"The 1974 A.L. Brown Little Wonders"
"The Meaning of Pride"
When does one first learn the meaning of pride? Better yet how old does one have to be to understand it's meaning? Some will argue the age at which a person gains the required level of intellect to understand, grasp, and retain knowledge. The understanding of pride came to me in 1974 at the tender age of nine, and all it took was the introduction of a high school football team. As the rising senior class of 1974 began contact drills in early August in preparation for the 1974 grid season, that lesson in pride was about to begin for that wide eyed nine year old from West C Street, and what a learning experience it would be.
During this era in Wonder football history, the "Little Wonders" were the pride of the working class of Kannapolis, and just as the Dallas Cowboys were considered "Americas Team" the Little Wonders belonged to the town of Kannapolis. My oldest sister was a junior Wonder cheerleader in 1974, and early in the year the anticipation for the 1974 season was intense. Excitement resonated throughout the walls of my home as opening night at Northwest Cabarrus approached. I knew that what I observed in the closing stages of the 1973 football season was a life changing event for me, but to say I fully grasped its meaning would be a falsehood. I couldn't wait to see the team I cheered for in this newly discovered game of organized violence take the field once again in 1974. As the days leading up to opening night passed by, the excitement grew almost to the point of not being able to sleep at night. I recall each day there were news reports from my sister about the atmosphere at the high school, and how everyone was gearing up for the big game. I remember the endless stream of spirit buttons, and pennants arriving at my house by way of my cheerleader sister. It was a constant bombardment of spirit, and more spirit throughout the week. This only made my anticipation grow.
Then it came! Opening night at Northwest Cabarrus. I still recall walking into that stadium with my mother to find a good seat, and the first glimpses of my team take the field for pregame warmups. I sat still almost motionless taking in all the activity that was going on during pregame warmups. Then through all the chatter of nearby fans, the ominous sound of drums began to overtake all the chatter. I couldn't see where the sound was coming from, but I knew I liked it. All of the sudden I noticed movement directly behind me and turned to see what it could be. There they were in all their green splendor and mass "The Big Green Machine" That big band of distinction slowly marching into the stadium to that slow marching cadence. As the band made it's way onto the field I could feel my excitement level reaching a fever pitch, and the feeling I had knowing that impressive group taking the field belonged to the Green and White. Bands during this time were good all around, but nothing like this organization. I watched intently as each member walked up the steps from the field to find their seat just to the right of where I was sitting all in perfect unison. All of the elements were now present in one stadium that represented the focal point for what I would take so much pride in supporting throughout the years to come. The stage was set, now it was time for the combat to begin.
The 1974 Little Wonders began the year with twenty one seniors from a group that finished 7-2-1 in 1973. The potential was there, but one big component was missing going into the 1974 season. Head coach Wilbert Vincent Campagna stepped down in early 1974 to take a head coaching position at North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. The Wonders were now looking towards newly assigned head coach Robert "Lope" Linder to take this group one step further than the year before. With twenty one seniors and twelve starting lettermen from the 1973 squad alot of expectation was there, but there were gaps to fill and most of those gaps would be on the offensive and defensive lines. How do you fill the gap Lacy Brumley or Fletcher Moon filled? The Wonders would be a bit smaller this season than they were in 1973, but where they lacked in size coach Linder hoped they would make up for in speed. I cant help but think about what coach Todd Hagler said to me when I interviewed him about the strength and conditioning program at A.L. Brown High School back in 2011, and what stuck out to me while writing this piece was the statement he made "I will sacrifice size for speed anyday of the week" I guess great minds do think alike sometimes. So the Wonders would be smaller, but looking at some of the big hitters returning was reason alone to have hope. Guys like Tim Davis, Brian Holbrook, Tim and Joey Roseman, Rick Grier, and Dale Fink. These guys were averaging 220 lbs accross the board, and were as strong as any axman in the logging business in Oregon. These vets would anchor the defensive and offensive lines with some seeing double duty.
