Randy Giles remembers his basketball playing days at Savannah Christian Preparatory School under late head coach Doyle Kelley, and now the two will be linked forever.
Both were recently inducted along with four other honorees in the inaugural class of the Savannah Christian Preparatory School Hall of Fame.
Giles and Doyle were joined by the late Richard "Bubba" Atwood, Chandler Ewaldsen, Carl Carter, and Jalen Myrick in the school's first class of honorees at halftime of the Raiders' home game against Savannah Country Day on Jan. 31.
PHOTO (Left to right): Neff Attwood (Richard "Bubba" Attwood), Carl Carter, Bo Kelley (Doyle Kelley), Chandler Ewaldsen, Randy Giles, Jalen Myrick
Among his many accolades, Giles was a three-time all-state selection and has the school record for career points with 2,142 (without the three-point line). He averaged over 21 points per game and received a scholarship to Appalachian State. Giles also was a McDonald's All-American.
A 1978 grad, Giles truly cherished the moments and relished the opportunities that led to his selection.
"I was honored and blessed the moment that phone call came," boasted Giles. "It was as exciting a moment as one can have in life reminiscing on those days. What makes it more special is to be recognized with my coach, Doyle Kelley. A surreal moment being able to share this recognition with his family along with mine, and all the inductees and the Raiders' sports family. This alone is now the memory of a lifetime."
His time at Savannah Christian helped mold his life and outlook.
PHOTO: Randy Giles (SCPS)
"I see sports as a team game with individual sparkles, some more than others, but they must sparkle together to win," offered Giles, who also shined in baseball and track. "Our Raiders' teams did that, and the coaches knew how to get us in sync to be the best.
"Such as is in life, we operate daily as an individual, but together as a team, a force, to achieve our goals personally and professionally. Ultimately, we are all seeking to become successful in some sense."
Ewaldsen, a 2014 grad, was a two-time Hollis Stacy award winner and an all-state volleyball selection. She was a member of multiple final four and regional volleyball squads at Savannah Christian and played at Georgia College and State University.
Like Giles, Ewaldsen was highly influenced by her SCPS days.
"Being chosen to be inducted into the inaugural SCPS Athletic Hall of Fame is such an incredible honor," beamed Ewaldsen. "Savannah Christian athletics truly shaped who I am today, and those memories I have over those seven years are ones I'll cherish forever.
PHOTO: Chandler Ewaldsen (SCPS)
"I'll never forget receiving the call my junior year that I had won the Hollis Stacy award for the most versatile female athlete in Savannah. I was then equally as proud to win it again my senior year. Those are the moments that made me feel like all my hard work and discipline had paid off."
Carter, a 1974 grad and one of the more beloved individuals associated with the school, was honored to return to coach under Atwood. An outstanding baseball and football standout during his time, Carter coached baseball for more than 40 years at the school.
PHOTO: Carl Carter (SMN Coachof the Year)
An ardent supporter, Carter, a member of the Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame, has always exuded his passion for the school.
"I will always be grateful to Coach Atwood and Coach Kelley for hiring me and giving me a chance," gushed Carter. "This has always been a great school, and my family worked to make it when they came through here, and they still are.
"It is a great honor, but I am always honored to be here."
Myrick was a 2013 graduate who excelled in basketball, football, and track. As a junior, he was a state runner-up in the 100 and was a Region 3-A East athlete of the year.
In addition, Myrick led the team with 16 touchdowns, rushed for 685 yards, and scored eight touchdowns in leading the team to the state championship his junior year.
Myrick played football at Minnesota, earning All-Big-10 honors. Jacksonville chose him in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft. Myrick signed with the Vikings in 2018 and Atlanta in 2019.
PHOTO: Jalen Myrik (Savannah Tribune)
Atwood, who passed away in 2003, began the Raiders' football program in 1972, and he guided his teams to five state championships through 1982. He posted an overall 86-21 record and was inducted into the Greater Savannah Hall of Fame in 2005.
PHOTO: Coach Bubba Atwood (SCPS)
Kelley, who passed away in 2016, had a 38-year career (1973-2011) at the school, where he served as the head football and basketball coach and athletic director. He amassed seven state football titles, two basketball, and eight golf titles. Overall, Kelley posted 427 basketball victories.
PHOTO: Coach/Principal Doyle Kelly (SCPS)
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Kelley served as an assistant principal for 14 years and principal for 17 years. He is also a member of the Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame.
Every day is a great day to be a Raider, and now this sentiment is forever etched in the hearts of all inductees!
PHOTOS: Courtsey Savannah Christian Preparatory School, Savannah Tribune, Savannah Morning News
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