Traditionally, homecoming at a high school is a time where past graduates “come home” and reacquaint themselves with their alma mater.

I don't know that I've ever been a part of a more special one than the one held this past weekend at Thomas County Central. As part of the 2009 homecoming festivities, members of the first Yellow Jacket football team were invited to come back as honorary captains for the game.

The evening started with the surviving members of the team gathering for supper. Watching these men, some of whom haven't seen each other in nearly 50 years, try to figure out who each other was as they walked up to each other was wonderful.

"Just look at his eyes, and you can tell who it is,” "Lord, would you look a here.”

"Billy? Is it you, Billy?"

"My lands, you haven't changed a bit.”

"You still ain't above telling a whopper now, are you?"”

Those are just a few of the comments traded back and forth as backs were patted and hugs abounded.

I've broadcast Central's games on the radio since the mid '80's and, even though I just think things have changed since then, hearing some of the stories from these men made me appreciate just how far things have come.

One fellow told me about the showers the players used — if you can call them that. They were wooden stalls with water hoses run to them — outdoors.

“If it was freezing cold, that was all you had,” he smiled. “Made for a quick shower, I can tell you that.”

The field that is now called The Jackets’ Nest was a cornfield in 1959. The corn was plowed under and the plain dirt field was used for practices.

“If we did something wrong, our punishment was to go out and pick up a bucket of rocks,” one shared. “There’s a lot of buckets represented in this room.”

At the game, the former players lined up along the sidelines before the coin toss, joined by their assistant coach, Sherman Hall, who is still just as sharp as he was 50 years ago.

We talked long and hard at the high school about how to adequately recognize these men, in many way pioneers for our county. Many things were discussed but, until one of the men shared a minor detail about his career, nothing stood out.

It turns out, because of the timing of some of their football careers — and the fact that Central had to play a junior varsity schedule since none of the players at their brand new school had ever played football before — most of these men never received a varsity letter.

So, as they were introduced to the crowd, a freshly framed varsity letter signed by Central athletic director Mike Singletary, head football coach Bill Shaver and Principal Joe Sharp was awarded to each man.

You know, sometimes it’s hard to see how things will be taken by folks. You just never know how folks will react. But in this case, it was clear that each of these men were, for lack of a better way of putting it, taken aback.

Each took their letter and showed it off to their teammates. Some held them high over their heads for their families and friends in the stands to see. In each case, a wide grin swept over their faces.

And, in some of them, a few tears welled up. It was quite special, and a moment I won’t forget.

They walked together as a team to the midfield and served as the honorary captains for the Yellow Jackets. Many of them walked and admired those letters, some shaking their heads.

After their moment in the spotlight was done, one sought me out and shared a little bit of what was in his heart.

“I didn’t think anyone really cared that we were the first,” he emphasized. “I just don’t think the people appreciate how far this has come. We didn’t even have stands to sit in, or dressing rooms to dress in. And now look at it — there’s even a replay TV in here. Do you know what I’m saying?”

He pointed out that the only disappointment of the night was looking up into the crowd and seeing empty seats.

“These boys are playing for a region championship. We didn’t even win a game, and it was the only year I was able to play. Playing for a championship — I can’t even imagine it. I’m so proud to consider myself a part of what they are doing. These stand should be running over with people, you know?”

I agreed, and assured him they would be this week.

Regardless, if for nothing but one magical moment, these now 60-something men were back in high school, and were gathered a team once again — and recognized for blazing a path others have followed to greatness.