Bringing in a new era of athletics for Wagener-Salley High School, the War Eagles played their first high school football game at their new stadium on Friday, Sept. 4, dedicated in honor of the late Deacon James Oland Brown.
Brown served as head teacher and principal at A.L. Corbett Public School and later as principal of A.L. Corbett Middle and High Schools and the Mayor of Wagener. Members of his family joined Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy, Wagener-Salley High School Principal Rasheem Neloms, Board of Education chairman Mr. Cameron Nuessle and Board member Deborah Tyler for a short dedication ceremony before kickoff.
“He believed schools were more than places of learning; they were pillars in the community. Whether opening the doors on weekends for recreation or standing tall as the Mayor of Wagener around them with humility, service and unwavering integrity,” Neloms said. “As a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, he never lost his faith for Christ and his people. His life is a testament to his servant leadership with many advisory roles… his legacy endures and the lives he touched and the principles he lived by.”
“Great schools are built on strong foundations, and Mr. J.O. Brown helped lay that foundation for education in this area,” Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy shared. “Through decades of service as a dedicated educator and administrator, he demonstrated what it means to lead with character, vision, and heart. Naming this stadium in his honor ensures that his devotion to our students and community will be remembered by every generation that walks onto this field."
J.O. Brown Memorial Stadium will seat 1,200 seats and features a video scoreboard and turf fields. This new athletic complex is part of a $15 million project that include the additions of new baseball and softball fields, and an eight- lane track located on Wagener-Salley's campus.
“My prayer is that we move forward, this stadium will be a place where students compete, families gather and memories are made,” Board of Education member Deborah Tyler shared. “I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this vision a reality: our school district leadership, board members, administrators, coaches, staff, community leaders, families, and most importantly, those who believe that our students deserve the very best. May this complex be filled with victories, championships, lifelong friendships, and countless memories for generations to come.”
