The article from the BDT focused on the longstanding and very good football teams, players and coaches that Big Creek was famous for. It gave all kinds of stats and records but I felt it really missed the point for most of us, don't you?

What are the fond memories that come to mind when you think about the games played there? For me, it was amazing group of die-hard fans that would fight to the death for their team. Big Creek fans are very passionate! I also remember the lights, the smells (mostly good, some not so good), the band always playing the theme song, at least a dozen times, as well as the team, usually smaller then the other teams in size but always with bigger hearts and motivated by the fans. I remember how much I felt a part of the team, even after graduating and years later, 10, 15 years later coming back to visit and knowing at least a couple of the players because they were "so-and-so's brothers or sons." We all did.

The community put so much support behind the football team they didn't have a choice but to win big and often! The Big Creek folks were the friendliest and team oriented bunch I ever knew and saw! And even though I was a grappler for a very winning wrestling team at BC and felt like we were slighted in financial backing (had to get that in there, didn't I), I still felt a part of that team. Of course, being member of one of the best marching bands ever, I was able to travel to all the games and we loved it! I still can't think of a better time as a child!

Big Creek, for me, was it was a new start when we moved there from New Mexico the summer after my 8th grade year, just before I started at BCHS. I had come from a pretty discouraging childhood through my first 10 years in life, especially when my father suddenly had his life taken when I was 8. Fortunately, my mom married Emory (Fuji) Somoskey, a home-grown West Virginia man from Canebrake who went to BC through his 10th grade year (he left early to join the Marines). He played football there with is brother, Bud. And though Fuji did a great job of becoming a role-model for me, my junior high years were turbulent, to say the least. I was depressed most of my years in junior high! No one knew my name there in Silver City, New Mexico, but that changed!

After moving to West Virginia, living in Canebrake, we made friends right off the bat with everyone in town. I had never met a friendlier bunch! And, since I found out about the band at BC, I was able to meet those in the band before school ever started as they started practice a few weeks before school started. I actually started out to play football for the freshman team but didn't stick with it. I found out that the cheerleaders did not ride on the bus with the football team, but instead, rode with the band. So, it was back to the band I went. I know, I was girl crazy at that age. (LOL)

I felt so much like part of a very large family. The awesome folks there and the kids in school helped me overcome my doubts in myself. The teachers truly cared about us and it was like that with the whole area. The coaches, for the most part, really cared about you and everyone was looking out for each other. Great people! Great high school! Great kids! I have to say thanks to all of you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and firmness when needed. Thank you for caring. My hat off to Mr. Robert Tibbs, my band director, to Coach Fred Schrom, my wrestling coach, to Coach Poletti, Mrs. Tibbs, Mrs. Lawson (I hear her voice even now, especially while writing this - grin), Mrs. Howard, Mr. Musser, Mr. Holbrook and many more. Thanks to all my class mates who accepted me for who I was and helped me to understand that I didn't have to be perfect, just be me! (A plug for my mom: she really helped me a lot too - thanks Mom).

Honestly, had there been jobs and more business there, I would have raised my kids there. That was always my plan after getting out of the Air Force, was to move back there and let my children experience the great place I called home. We attempted it but I couldn't find work there so we moved away. Had I been able to work there, I would probably have stayed near there, at least.

Also, thanks to all the folks in the area who looked out for us young folks hitchhiking to get to the games, practices and functions at BC. I appreciate so much about that school. God bless you all and God bless Big Creek. We will truly miss you!

Bill Watkins
Class of 1977

BCHS in its early years (1930s)

BCHS 5 years ago