By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The Escambia County High School Culinary Arts Department honored the school’s basketball team with a reception Thursday, March 31. The event was also an opportunity for the team and school administration to thank the team’s supporters, several of whom were in attendance.
The ECHS team made history in March by playing in the state championship.
“Thank all of you,” ECHS Principal Amy Cabaniss said, referring to the outpouring of support for the team. “This is about sports and ECHS, but it’s more about love,” she said. “I’ve never seen it like this.”
Contributions to the team’s trip totaled more than $6,000, covering all expenses. Cabaniss said members of the team declined a chartered bus ride – preferring to ride in the “cheese wagon,” a regular school bus.
Head Coach Layton Knight speaking on behalf of players and coaches said, “We appreciate what you have done for us. We’ll get ready to do it next year.”
Supporters in attendance were Dale Ash, Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore; Emilee Craft, Atmore Chamber of Commerce, United Bank; Sherry Digmon, Atmore News, Escambia County Board of Education, District 6; Sheilo Faircloth, David’s Catfish; Shawn Lassiter, City Council Mayor Pro Tem; Brandon Smith, Escambia County Commissioner; Mayor Jim Staff; Coach Cornell Torrence, coach for whom the ECHS gym is named; Mavis Torrence, retired teacher; Dr. Marian Torrence, retired educator, daughter of Cornell and Mavis Torrence.
Cabaniss, the coaches and the team had basketballs for each supporter, signed by players and coaches.