Gadsden City honors Titans basketball teams, recognizes retiring Gadsden Times reporter

The Gadsden City Council on Tuesday honored the Gadsden City High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for reaching the regional and state tournaments and presented coaches, players and seniors with hoodies and challenge coins.

The recognition came during the council’s proclamations and commendations segment, where Mayor Ford praised the teams’ sportsmanship and community support and presented tokens of appreciation. “I appreciate you. … I hope you'll be the best person you can be and represent your school with honor, courage and dignity,” Mayor Ford said as he addressed players and coaches.

Head coach Rafael Graves thanked the city and community for what he described as “unspeakable” support during the playoffs. “It was undeniably the best throughout the whole playoffs,” Graves said, adding that the players had bought into the program and earned the recognition. Assistant coach Kevin (surname not specified in the record) also thanked the city for its support.

Principal Joel Golledge told the council the turnout from the community had been “amazing,” noting heavy local attendance at playoff games in Jacksonville and Birmingham.

Several council members offered praise. Councilman Smith said the teams could “play with anybody,” and Councilman Avery and Councilman Robertson echoed support for the players and coaches. Councilman Wilson highlighted recruiting interest in senior player Devin Barksdale and noted that the school’s success felt like a community effort.

The council provided hoodies and challenge coins to players and asked seniors to come forward for recognition; coaches were asked to collect sizes for additional apparel to be distributed later.

The meeting also included recognition for Greg Bailey, a reporter with the Gadsden Times who is retiring after decades of covering local government. Mayor Ford described Bailey as “very honorable” and “respected in the community” and presented him with a parting package. Council members and the mayor thanked Bailey for years of reporting they said was fair and balanced.

Separately, Councilman Wilson and others noted local higher-education and community successes: Chris Underwood, a program participant formerly of Gadsden who attended Auburn University’s Eagles program, was named the program’s outstanding student of the year, and the council congratulated him and his family.

The council closed the remarks portion by reiterating support for Gadsden City Schools and thanking coaches, staff and community members who supported the teams.