By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners honored the state championship Salisbury High School varsity girls basketball team Monday night.
And a former Salisbury High School student recalled the days before girls were allowed to play varsity ball.
County Commissioner Tina Hall, a 1969 graduate of Salisbury High School, amazed the students, commissioners and audience with a story of way- back-when.
“The superintendent ( Salisbury City Schools) didn’t think it was lady like for girls to play varsity basketball,” Hall said. “All we could do was play intramurals.”
She displayed her large “S” she got for playing intramural ball.
Hall apparently felt she and the other players were being discriminated against.
At the same time, the Rowan County Schools had varsity girls teams, Hall said. That was before Title IX leveled the playing field across the nation.
“I’m proud that Salisbury has a wonderful team … it’s incredible that girl’s athletics have come a long way.”
Chairman Carl Ford shook his head at the idea the school couldn’t have a girl’s team.
“City folks,” added Commissioner Raymond Coltrain.
The Salisbury team won the N.C. 2A State Championship last month, ending with a searecord of 29-3.
Salisbury girls previously won the state title in 2004.
Ford presented players and Coach Andrew Mitchell with signed copies of the resolutions.
Less than a half-dozen players made it to the meeting. Ford said they’re busy in other sports and having to make up some games because of the weather.
After a round of applause and handshakes, the team got an excused absence from the rest of the meeting.
“It can be boring,” Ford said as commissioners plowed into a conditional-use permit amendment.
You may contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.