First state champs of Houston County to present their rings after 51 years

The first Houston County football team to win a state football championship will finally celebrate their achievement with a ring ceremony over 50 years since their victory on December 9, 1969.

On July 11 the Houston High Indians football team of 1969 will present their state championship rings on the field they once played on.

“This is historical for us,” said Lawrence Clarington, who was an eighth grader on the team and had two interceptions in the state title game. “It took over 50 years for us to celebrate this.”

Clarington is eager to finally honor and recognize the first state football champions of Houston County with their long overdue championship rings.

It was difficult rallying his teammates for the ceremony, but there are around 25 rings they expect to present to former players and coaches.

There will also be a memorial ceremony for Indians Head Coach Elijah Weatherspoon, who passed away a few years ago. His wife will be in attendance for the ceremony.

Houston High was an all-Black school back when they won state and didn’t receive much recognition for being the first state champions in Houston County. In fact, their history is almost non-existent. When the school closed, the county threw away most of the history from Houston High, even their trophies. Now, the former Houston High Indians will have state championship rings to signify their legacy forever.

The ceremony will be held at the field the Indians played on back in 1969. That field is right across from A.D. Redmond Park on James Street, off of Houston Lake Road in Perry.

The ceremony is on July 11 at 5 p.m.

HHJ News