BC Crowell

From 6/9/14

Coach Billy B.C. Crowell was a giant of a man in Newton County where he influenced more young people than seemingly possible. His legendary life started in Porterdale, Georgia next to a baseball field where he learned the skills that led to a scholarship to Oglethorpe College. He excelled in baseball and football which later in his life led to his being named to the Oglethorpe Hall Of Fame. After a tour in the Navy he wanted to pursue his dream of playing for the NY Yankees. In his debut he was assigned ti the Lakeland Pilots in Florida. The next spring he worked out with the Yankees, and after watching Yogi Berra behind the plate he decided to go home and get a job. Mr. B.B. Snow jumped at the chance to hire B.C. as the AD at Porterdale School, to be in charge of all the athletic teams and the Village recreation program. In the early 50's he was instrumental in convincing the local officials to close the village high school and bus their students to the new school in Covington. This move was the impetus for Billy to continue his influence with the youngsters he had previously coached, but now he would be able to touch other youngsters from the rest of Newton County. He helped the various athletic teams in any way he was needed. if it involved young people Coach Crowell was part of it in some way. his effort and reputation led him to being involved in numerous activities throughout the County during his nearly 60 years of service. The renowned Darrell Huckaby, who grew up in Porterdale was quoted as saying, "B.C.Crowell was larger than life. He could have been a corporate executive, entrepreneur and made millions. he would have been right at home on the floor of the State Legislature or even the U.S. Senate, but he chose to stay in Porterdale and work with the young people." Darrell further stated that "he couldn't count the people whose lives were better because he did, but, I'm one of them." Billy contributed much to my career, not only in the outstanding athletes he brought, not just sent to our program. I don't have room to name all the ways he contributed to all our teams. He was a major part of our GWA state football championship. He influenced women's basketball nationally by convincing Betty Jaynes mother to let her play basketball. Betty led her Ram Team to the state finals in her senior season, but, her lasting contribution was starting the Women's Basketball Coaches Association which numbers over 6,000 today. When Coach Crowell lost a leg to diabetes, one of his protégés stepped up to keep Billy in a position to share his talents. Recreation Director Tommy Hailey made it possible for him to spend each day greeting the many people that came thru the Turner Lake Complex. This also kept B.C. close the expansive executive offices named for him that were loaded with his memorabilia. The fields named in his honor are also closeby. You can travel into Porterdale on a highway named for their favorite son.Coach Billy Crowell died in 2010 after a lengthy illness, but you can be assured that his 60 plus years of effort will live on in the lives of Newton Countians.