Last Week’s Athletes (s): 1970 Optimist Packers –

The Team
The 1970 Optimist Packers won the city league with a record of 6-1-1. They then went 3-0-1 in post season play, including a 28-0 win over Geneva, a 26-0 win over Florala, a 20-0 win over Hartsford. In the final game of the season they tied 0-0 against Dothan. Post season awards (watches) went to David Kent as the offensive player of the year, Vincent Page as the defensive player of the year and Ernie Thomas as the lineman of the year. They finished the season with a 9-1-2 record and outscored their opponents 176-26.
The Players
Ernie Thomas – born in Marianna; son of Col. Leland Thomas (ret. USAF) and Virginia Thomas; graduate of Annandale (VA) High School; Graduated from The Citadel and played football for Bobby Ross his first year. Was a commercial contractor in Charleston S.C. for 25 years, then went back to school for his master’s degree. Now teaches history and economics in the state of Maine.
Jay Pelham – currently lives in Huntsville, Alabama and is a supervisor of the security department at a manufacturing plant.
Kenny Hamm – currently lives in Marianna and is the manager of Century Fire Protection. He is married to the former Kathy Caughran of Marianna
Bill Hamilton – Currently lives in Pensacola and serves as the Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at Pensacola Jr. College.
Jim Cheeseborough – Currently lives in South Carolina – retired from the Air Force after 21 years; returned to work for the Air Force as a Civilian employee. Married and has four daughters.
Steve James – currently lives in Clearwater and is in the funeral home business. His two children Andrew and Stephanie still reside in Marianna.
Jimmy Parris - currently lives in Marianna and works at Rahal-Miller car dealership. He is married to the former Vickie Gregg and they have three children.
Carl Jones – lives in the Marianna area
David Kent - Deceased
The Coaches
Phillip Clikas – Currently lives in Marianna – retired educator; coached at Marianna Middle School; Remains active in the Optimist Club, a civic organization dedicated to helping local youth.
Buddy Pelham – passed away in 2005. He was a longtime Brick Mason in this area and spent many years coaching youth football and baseball in this area.
Picture Provided by: Shirley Pelham
Thanks to the following folks for their assistance: Nick Kent, Kenny Hamm, Jim Cheesebrough, Virginia Thomas, Shirley Pelham, Jimmy Parris, Andrew James, Earl Mayhall