Offensively the Wonders were a virtual whos who of proven talent returning for one more hour in the sun. Guys like Terry Cunningham, Vernon Grier, Donald Fortson, Greg Wagoner, Andy Trott, Larry Anthony, George Smith, Kendall Blackwelder, and Chuck Rodgers were all seasoned at their positions, and were poised to pick up where they left off in 1973. Being a rabid Wonder fan, I made it a point to know every player and every number of my Wonder team so I could play each member in my backyard on Saturdays. I studied the athletic program more than I studied my school work, and it showed lol. In those days you could have asked me at any given moment who a player was, and what position he played, and I could have responded with the correct answer in just a few seconds. These were my Wonders, the team I looked up to and idolized. I would follow this team with pride through the course of an entire grid season in 1974. I experienced everything they experienced, minus the hits from inside the safe confines of stadium bleachers from Asheboro to Lexington, Statesville to Trinity, and back to K-Town.
I experienced the joy of being undefeated going into the Asheboro game, and the confusion of what to do when it ended in a tie. I experienced the devastating moments of loss that didn't come often, but came nonetheless. This is their story, the story of a team that still today brings pride to my soul, and joy to my heart when I reflect on them. A team who gave every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears to achieve victory for their school, their fans, and for their town. A team who garnered the support and respect of an entire community, and seldom disappointed. A team who in essence taught me "The Meaning of Pride"
During this era in Wonder football history, the "Little Wonders" were the pride of the working class of Kannapolis, and just as the Dallas Cowboys were considered "Americas Team" the Little Wonders belonged to the town of Kannapolis. My oldest sister was a junior Wonder cheerleader in 1974, and early in the year the anticipation for the 1974 season was intense. Excitement resonated throughout the walls of my home as opening night at Northwest Cabarrus approached. I knew that what I observed in the closing stages of the 1973 football season was a life changing event for me, but to say I fully grasped its meaning would be a falsehood. I couldn't wait to see the team I cheered for in this newly discovered game of organized violence take the field once again in 1974. As the days leading up to opening night passed by, the excitement grew almost to the point of not being able to sleep at night. I recall each day there were news reports from my sister about the atmosphere at the high school, and how everyone was gearing up for the big game. I remember the endless stream of spirit buttons, and pennants arriving at my house by way of my cheerleader sister. It was a constant bombardment of spirit, and more spirit throughout the week. This only made my anticipation grow.
Then it came! Opening night at Northwest Cabarrus. I still recall walking into that stadium with my mother to find a good seat, and the first glimpses of my team take the field for pregame warmups. I sat still almost motionless taking in all the activity that was going on during pregame warmups. Then through all the chatter of nearby fans, the ominous sound of drums began to overtake all the chatter. I couldn't see where the sound was coming from, but I knew I liked it. All of the sudden I noticed movement directly behind me and turned to see what it could be. There they were in all their green splendor and mass "The Big Green Machine" That big band of distinction slowly marching into the stadium to that slow marching cadence. As the band made it's way onto the field I could feel my excitement level reaching a fever pitch, and the feeling I had knowing that impressive group taking the field belonged to the Green and White. Bands during this time were good all around, but nothing like this organization. I watched intently as each member walked up the steps from the field to find their seat just to the right of where I was sitting all in perfect unison. All of the elements were now present in one stadium that represented the focal point for what I would take so much pride in supporting throughout the years to come. The stage was set, now it was time for the combat to begin.
The 1974 Little Wonders began the year with twenty one seniors from a group that finished 7-2-1 in 1973. The potential was there, but one big component was missing going into the 1974 season. Head coach Wilbert Vincent Campagna stepped down in early 1974 to take a head coaching position at North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. The Wonders were now looking towards newly assigned head coach Robert "Lope" Linder to take this group one step further than the year before. With twenty one seniors and twelve starting lettermen from the 1973 squad alot of expectation was there, but there were gaps to fill and most of those gaps would be on the offensive and defensive lines. How do you fill the gap Lacy Brumley or Fletcher Moon filled? The Wonders would be a bit smaller this season than they were in 1973, but where they lacked in size coach Linder hoped they would make up for in speed. I cant help but think about what coach Todd Hagler said to me when I interviewed him about the strength and conditioning program at A.L. Brown High School back in 2011, and what stuck out to me while writing this piece was the statement he made "I will sacrifice size for speed anyday of the week" I guess great minds do think alike sometimes. So the Wonders would be smaller, but looking at some of the big hitters returning was reason alone to have hope. Guys like Tim Davis, Brian Holbrook, Tim and Joey Roseman, Rick Grier, and Dale Fink. These guys were averaging 220 lbs accross the board, and were as strong as any axman in the logging business in Oregon. These vets would anchor the defensive and offensive lines with some seeing double duty.
