Staff photo / Dan Hiner Former South High School football coach Bill Blascak, center, talks with other members of the South High Athletic Association during the group’s eighth annual luncheon on Wednesday at A La Cart Catering in Canfield.

CANFIELD — The past, present and future of South High School converged for a couple hours at A La Cart Catering in Canfield.

The South High Athletic Association conducted its eighth annual luncheon on Wednesday afternoon, honoring graduates of South for their academic, athletic and post-education achievements. Everything from All-City Series awards to military service to the future of the South High campus were discussed.

The man of the hour was Cleveland King, a former South athlete and Vietnam veteran.

King graduated from South and opted to join the United States Marine Corps following his time as a football player and member of the track team. On March 1, 1969, the then-radio operator assumed command of his unit after his platoon commander and sergeant were wounded.

He directed the men toward a hilltop, which was converted into a landing zone for helicopters to evacuate the injured. Enemy fire was directed toward King, and a mortar impacted near the former South Warrior, knocking him off his feet.

King got back on his feet and continued to direct the helicopters as they evacuated wounded Marines.

His work on the battlefield wasn’t acknowledged by the military for 40 years, but he was eventually awarded a Silver Star for his actions that day. A decade later, his fellow classmates brought him back to Youngstown to honor his athletic and military careers.

“Everything that we do, there’s a reason and there’s a purpose,” King said. “What I did, and what this unit has done for me and the government, I’ll never forget it, especially this day right here. It’s a good feeling.”

King didn’t plan on attending on Wednesday. But he was grateful for the time his classmates took to honor his speed on the track, work ethic as an all-city halfback and example as a leader.

“Everytime they said something like that, especially football, I didn’t know they felt like that for me here in Youngstown,” King said. “I just didn’t know, but I thank God and those that are here, they showed their love.”

THREE MORE HONOREES

Three more members of South High were honored during Monday’s luncheon.

Ernie McElroy, Mervin Spencer and Sanford Rivers’ achievements were also remembered by the group of former Warriors.

McElroy and Spencer made a name for themselves on the basketball court and gridiron, respectively. They both were named All-City Series for three straight years in their sports.

Rivers played football for the Warriors, graduating in 1962. His passion for football continued with an NFL official. He spent 15 years in stripes on Sunday afternoons.

“It’s turned into a great thing for the Valley,” Jack Cramb said. “It’s for South High School, where all the memories, all the athletes — there were great athletes here. And we just felt we had to keep that tradition going, especially with our high school being closed.”

A NEW FUTURE FOR SOUTH HIGH

Representatives from Valley Christian gave a few quick speeches regarding plans for the South High campus.

Eric Holm spoke on behalf of Jubilee Urban Development, the owners of the school building, and Valley Christian Schools CEO Mike Pecchia discussed plans for the schools athletic facilities.

The Eagles football team practiced on the South field behind the school for the last eight years. Pecchia said one of the next goals is to install an eight-lane track around the field.

“We’re trying to provide more for them. We’re trying to develop a new part of the Market Street corridor and develop that,” Pecchia said. “Our plan is to have a track, turf field stadium and we’re collaborating in terms of using South High School.”

Have an interesting story? Contact Dan Hiner by email at dhiner@tribtoday.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @DanHiner_Sports.