The Team the Town Got Behind
Members of Walker High School's 1972-73 Varsity Boys' Basketball Team Reminisce on a Remarkable Season.
Words by Alyson Robbins | Images by Ryan McGill
In the fall of 1972, the city of Jasper buzzed with excitement and energy—not for the upcoming holidays, but in anticipation of an ambitious basketball season. It was the height of the Glen Clem era, and the entire town was enamored by the talent of basketball athletes at Walker College and Walker High School.
"Coach Clem created an awareness of basketball. It was very popular. We were fortunate to have great coaches...and great promoters of the sport," says Ronnie Shaw, varsity team captain and starting Center.
Viking Head Coach Herbert "Herbie" Greene had six successful years, with at least 20 victories in each of those years preceding the '72-73 season. With four returning starters and a rigorous preseason conditioning program, the Daily Mountain Eagle and various Birmingham publications predicted greatness despite the tough competition scheduled.
"People anticipated a good team. Basketball gave them something to rally around," says Alan (Al) McAdams, varsity Forward. The publicity incited a strong interest, elevating the team to small-town celebrity status.
"The town made you feel special. Everybody knew you were part of the team," says Ronnie.
Walker faced Phillips High in the season opener—the outcome set the tone for the entire season. Al recalls, "We were down late in the game. We came back and won it." The 52-50 win spurred the Vikings to a 21-0 regular season.
In a memorable, late-season game, the #3 ranked Vikings opposed #2 ranked McGill Institute, and the crowd stood the entire game. The Vikings defeated McGill 66-60.
The Vikings finished second in the Tennessee Valley Conference tournament, sailing into the Region 4 Tournament ranked #1.
Their success was a culmination of community support, quality coaching, and natural talent.
"They had to lock the doors because [the gym] was full, and the fire marshal said, 'no more!' one Saturday afternoon game—when it was snowing!" Ronnie recalls.
All games that season were standing room only; Walker's gymnasium was filled to capacity by B-Team tip-off. "We were the team the town got behind," says Al.
Road games required more stamina. The high school did not have a bus at the time, so athletes rode the junior high bus with Jasper Jets emblazoned on the side. Varsity players were first to load the old, leaky bus—a privilege especially on rainy days, ensuring they got a dry seat.
Head Coach Herbie Greene and Assistant Coach Pat Morrison fostered the group's bond by requiring nothing short of excellence. Coaches and athletes sacrificed by practicing during holidays.
In addition to top-notch coaching, talent was also present. Great athletes like Tony Price, Ronnie Daniel, Chuck Justice, and All-American Robert Page skillfully scored.
Ronnie says of teammate Robert Page: "The people that got to see him play won't ever forget it."
A more recent honor attributed to the team's athletic accomplishment was being inducted into the Walker High School Sport's Hall of Fame team division.
Although the team has lost four players, the nostalgia of that significant time in Viking basketball and immeasurable love for the sport live on in the remaining eight. The team's remarkable season created a unique bond among players—one that stands the test of distance and time. 78