Offensively the Wonders were a virtual whos who of proven talent returning for one more hour in the sun. Guys like Terry Cunningham, Vernon Grier, Donald Fortson, Greg Wagoner, Andy Trott, Larry Anthony, George Smith, Kendall Blackwelder, and Chuck Rodgers were all seasoned at their positions, and were poised to pick up where they left off in 1973. Being a rabid Wonder fan, I made it a point to know every player and every number of my Wonder team so I could play each member in my backyard on Saturdays. I studied the athletic program more than I studied my school work, and it showed lol. In those days you could have asked me at any given moment who a player was, and what position he played, and I could have responded with the correct answer in just a few seconds. These were my Wonders, the team I looked up to and idolized. I would follow this team with pride through the course of an entire grid season in 1974. I experienced everything they experienced, minus the hits from inside the safe confines of stadium bleachers from Asheboro to Lexington, Statesville to Trinity, and back to K-Town.
I experienced the joy of being undefeated going into the Asheboro game, and the confusion of what to do when it ended in a tie. I experienced the devastating moments of loss that didn't come often, but came nonetheless. This is their story, the story of a team that still today brings pride to my soul, and joy to my heart when I reflect on them. A team who gave every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears to achieve victory for their school, their fans, and for their town. A team who garnered the support and respect of an entire community, and seldom disappointed. A team who in essence taught me "The Meaning of Pride"
The 1974 Varsity Little Wonder football Roster
"Towel City Warriors "
To look into some of these faces tells the story of the town of Kannapolis in the early seventies. Sullen, rough huned kids who came from hard working parents who went to sleep and woke up to the sound of the mill whistle. These were real American kids with desire and very few pretenses. Most with limited means and whose futures were no brighter than that which their parents faced or their parent's parents growing up in the "City of Looms"
In this day and age toughness was something that was inherent in most and what better place to release all that pent up aggression than on the green field of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium on Friday night. This was a great day when men were men and football was football. $2.00 to get into the game and believe me it was worth every penny of it. This team captured the spirit and imagination of all who witnessed them play and made it possible for future generations of Wonders shine.
In this day and age toughness was something that was inherent in most and what better place to release all that pent up aggression than on the green field of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium on Friday night. This was a great day when men were men and football was football. $2.00 to get into the game and believe me it was worth every penny of it. This team captured the spirit and imagination of all who witnessed them play and made it possible for future generations of Wonders shine.
18th Annual Football Preview 1974
"Wonders In Full Contact Scrimmage with East Rowan"
"The Outlook for The Wonders"
After the controlled scrimmage with East Rowan Coach Lope Linder would be very pleased with his clubs overall performance, however lack of consistent production on the offensive side of the ball concerned the mentor given the level of talent and explosiveness that occupied that area of the game. A few chinks in the armor needed to be smoothed out with an opening night match up with the Northwest Cabarrus Trojans looming in the week ahead. A good showing would be vital as coach Linder made his debut as the Wonders commander and chief.
The 1974 Varsity Schedule
In the South Piedmont Conference in 1974 there was very little disparity amongst many of the competitiors. On any given night, any team not bringing their best was subject to upset as we will see later in the feature. Among the hot contenders of the day were your usual mainstays in Salisbury, and Thomasville while Lexington, Asheboro, and Statesville were always potential boat rockers. Trinity was not considered much of a threat during this time and Concord was well, Concord! Anything was possible in this conference and it would take a collective effort on behalf of every Wonder to make the conference championship a reality.
As you can see columnist Frankie Patterson predicted much closer an affair between the Wonders and the Trojans. The Trojans were on the upswing with such stars as Kieth Gaskey and Larry Rucker. This was a rising group of Trojans that were only one year removed from almost capturing the AAA title.
