Jack Yates Senior High School celebrated two championships awarded to them after playing Dallas Madison two years in a row and falling short by a few points.
Dallas Madison had to forfeit of their trophies due to playing with an ineligible player during their 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 season.
The school was filled with pride as well as bittersweet emotions as the championship team came into the jammed packed auditorium minus one player, Artreal Jones, who passed away during the summer.
Yates Marching Band under the leadership of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Alum, Gerald Bryant cranked out popular tunes until the program began.
97.9 the Box hosted the event and introduced State Representative Alma Allen who spoke on the behalf of State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Councilmember Dwight Boykins, District D, and a spokesperson for State Senator Rodney Ellis.
State Rep Alma Allen congratulated the team and said, “It takes everyone to win a championship,” as she turned he attention to the band. The Yates Band has made news also as they are in dire need of uniforms.
“We will raise the money for the uniforms,” said Allen. She donated a $1,000 followed by Council member Boykins who too donated a thousand and the Legislative Black Caucus that donated $1,500. The State Rep. went on to say they will commit whatever it takes to get the uniforms and no band shouldn’t have uniforms.
The crowd went wild and the ceremony began. Each player was given a medal and two trophies were passed around. An honorable moment occurred when the family of Artreal Jones was called up to receive his medal. Coach Greg Wise personally spoke about Jones and his leadership and value to the team which brought tears to his family’s eyes.
As confetti danced around, the band played and the crowd cheered, Coach Wise made an announcement to recruit for the next championship team.
Congratulations Jack Yates Basketball Team!!!
