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Basketball alum cements legacy as history maker

Basketball alum cements legacy as history maker

Posted on Friday, November 08, 2024

First African American athlete honored

At this year's Homecoming celebration, Calvin Williams '74 returned to familiar ground. The West Point, Georgia, native who arrived at LC in 1970 with dreams of playing basketball would become much more—the institution's first African American student-athlete and a transformative figure whose impact still resonates today.

His journey began with belief in possibility. “Being on the basketball team was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Williams said, recalling those early days. “Coach Al Mariotti gave me a chance, and I was determined to make the most of it.”

That determination fueled a remarkable career. As Williams found his footing on the court, his natural leadership emerged alongside his athletic talent. During his tenure from 1970-1974, he not only set records but established new standards of excellence, becoming the college’s first basketball All-American. The 1971-72 season showcased his full potential – NAIA Honorable Mention honors, NAIA District 25 Most Valuable Player award, and a school record of 24.8 points per game.

Yet for Williams, personal achievements were always connected to something larger. “Basketball is a team sport,” he emphasized. “Individual accolades are never truly individual—they're impossible without your teammates. Their support was instrumental in building a successful program together.”

Charting new territory

The transition to college life brought its own challenges for Williams. “Coming from an all-African American school to an integrated environment meant learning to navigate different perspectives and cultures,” he said. “I knew my experience could help shape opportunities for others.”

Support came from across the campus community. Professors like Dr. Zachary Taylor and Dr. Muriel Williams provided guidance for the young student-athlete in the classroom. On the court and in study sessions, fellow basketball player Luther Tison '71 became his valued mentor, particularly in mathematics.

Creating lasting changeBasketball alum with spouse

Recognizing the need for cultural connection, Williams worked alongside fellow students Karlton Howard '73 and Thomas Bush '73 to establish the Association of Black Collegians at the college. “We felt the need to start this chapter so we would have some identity at LC,” he said. “It helped us feel a part of the campus community.”

Beyond his involvement in athletics and student life, Williams focused on his academic future. While pursuing his Business major and Physical Education minor, Williams laid the groundwork for what would become a successful career in business and real estate. These formative college years were enriched by sharing them with his high school sweetheart and future wife, Deedee Godwin Williams, who also graduated in the Class of 1974.

His influence would extend well beyond graduation. By his 2002 induction into the LC Sports Hall of Fame, Williams' legacy had grown far beyond the record books. He helped create a more inclusive campus culture and opened doors for future African American students at the institution.

“At LaGrange College, you develop friendships for a lifetime,” Williams said. “Having the opportunity to experience something entirely new and help pave the way for others has been one of my life's greatest privileges.”

 

Campus Notes

Senior participates in political role

  • Political Science major Ema Turner ’25 served as an exit pollster for the 2024 presidential election.
  • Religion Professor Dr. John Cook had his article "Salome's Dance and the Question of Historical Plausibility,” recently published in the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus.
  • Political Science and History double major Trey Galbraith ’28 was part of a team from Lafayette High School FFA who was named national champions and received a gold emblem award in the 2024 National FFA Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event in October.

 

Collegiate Enrichment

Black Girl Magic Pajama Party

Monday, Nov. 11

8 p.m., The Boopie

  • Join Black Girl Magic for a time of fellowship. This is part of a week of events from Multicultural Affairs.

Graduate Fair

Tuesday, Nov. 12

11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room

  • Recruiters will be on campus to connect with students who are interested in pursuing graduate education.

Black Student Union Jeopardy

Tuesday, Nov. 12

8 p.m., Dickson

  • Join Black Student Union for "All Things Black Culture Jeopardy Game Night.” This is part of Multicultural Affairs’ game week.

Joy Inside Tears

Thursday, Nov. 14

11 a.m., Jolly Room

  • The event, hosted by Psych Club and Rotaract, will feature Joy Inside Tears founder Tracie Halcrombe, who will speak about her mental health journey as well as offer tips for college students.

Mix & Match: Majors and Minors

Thursday, Nov. 14

11 a.m., Corn Auditorium

  • Students are encouraged to attend this interactive event designed to showcase the diverse academic pathways available to them.

On the Road to Become an Athletic Trainer

Thursday, Nov. 14

Noon, Corn Auditorium

  • This event will provide participants with valuable insights into the journey of becoming a certified athletic trainer, covering essential topics such as education requirements, certification processes and career opportunities.

Black Male Initiative Presents Family Feud

Thursday, Nov. 14

8 p.m., Dickson

  • Join Black Male Initiative for Family Feud game night. The competing teams will be Men’s Basketball and Football. Senior Jasharie Anderson will serve as host for the event. This is part of a weeklong series of events from Multicultural Affairs.

 

Sports

Football

Team to compete against Belhaven

LC beat Huntingdon 24-21 on Saturday, Nov. 2. The team will travel to Mississippi to face Belhaven on Saturday, Nov. 9 (tomorrow), at 1 p.m.

Volleyball

Team finishes regular season

The Panthers split their final tri-match with a 0-3 loss against Maryville and a 3-0 win against Agnes Scott on Saturday, Nov. 2. The team has finished its season.

Freshman earns award

Freshman Julia Damico was named Collegiate Conference of the South’s Rookie of the Week. Her standout performance included a triple-double with 10 kills, 20 assists, and 20 digs in a match against Tuskegee.

Men’s Basketball

Team to play Truett McConnell

LC opened its season with a scrimmage at Jacksonville State University on Monday, Nov. 4. The Panthers will travel to Cleveland to take on Truett McConnell on Saturday, Nov. 9 (tomorrow), at 4 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

Team to play Abraham Baldwin

The Panthers will begin their regular season on the road facing off against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Friday, Nov. 8 (today), at 5:30 p.m.

Women's Soccer

Junior named to post season team

Junior Kaia King was named to the CCS All-Conference Second Team.

Sophomore named to post season team

Sophomore Kennedi Vowell was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.

 

Panther Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Friday, Nov. 8 – Women’s Basketball at Abraham Baldwin, 5:30 p.m., Tifton, Georgia

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Football at Belhaven, 1 p.m., Jackson, Mississippi

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Men’s Basketball at Truett McConnell, 4 p.m., Cleveland, Georgia

Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Men’s Basketball at Berry College, 7 p.m., Rome, Georgia

Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Emory, 6 p.m., Mariotti Gym

 

In the Headlines

LaGrange College celebrates alumni at Homecoming, LaGrange Daily News, Nov. 5

LaGrange College presents two honorary alumni awards at Homecoming, LaGrange Daily News, Nov. 2

Category: Students, College, Academics

Keywords: Athletics, Business

Press Contact

Lindy Oller
 Email


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Last updated: 11/22/2024
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