Kannapolis-29 Northwest Cabarrus-13
Kannapolis-20 South Rowan-0
If there was one thing in particular that stood out about this game it would have to be the stadium lights going down just as halftime was about to begin. I remember sitting in the front row watching the band prepare to give their performance when all of the sudden everything went black. I recall it stayed that way for about ten minutes until the lights finally came back on. Little things like that made the 1974 season such a memorable experience for so many.
|
Stadium accommodations at Statesville High School in 1974 left little to be desired for visiting fans. The field had a massive grade on one side which made it almost impossible to see if the scrimmage was on the far hash mark. The stadium would undergo massive renovations in 1975 which would keep the Greyhounds on the road for the entire 1975 season.
I remember the Statesville Marching Grenedier Band was interesting to say the least with a bagpipe section that led the band out into the stadium. It gave the atmosphere that celtic feel.
I remember the Statesville Marching Grenedier Band was interesting to say the least with a bagpipe section that led the band out into the stadium. It gave the atmosphere that celtic feel.
Kannapolis-20 Statesville-6
Kannapolis-14 Lexington-12
Kannapolis-27 Albemarle-6
5 and 0 Wonders take on 2-2 Asheboro Blue Comets
Coming off a bye week in week seven of the season the Wonders traveled to Asheboro to take on a very scary group of Blue Comets. The Blue Comets had the history of being spoilers to many league leading teams, and as the Wonders would find out The Blue Comets were more than capable of giving them all they could handle, And then some. Most notable victory was their 14-13 victory over the Concord Spiders. That should have been an early warning for the Wonders.
Open dates are usually good for teams midway through the schedule, but on this night it could be argued that maybe the time off made the "Little Wonders" a "Little Complacent"
Open dates are usually good for teams midway through the schedule, but on this night it could be argued that maybe the time off made the "Little Wonders" a "Little Complacent"
Kannapolis-14 Asheboro-14
Kannapolis-7 Salisbury-6
Wonders Sitting Pretty in League Play, But Trouble was on the Horizon!
The Wonder were feeling extra sporty after defeating the Salisbury Hornets to stay unbeaten going into it's homecoming match up with the Thomasville Bulldogs. Thomasville going into the season was considered to be one of the odds on favorites to win the conference along with Salisbury. The Wonders took care of business against the Hornets, but the match up with Thomasville loomed dark and ominous as the Wonders looked to clinch an SPC birth with a win. The Thomasville Bulldogs had other plans in mind.
Kannapolis-0 Thomasville-16
No Room for Error for the Wonders!
Licking their wounds from a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Thomasville Bulldogs the Wonders would look to travel to Trinity to put the bite on another group of Bulldogs to ease their suffering. The Wonders knew well at this juncture there was little margin for error as one more tie or one more loss would effectively end their chances at a South Piedmont Conference title and a possible birth in the AAA playoffs just three weeks out. Trinity 1-5 in league play 1-6 over all did not appear to be much of a threat going into the skirmish, but something unexpected would take place the week of the contest.
For reasons unknown or speculative at best Wonder standout fullback and linebacker George Smith would abruptly call it quits on the season leaving the Wonders with a huge void at this position. Smith had been a steady performer for the Wonders all season rushing for 104 yards against Albemarle. The void would be a blow to the morale of the Wonders as Wonder Tackle Tim Davis would say. "When George quit everyone seemed a little down and practice just didn't seem to have the same enthusiasm as before. I think in the long run it hurt the team." Regardless there was no time to sit back a feel self pity. The Wonders were on the downhill run and things were about to head in the wrong direction for the Wonders.
For reasons unknown or speculative at best Wonder standout fullback and linebacker George Smith would abruptly call it quits on the season leaving the Wonders with a huge void at this position. Smith had been a steady performer for the Wonders all season rushing for 104 yards against Albemarle. The void would be a blow to the morale of the Wonders as Wonder Tackle Tim Davis would say. "When George quit everyone seemed a little down and practice just didn't seem to have the same enthusiasm as before. I think in the long run it hurt the team." Regardless there was no time to sit back a feel self pity. The Wonders were on the downhill run and things were about to head in the wrong direction for the Wonders.
