By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
June 14, 2002
The State Games of Mississippi has reached its level of 4,500 athletes and some 29 sports through the hard work and dedication of its staff, directors and board members.
Four of the original members and staff who helped get the State Games off the ground in 1991 and 1992, feel the State Games are a big positive for Meridian and the Lauderdale County area. But because of job changes and other factors, their roles with the games have already or will change.
Brian Dabbs
Dabbs has been the Chairman of the Board for the State Games of Mississippi for the past five years. He was there when the Games were given to Meridian by then Governor Ray Mabus. He ran many of the day to day operations for the first State Games in 1992.
Dabbs, who works for Mississippi Power, has been transferred to the Gulfport office. He will be stepping down as Chairman of the Board following the conclusion of the 2002 Games.
Dr. Bill Scaggs
Dr. Scaggs is a retired President of Meridian Community College. He was a big early supporter having been on the board for a number of years and his MCC provided many housing and playing venues for the Games.
Dr. Scaggs keeps busy serving Meridian through a variety of community leadership programs. One is the Amos Network which is faith-based community program that works across congregational, race and belief systems. Another is the Southeastern Transportation Board.
Randy Hodges
Hodges was the State Games' first Executive Director. He served one year before returning to education.
Hodges is now the principal at Choctaw Central High School.
Janice Vannetta
Vannetta was the Tourism Director for Lauderdale County when the idea for a State Games was formed. She later replaced Hodges as the Executive Director for the Games in 1993. She served until 1998. April Luke is the current Executive Director.
She moved to Hattiesburg in 1998 and now works at home.