach Harold Luna. He starred as a member of the Tiger basketball team from 1972-76. During his time at DCHS, Foster was a part of over 80 wins. He was named All-District, All-Region, Upper Cumberland MVP, 1st team All-State, and was named the Class AA Player of the Year in 1976. He was selected to play in the East/ West All Star game that same year.

After leaving DCHS, Jerry went on to star at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. As a member of the Bethel University basketball team from 1976-80, he scored 1,879 points and grabbed 1,440 rebounds earning 1st Team All Conference in both his junior and senior years as well as being named an NAIA All American after his senior year.

Jerry was then selected in the 4th round of the 1980 NBA draft by the New York Knicks and later signed a professional contract in the European League. After two professional seasons in South America, he decided to end his basketball career.

After his playing days, Foster stayed in the game of basketball through his love of coaching. He returned to DCHS, as freshman boys’ coach from 1983-89 compiling a 92-22 record. He then moved to Jackson County High School as head boys’ coach from 1989-93 compiling a 101-87 record in four seasons, before returning once again to DCHS to direct the Lady Tiger basketball program, a position he held for seven years, from 1993-2000 with his teams recording a 93-85 record.

After leaving the coaching ranks, he continued to teach physical education at Northside Elementary School and continues to teach the game of basketball to youth of DeKalb County through the after school program.

January 26, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County High School Future Business Leaders of America members recently placed in their regional competition at MTSU. They have advanced to state competition in March in Chattanooga.

1st place:
Eli Cantrell, Client Service
Ealy Gassaway and Jake Ramsey, Global Business
Justin Washer, Health Care Administration
Madi Cantrell and Macy Hedge, Hospitality Management
Garret Hayes, Introduction to Public Speaking
Mackenzie Partridge, Job Interview
Jasmine Parker, Journalism
Chance Mabe and Justin Trapp, Marketing

2nd place:
Lance Davis: Accounting
Ethan Cantrell, Advertising
Tyree Cripps, Economics
Ethan and Luke Jenkins, Entrepreneurship
Parker Gassaway and Raiden Martin, Global Business
Breanna Gibson, Health Care Administration
Christian Trail, Introduction to Public Speaking
Carly Vance, Journalism
Hannah Willingham, Personal Finance

3rd place
Ben Snipes, Health Care Administration
Dosson Medlin, Job Inteview

4th place
Holly Evans, Introduction to Financial Math
Peyton Harris, Introduction to Information Technology
Maggie Robinson, Organizational Leadership

5th place
Anna Chew, Introduction to FBLA
Addison Oakley, Job Interview

6th place
Spencer Buchanan, Computer Applications
Hannah Anderson and Sarah Ann Colwell, Hospitality Management

7th place
Jhoany Gaspar, Health Care Administration
Isaac Cross, Impromptu Speaking
Abby Evans, Organizational Leadership
Rachel Rhody, Personal Finance

January 26, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Another family is getting closer to home ownership thanks to the work of the Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County and the support of the community.

Construction is set to begin within a few weeks for the sixth Habitat for Humanity house in Smithville. Jamie Nokes and her family is the partner family that was chosen among fifteen other applicants from last summer’s application process.

The Habitat for Humanity board wants to invite family, friends, and supporters to a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, February 11, 2 p.m. at 204 Hayes Street, Smithville.

The construction work will begin immediately with the intent to be completed within 4 months. The project will be completed by volunteers with the exceptions of the areas in which a licensed professional is required. Everyone is invited to help and jobs can be found for anyone. If you would like to volunteer, please email awoodward@wilsonbank.com and if you are skilled in a certain line of construction work please indicate that or you may call 615-215-8181 and leave a message for construction. Please include name, number, email address, and skill.

We will also need volunteers to provide lunch on construction days, drinks, and snacks. Supplies are also needed such as hammers, tape measures, nail aprons, pencils and other building supplies are accepted. Monetary donations are needed as well to purchase construction materials. Supplies may be dropped off at Wilson Bank & Trust Smithville branch or mailed to Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb Co PO Box 750, Smithville, TN 37166.

Additionally we encourage churches, employers, and other organizations to commit to a construction day, you may contact us at the email or phone number above.

We appreciate your prayers and support for our upcoming project.

About Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, TN.

Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County was formed in 2003. They have built five homes in the Smithville area and own property with plans to build future homes. Houses are constructed by volunteers and paid by donations from various fundraisers including the Fiddler 5K, Jackson Kayak Raffle, Golf Tournament, Yeti cooler raffle and the Chili cook off. The purpose of Habitat is to build houses and sell them at no profit and no interest to families who could not otherwise afford their own home. This Christian ministry is financed through private donations using volunteer labor and donated materials whenever possible.

Find us on Facebook @ HFHDeKalbTN to stay up-to-date on current events and construction updates.