Bethany Bradsher

From “Dixie Classic” to Classic ‘Bones’

Published author Bethany Bradsher spoke eloquently to an audience of two hundred Charlotte Rotary Club members and guests. The young woman with the

flowing dark hair and twinkle in her smile surely must have Irish heritage. She has the easy manner and quick wit of the Irish and she most definitely owns the art of storytelling. Her presentation on the life and times of basketball legends Everett Case and Bones McKinney intrigued and enraptured us. She is a student of the stories of professional sports heroes, knowing just when to interject a poignant, serious peek into their souls and when to segue to a funny glimpse into their lives on-court and off. She’s dead-on when detailing who these amazing athletes were and can quote without notes some of their meatier moments.

Bethany’s experience as a newspaper reporter, columnist and magazine writer prepared her well for her forage into the world of book author. No doubt her interview skills were honed in the locker rooms of college and professional ball players and her interest piqued by what she saw, heard and experienced enroute to becoming the superb wordsmith and storyteller she clearly is. Two of her recently published books, ‘The Classic: How Everett Case and His Tournament Brought Big-Time Basketball to the South’ and ‘Bones McKinney: Basketball’s Unforgettable Showman’ throw a spotlight on two mammoth giants in the field of NC State and Wake Forest basketball.

Deciding to focus her books on North Carolina’s basketball courts, she further concentrated on legendary coaches and the events that have taken place in the “Great North State.” She has painted with words the inside story of the Dixie Classic and how that venerable holiday tournament was born and bred by Everett Case who was said to have the ultimate goal of seeing a basketball goal in every driveway. She led us through the history of the Dixie Classic tourney from its early years and through its championships and its foils, making us feel as if we were seated at center court during its heyday.

Bethany spoke fondly and knowledgeably of Jack Murdock, Frank McGuire, Billy Packer and Ernie Beck but she really took us on a grand tour of the world of the almighty Bones McKinney … Final Four superstar, ABA Washington Capitals forward/center, Carolina Cougars head coach, Baptist preacher, TV color commentator, and all-time “… loyal friend … comedian and the most coveted public speaker in the state for decades.” Perhaps as importantly as any of his

REPORTER January 27, 2015

achievements on the court, Bones McKinney impacted American sports with his simple interest in putting the best players he could find in Washington Capitals uniforms including if those talented players happened to be black … something unheard of in pro basketball in the 1950’s. He sought out Earl Lloyd and three other African American basketball players whom he felt would change the WIN-LOSS record in favor of his team. By doing so, he integrated professional basketball at a time when it was overdue and much-needed.

Our speaker was brilliant in her presentation and tone. She closed with a Bones McKinney quote that has become a signature representation of his comedic wit. “The trouble with officials,” he once said, “is that they don’t care who wins.”

Bethany, please come back to Charlotte Rotary and speak to us again. In the meantime, we’ll be buying your books.

Written by: Marilynn Bowler Head Table: Gray Langley, Robert Freeman, Tony Zeiss, Jill Santuccio, Bob Webb, Dale Gillmore; Invocation: Pete Marriott; Visitors & Guests: Bob James; Health, Happiness & History: John Tabor; AV: Jessica Dupree & Nikki Keith; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

Club News Carol Jordan, Marilynn Bowler, Tom Burgess Lynn Johnson and are working on a club project to provide “Little Free Library” boxes. Club members were asked to help identify a neighborhood willing to allow a box to be installed AND agree to help maintain it. Little Free Libraries provide a place to trade books and make connections. Tom Burgess will make the box and club members are needed to identify the perfect location. Contact any of the above for questions/additional information. Phil Volponi worked the crowd and signed up 37 Rotarians and 19 family members to participate in the tree planting project scheduled for February 21, 2015 at J.W. Grier Elementary. This is a great District, club and community event and you will want to be part of the effort. Visit TreeCharlotte.org to register, or contact Phil at volponipc@gmail.com before February 8th. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte (Karen Calder) was named Charlotte’s Best Practice Agency of the Year; Julie Haack was the keynote speaker at the Shop Talk Small Business Conference and offered advice on how to start a company.

THANKS Terri and Mark DeBoo for providing the Disney experience

to the club’s exchange students Raul and Jana

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS (1/28/15 – 2/2/15) 01/28 Bert Voswinkel 01/29 Kathy Boone, Paul Pennell 02/02 Liz Irwin, Rock Miralia, Alice Harrison UPCOMING ANNIVERSARIES (1/28/15 – 2/2/15) 01/29 Margie & Harry Daugherty 02/01 Elizabeth & Matthew Brown 02/02 Ann & Don Carmichael

ATTENDANCE Visitors & Guests 21 Club Members 155 Total Attendance 176 Percentage 54.4% MEMBERSHIP 01/21/2015 318 07/01/2014 317 Net Increase: +1 New Members: Resignations: Wes Sugg, Brad Picot, Daryl Holland, Dusty Holcomb, Claire Blocker, Mahlon Pitt VISITORS ON 1/27/14 Street Brewer, Tom Blocker, Mike Hehir, Dale Halton, Fred Wagner, Marty Clontz, Chuck McElroy, Charles Heard, Avery Staley, Jamie Hayes, Meg Walters, Chuck Gordon, Wil Bosbyshell, Donna Cameron, Amy Davis, Shala Allison, Joey Norman, John Springer, Jordan Hicks, Linda Hurlbert, Jack Phillips, Wes Lawson UPCOMING LUNCHEONS (www.charlotterotary.org and click on the events tab) 02/03 – Jim Morgan, President, Krispy Kreme 02/10 – Anthony J. Tata, Secretary, N.C. Department of Transportation Photos from this week’s luncheon – thanks Bert!

Photos from our luncheons and other events can be found on Flickr Click here

charlotterotary.org 704.375.6816 841 Baxter Street | Suite 118 | Charlotte, NC 28202-2720 USA © The Rotary Club of Charlotte 2014