When area track teams gather at the Jackets’ Nest this Saturday for the annual Yellow Jacket Invitational, the school system will pause to pay tribute to the late Sherman B. Hall who literally put Central High School on the map athletically in the 1960s by bringing home four back-to-back-to-back-to-back state championships.

When Central was founded in 1959, Sherman Hall was part of the inaugural faculty.  At Central, Hall coached football, basketball, and track, but it was track where the fledging new school found its first competitive footing. In 1963, the team won the region crown. The next year, the team would bring home its first of four consecutive state championships. The 1966 team set six state track records.

While his accomplishments as a track coach speak for themselves, as his career progressed, he assumed an even more influential role in building up the school system’s vocational education program and helping to write state vocational curriculum that helped shape current-day career education in Georgia.

After retiring from the school system as vocational supervisor, he farmed, built a successful printing business, and pastored a church.

Those who knew Coach Hall, Mr. Hall, Rev. Hall, Brother Hall, or however he was greeted respected him for his work ethic, his drive for excellence, and his sterling character.

In recognition of his contributions to the Thomas County School System beginning in 1954 at Boston High School and then later at Central High School and the Thomas County Schools District Office, the school system has named the original Central High School Gymnasium the Sherman B. Hall Gymnasium in his honor.  The refurbished gym now serves as home to Thomas County Central High School wrestling, volleyball, cheerleading, and yes – – track.

The dedication ceremony will take place at the Jackets’ Nest at approximately 11:30 a.m., Saturday morning, March 13.  The ceremony is open to the public.