MILLIANS: The ones I missed

Published 11:00 am Saturday, September 7, 2024

A few weeks ago, I compiled a list of “Milledgeville’s Greatest Sports Figures.” In talking to people involved in the local sports scene, I came up with a list of more than 20.

But I knew that I probably had missed some very deserving people and I asked for input from my readers.

And you delivered with comments, texts and emails. Two people, in particular, really delivered. I’m going to focus on the suggestions from Ella Milner and Danny Rogers.

Ella wrote to point out that I only had one female athlete on the initial list. She’s right. I goofed.

“There are at least two other female athletes who achieved extraordinary accomplishments in sports,” she wrote. “Both were named Baldwin County School District Distinguished Alumni this year. They are Celena Mondie-Milner and Audra Smith. 

“They were both born and raised in Baldwin County and deserve recognition on your list of greatest athletes from Baldwin County. Yes, Celena is my daughter. I am proud of her accomplishments and all of Baldwin County should be proud of her perseverance and determination to climb the ladder of success, in sports and in higher education.”

Here are their accomplishments:

Celena Mondie-Milner: An 18-time All-American as a sprinter at the University of Illinois, she was a four-year All-Big Ten Conference selection. She set records in the 55 meters, 200 meters, and 300 yards indoor, as well as the 200 meters and 400 meters outdoor. She placed second in the 100 meters at the 1990 NCAA Outdoor Championships and third in the 200 meters. She now serves as associate vice president at the University of Texas.

Audra Smith: She was named Miss Georgia Basketball while playing for Baldwin in 1988. She played in three Finals Fours at Virginia. She was the head basketball coach at UAB, Clemson and South Carolina State. She now works for the Kay Yow Fund, which raises money to fight cancer.

Danny Rogers, meanwhile, has an amazing memory when it comes to Milledgeville recreation and high school sports. Danny, a star pitcher at Baldwin High back in the day, made my original list. 

“I really appreciate you mentioning me in your article,” Danny wrote in an email, “however, I wanted to share some others far more deserving than me.”

His list is great. It includes Danny’s brother, David. Danny humbly says David “was a much better athlete than me.”

Take a look at Danny’s list:

Walter Prestwood: Outstanding high school career at GMC in football, basketball, and baseball. As a pitcher for the baseball teams in his four years, he won many games. GMC was a state runner-up several times before winning the state championship his senior season. He played collegiately at Mercer. In addition, he has served as an assistant coach for John Milledge for many years in baseball and softball, with several region, state runner-up and state championship teams in both. He also served many years as a volunteer coach and Youth League Administrator for the Recreation Department in various sports, winning championships there, as well.

Trevor Evans: Star quarterback and pitcher at John Milledge. He had a “perfect” senior season winning state championships in football and baseball, going undefeated in football. He had a 13-0 pitching record in baseball. He played collegiately at Georgia College.

Jerry McMullen: Baldwin High pitcher who had a great high school career and played a year at Middle Georgia College. He played in the GHSA All-Star Game.

Randy Hodges: Pitcher who had a great high school career at Baldwin and college career at South Georgia College and Georgia Southern. He signed a pro contract.

Terry Jones: Baldwin High pitcher who signed with the Minnesota Twins after being drafted following his senior year.

Marvin Burgamy: Arguably the best basketball player to come out of Baldwin, setting many school records (in track, too). He played collegiately at South Georgia College and Valdosta State.

Pete Bailey: Baldwin High star football player, who went on to play at North Carolina State.

Gary Spillers: Baldwin High star football player, who played at Troy State.

David Rogers: Baldwin High star quarterback who signed with Troy State. Barring a severe knee injury, he would have been a star at Troy.

And still, I’m sure, there are more. Send me an email and let me know.

Rick Millians, a 1970 Baldwin High graduate, retired after working at newspapers in Georgia, Ohio and South Carolina. Reach him at rdmillians@aol.com.