Starting his high school career as an undersized freshman, Shope was knocked around by some of the Green Wave’s tough opponents, including Greenwood, Westside and Hanna. Still, no matter how hard the hit, Shope would brush himself off and return to the huddle to call the next play.
Shope has carried that same attitude with him after graduating from Easley. Recently, Shope’s tenacity helped him pull together a group of more than 40 former Easley High School players for a special Green Wave Alumni game set for July 31 at Brice Field. The game is a fundraiser for the Easley High School Athletic Department.
“Colt has been so good putting this thing together,” said Bobby Humphrey, one of the players returning. “He just makes you want to follow him.”
Other former players on the roster include Michael Partridge, who has worked with the athletic department as an assistant coach, and Chuck King — now known as “Dr. Chuck King.”
“We’ve gone our separate ways, followed different careers,” said Humphrey. “But the one thing that keeps us all together is our love for Easley High School. The athletic deparment always could use extra money, but with the school budget cuts, the need is even greater.”
Coaching the Easley Alumni team will be Burt Owens, longtime Easley High School assistant coach.
“We all love Coach Owens, so it should be a kick having him on the sidelines with us,” Humphries said.
The opponents across the field should look familiar — an team made up of Wren High School Alumni.
“It’s only appropriate that we play Wren,” Humphries said. “A lot of the guys on their teams lived just down the road, and were our friends until we met up on the football field. Then, after the game, we’d be friends again.”
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