Kannapolis-42 Trinity-0
"Something Wicked This Way Comes"
Going into the 1974 Battle for the Bell game the Wonders would find themselves in control of their own destiny. All it would take would be one more victory over the Spiders to put the Wonders in position to take the South Piedmont Conference Championship and a spot in the AAA playoffs, but a defeat would be disastrous. The Spiders would come into Memorial Stadium with an overall record of 5-3 with losses coming at the hands of Statesville, Asheboro, and Lexington. The Wonders could see the finish line, however a very motivated group of Spiders led by Tracy Andrews was about to throw a monkey wrench of titanic proportions into the Wonders dreams. Friday night November 4, 1974 would forever become a night that would "live in infamy for the Wonders. This would be a night most Wonders would just as soon forget!
Kannapolis-6 Concord-14
"Why is This One So Hard to Swallow?"
I know I've said this so many times before about how hard a loss this was to stomach for the 1974 Little Wonders, and the question still burns today as to why that is some thirty eight years after the fact? You have to first understand that things were much different during this time than it is now. As I was putting this featurette together the bitter feeling of this loss began to surface again as each game in the series passed by one by one. With each game I posted I knew this one was eventually coming, and the sickening feeling I had back in 1974 became worse and worse. It's the game that for me and for many of the Wonders who played in this game just can't seem to shake.
So much was lost for the Wonders on this night, and lost to a team who came in as the underdog with virtually no chance in hades of beating the Wonders especially on their home field, but that's football. The unpredictable nature of the game that exists in any game. This night the unthinkable happened and it happened at the most inopportune time. Would this loss been as bad had the Wonders beat Thomasville just two weeks prior or had they not tied Asheboro? I'm not sure, but when you look at what all was at stake in this game I guess the answer is self explanatory. Then you add in the intangibles.
The pride and devotion everyone who attended the games this year had for this team. The expectation the team had for themselves after playing as well as they had in the games that preceeded this game. One only has to look into the faces of the cheerleaders in the picture above to understand how hard this loss was to deal with. I can't help but reflect back on the words of Wonder starting tackle Tim Davis when I asked him about this game during my interview with him for "The Hard Road to Glory" series and I quote:
"People were just standing around stunned. Nobody could believe it. I was looking for Terry because we were supposed to take the bell across to the Spiders. If you look in that picture I should have been in it. I remember towards the end of the game just looking for someone to hit, and how I couldn't believe this was happening my senior year."
The picture above was not just a scene that happened on the field, but in the stands as well. Thousands of Young and old alike shed tears as if they had just lost loved ones, and that sadness went out the gates of Memorial Stadium into their vehicles and to the many homes within the town of Kannapolis. For a nine year old kid who loved his team with the passion and devotion that I had for this team it was devastating. Then you add into all the drama of the loss the fact it was below freezing that night, and you had all the ingredients for pure unadulterated M.I.S.E.R.Y.
I can truthfully say if I live to be a hundred I will never forget the pain and anguish of this night. Every year as this game approaches I reflect back on that cold night in November as a nine year old prideful Little Wonder, and back to one of the hardest lessons in pride I ever had to learn. Pride is an emotion everyone feels in victory, but sometimes the overwhelming feeling of pride that is felt in victory can be magnified greater in defeat.
So much was lost for the Wonders on this night, and lost to a team who came in as the underdog with virtually no chance in hades of beating the Wonders especially on their home field, but that's football. The unpredictable nature of the game that exists in any game. This night the unthinkable happened and it happened at the most inopportune time. Would this loss been as bad had the Wonders beat Thomasville just two weeks prior or had they not tied Asheboro? I'm not sure, but when you look at what all was at stake in this game I guess the answer is self explanatory. Then you add in the intangibles.
The pride and devotion everyone who attended the games this year had for this team. The expectation the team had for themselves after playing as well as they had in the games that preceeded this game. One only has to look into the faces of the cheerleaders in the picture above to understand how hard this loss was to deal with. I can't help but reflect back on the words of Wonder starting tackle Tim Davis when I asked him about this game during my interview with him for "The Hard Road to Glory" series and I quote:
"People were just standing around stunned. Nobody could believe it. I was looking for Terry because we were supposed to take the bell across to the Spiders. If you look in that picture I should have been in it. I remember towards the end of the game just looking for someone to hit, and how I couldn't believe this was happening my senior year."
