Lyman Ward dedicates football field

By Dale Liesch

(This article is reprinted with permission from Alexander City Outlook)

J.D. Gooden was the first head football coach at Lyman Ward Military Academy to walk on the current Ranger Field, so it's appropriate that the school dedicated the field to Gooden amidst the homecoming festivities Friday night in Camp Hill.

The dedication included 25 former players and a bronze plaque, which will be mounted near the field in his honor.

Gooden was a multi-sport coach and an assistant principal among other things at LWMA. Gooden coached football, basketball and baseball from 1962 to 1973 and according to Maj. Joe Watson said Gooden was well-respected not only by players but by other coaches from the time period as well for his coaching ability.

"(Gooden) challenged the kids, here at a smaller program, to play as well as other athletes anywhere," Watson said. "He's recognized for being a really good coach." 

Watson said the dedication was very important to the school because he touched so many lives of cadets both then and now.

"It is important to the alumni to go back and recognize someone for their service to the school," Watson said. "(Gooden) volunteers at the school so he comes in contact with current students and faculty as well."

Gooden, who took LWMA to the state playoffs, said he was surprised by the honor as he tried to fight back tears as he met with the former players on the field at halftime of the Rangers' homecoming game.

"My philosophy in coaching was give 10 to 15 percent credit to the coach and give the rest to the players," Gooden said. "So 10 to 15 percent credit for this to myself and give the rest of the credit to my former players."

LWMA also stuck with tradition and named a homecoming queen. The all-boys school chooses a homecoming queen by allowing some cadets to nominate a date, girlfriend or sister for the honor. An independent panel of judges then selects the queen from among the nominees.

This year's LWMA homecoming queen was Mallorie Wohlers, who was escorted by senior cadet Zach Ruble.

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