By By Lynette Wilson / staff writer
Aug. 20, 2002
The football field at Meridian High School will be dedicated and named in honor of former coach, athletic director and principal Charles A. Armstrong.
A special ceremony will take place Sept. 6 during half-time of the Wildcats' season opener against Starkville. Armstrong died July 20, 2001.
The Meridian School Board voted unanimously Monday to name the football field in memory of Armstrong. The stadium will remain Ray Stadium.
The idea to name the football field came from four friends of Armstrong Charles Naylor, Charles Norman, Harold Keyes and Howard Beeland who met last spring to consider a way to honor him.
Armstrong came to Meridian High School in 1953 and served as head coach and athletic director until 1960. He was head of Meridian Junior College and Meridian High School from 1960-63; he was Meridian High School principal from 1964-1980.
During his tenure as principal, Meridian public schools were desegregated.
Bounds said the Armstrong family will play an important role in the dedication ceremony. The band will play and one of Armstrong's four children will read a tribute.
Naylor, who was unaware of the school board action, said the move "just pleases me something I can't even describe. You couldn't help but like Charlie. He helped so many people in the school system. Everything he did was positive."
A sign at the field will read, "Charles A. Armstrong Field at Ray Stadium."