The picture above was not just a scene that happened on the field, but in the stands as well. Thousands of Young and old alike shed tears as if they had just lost loved ones, and that sadness went out the gates of Memorial Stadium into their vehicles and to the many homes within the town of Kannapolis. For a nine year old kid who loved his team with the passion and devotion that I had for this team it was devastating. Then you add into all the drama of the loss the fact it was below freezing that night, and you had all the ingredients for pure unadulterated M.I.S.E.R.Y.
I can truthfully say if I live to be a hundred I will never forget the pain and anguish of this night. Every year as this game approaches I reflect back on that cold night in November as a nine year old prideful Little Wonder, and back to one of the hardest lessons in pride I ever had to learn. Pride is an emotion everyone feels in victory, but sometimes the overwhelming feeling of pride that is felt in victory can be magnified greater in defeat.
"Wonders Playoff Hopes Disappear in the Cold November Night"
"The Post Season Accolades"
"Tim Davis"
Becomes A
Demon Deacon
"Tim Roseman and Chuck Rodgers"
Catawba Bound
"Top Cat"
Follows Roseman and Rodgers
To Catawba
The 1974 A.L. Brown Little Wonders
And so a surprising season comes to a dramatic end. Not exactly the end the Little Wonders envisioned, but one that was surely as much exciting as it was unexpected. The Wonders came into the season with many question marks then silenced the doubters when they blew through the first part of the season taking a 5-0 record in to a week seven match up with Asheboro. Then in one of the most intense games played that season they made a huge statement shutting down the explosive Salisbury Hornets to improve to 6-0-1 before dropping their first league game 16-0 to Thomasville. The climatic finale to the 1974 campaign would be a devastating loss to arch rival Concord 14-6 in the annual Battle for the Bell.
The Little Wonders experienced it all in 1974. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat and did it with class that only a well disciplined team can. For all you could say about this team they were anything but dull. Spirit and pride followed them into every arena thay played in, and the echoes of that love and support from thousands of adoring fans can still be heard today within the confines of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium if you sit back and listen closely. The 1974 Little Wonders successfully taught me the meaning of pride that year, and it is a pride that still burns deep inside my soul today as each new Wonder team breaks through the banner to take the field of play. As each team makes their entry into Memorial Stadium I see the ghosts of the 1974 Little Wonders following suit just as they did thirty eight years ago. The Dallas Cowboys can be "Americas Team" but the 1974 Little Wonders of A.L. Brown High School will forever be "My Team." The team that taught this Wonder "The Meaning of Pride"
The Little Wonders experienced it all in 1974. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat and did it with class that only a well disciplined team can. For all you could say about this team they were anything but dull. Spirit and pride followed them into every arena thay played in, and the echoes of that love and support from thousands of adoring fans can still be heard today within the confines of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium if you sit back and listen closely. The 1974 Little Wonders successfully taught me the meaning of pride that year, and it is a pride that still burns deep inside my soul today as each new Wonder team breaks through the banner to take the field of play. As each team makes their entry into Memorial Stadium I see the ghosts of the 1974 Little Wonders following suit just as they did thirty eight years ago. The Dallas Cowboys can be "Americas Team" but the 1974 Little Wonders of A.L. Brown High School will forever be "My Team." The team that taught this Wonder "The Meaning of Pride"
Kannapolis 29 Northwest Cab 13
Kannapolis 20 South Rowan 0
Kannapolis 20 Statesville 6
Kannapolis 14 Lexington 12
Kannapolis 27 Albemarle 6
Kannapolis 14 Asheboro 14
Kannapolis 7 Salisbury 6
Kannapolis 0 Thomasville 16
Kannapolis 42 Trinity 0
Kannapolis 6 Concord 14
7-2-1
Kannapolis 20 South Rowan 0
Kannapolis 20 Statesville 6
Kannapolis 14 Lexington 12
Kannapolis 27 Albemarle 6
Kannapolis 14 Asheboro 14
Kannapolis 7 Salisbury 6
Kannapolis 0 Thomasville 16
Kannapolis 42 Trinity 0
Kannapolis 6 Concord 14
7-2-1