New members displayed exemplary standards of conduct, attitude
By MARCELLA HERNDON - Staff writer
Each year, the "Diboll Wall of Honor," recognizes individuals for their outstanding athletic achievements and sportsmanship while also recognizing retired teachers, coaches and administrators that have provided outstanding service to the Diboll athletic program. This year three inductees will be honored posthumously for their exemplary standard of conduct and positive contributions to the Diboll athletic department.
Earl Burchfield, class of 1953, will be honored for his accomplishments in football, baseball and basketball. Burchfield was a "triple threat athlete and all-district choice in football and basketball during his junior and senior tenure," said nominator Bob Bowman.
Buchfield played four years of 11-man football, for three of those years he dominated the defensive end position and moved into the quarterback position in 1951 where he was a force to be reckonend with. Burchfield played three years of basketball as a forward and was said to be the-go-to player who could score when the game was on the line. Earl also played three years of baseball as a pitcher. "He had the best fastball in our district and you could depend on him to get at least nine or 10 strike outs in any game. This was probably the sport he was most outstanding in," said long-time friends Joe and Sissy Anthony. "Earl was not only an outstanding athlete, he was an outstanding student and friend to all who taught him and participated in sports with him."
After graduation Burchfield spent 42 years as a Baptist deacon, a little league coach and a husband of 43 years to Annette Burchfield.
Alton Jackson, class of 1972, is also being honored for his accomplishments in football, basketball and track. Jackson played on the first DHS football team to go all-district in 1970,1971 and all-state in 1971. Jackson's talents shined in football and in 1972 he was a member of DHS's all-star football game. Alton only lacked one vote that game to become, "most valuable player," but as luck would have it, he received his glory when he participated in the Oil Bowl high school all-star game and was donned the, 'most valuable defensive player of the game.' "Alton Jackson may be the best football player ever to come out of Diboll High School," said nominator Joe Wyatt. Jackson's grandson Terrance 'Boda' Taylor, carries on the Jackson tradition, playing on the Diboll junior high football team as do nephews, Jacolby Spencer and Kendal Jackson, both starters on the DHS varsity team. Jackson's mother, Mable Johnson, who plans to be at the ceremony, says, "I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Patrick Blake Carnley, class of 1987, best known for inspiring the Lumberjack teams and all of Diboll community. Carnley, a varsity manager from 1983-1987 had one "solo" tackle against Corrigan when he mistakenly thought the kick-off play was over. "Patrick would run onto the field to pick up the tee after a kick-off, he was doing it on crutches. The play wasn't over and there was Patrick, the lone Lumberjack between the opposing runner and the goal line. Patrick did his part and tackled the runner, thus doing his job as part of the Lumberjack kick-off team," said nominator Kent Havard. We are nominating Patrick because he lived life to its fullest. Said Jason Burrous and Dewayne Stanford. Even though Patrick had a disability, a spinal disease, that confined him to crutches and would not allow him to physically play sports, he never complained. But, his perseverance and winning attitude proved that angels really did exist on the Diboll sideline."
Family and friends are invited to attend a Wall of Honor reception, hosted by the Jackbackers, at 6 p.m. in the conference room at Lumberjack Stadium. On-field ceremonies will be held at the Wall at 7 p.m., prior to the kickoff of the Diboll-Center football game.
Photos courtesy of the History Center and Mrs. Mable Jackson.
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