The Russellville High School Football Team held the 4th Annual Buddy Linton - Howard Wren Kickoff Classic at Rhea Stadium on Friday, Aug. 30.
Every year, the Panther community comes together to honor two of the finest gentleman to ever wear the "Black and Gold." Both Coach Linton and Coach Wren spent most of their lives influencing the youth of our community in a positive way and continued their great work well past their coaching days.
Former coach John Myers, who was at Ken Barrett Field as a member of the coaching staff of opponent Glasgow, was also recognized that night for everything he has done for the Russellville community.
When he first began at Russellville in 2004, he was a “young man with little experience, but with a strong character, unlimited Christian values, as well as being a loyal family man.”
Over the years he completely changed the football program, which had not won a playoff game in 10 seasons, to having 13 non-losing seasons with a total of 118 games won and only 57 lost. He was also an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Maintenance Supervisor, Transportation Director, and Russellville High School Principal during the 14 years he worked for the District.
A painting by Sonny Green of John Myers was given to him to honor him and all that he has done for Russellville.
His and Jennifer’s son John Carter is the backup quarterback for Glasgow and contributed to the Scotties’ win.
Coach Myers has written the following to the Russellville community:
“Thank you to the R Club and Panther Nation for welcoming my family and me back to Rhea Stadium in a way only the R Club can do!!! When the R Club sets out to do something, they hold nothing back...it’s always first class!!
I’ve been on the other side of the coin in helping the R Club recognize former Panthers and promoting RHS Athletics in a variety of ways over the past several years, but never did I expect to be on the receiving end of such an awesome reception topped off with a print by Sonny Green.
Speechless, humbled, honored, and blessed are the only words that come to mind. I will always cherish my times at RHS and how the RHS community treated my family during those 14 years. I’ve spent many special Friday nights at Rhea Stadium, and this night surrounded by former players, coaches, friends, and family is one of those I won’t soon forget.
Thank you again, Panther Nation, the R Club, and especially Greg Owens for the time you took to make this night so special! And not only for this night, but for all the different things you all do to promote RHS and Panther Athletics. Russellville Schools are lucky to have such a group of supporters and promoters.
To quote the last phrase of a song we sang many times on Ken Barrett Field, “We will always fight for you Black, Gold, and White!!”