A 'Big Buddy' To Many People
(Column by Ed Nichols, Sports Editor, Salisbury Times)
Anyone that is anyone on the Eastern Shore knows Avery Smith - a champion among many boys and men.
Here's a fellow who for 22 years unselfishly gave all of his spare time to the youth of Pocomoke.
This town is much poorer these days without the operation of the Pocomoke Boys Club. The organization served as a launching pad for many a youngster's career.
Avery organized the club in 1947, and served as non-salaried director and athletic coach.
An estimated 400 boys got a big push in life from him over some 20 odd years. Most of them now are married with families. Many correspond whether they be in Vietnam or California. Every letter represents a token of gratefulness.
"I'm proud to say that not any of those boys have a criminal record, not to my knowledge," Avery said. "A majority are well established in life, and doing well. I feel so wonderful when hearing from them." Four of Pocomoke High's current basketball starts are PBC products - Jack Tatem, Ted Duncan, Carroll Overholt and Joe Mel Byrd. Another is Jim Mason, 6-foot-6 center of last season, who is not playing now.
Back in the mid-1950's one team is well remembered posting a 28-2 record. The players were Bobby Hickman, Kenny Ross, Tommy Kelly, Garland Wimbrow and Wayne Brittingham, now teaching at Bennett Junior High.
The Pocomoke High team of the 1961-62 season had a 13-2 record. All the starters, as in most all years, were from the PBC. They included Jerry Smith, Laurel High basketball coach; Wayne Dryden, George Brem, John Koshi, Robert Lee Smith, and David Wagner. The coach was Phil Slacum, Salisbury product, now the principal at Selbyville High.
This array carded a 13-2 record - both losses to Crisfield High - and lost out in the district playoffs to Pittsville High, then led by Russell Combs and Eddie Wilkins.
There have been other Pocomoke Boys Club basketball standouts like Polky Miles, Wayne Dryden, Jeff Carter, Steve Miller, Page Webb, and so many more.
Avery can tell you the whereabouts of every one. He understandably calls them "my boys."
When Mr. Smith quit the Pocomoke Boys club two years ago - the Pocomoke Boys Club quit, too.
How come?
"Well, the big reason was the lack of cooperation in the community," Avery replied.
Too bad, indeed so. Fellows! There's still a chance to glue together the pieces.
Proudest Of All . - -
Avery Smith can talk by the hour about Jerry Smith. "He was no doubt the most clumsy boy I ever had. Jerry had two left feet, but he corrected his shortcomings with a lot of patience and determination," Avery explained. "During the summer he practiced eight hours a day in the hot sun. I know what I'm talking about."
The Laurel High coach well remembers his days with the Pocomoke Boys Club. "If it wasn't for Mr: Smith I would have never played basketball at Pocomoke High. Or for that matter, it's doubtful if I would have attended college."
Smith is an alumnus of Towson State where he lettered in basketball two years.
Another Prized Pocomoke Product . . -
Charley Houts, another one of Smith's boys, has distinguished himself in big - time golf.He has been on the national tour since January. In the recent San Diego tourney, Houts had the same qualifying score as Deane Beaman, 73-75. After the Tucson tourney he heads for the Florida circuit.
Houts, now residing in Ft. Worth, Tex., where his wife is a native, started his golfing career at the Winter Quarters Country Club in Pocomoke. Yes, Avery Smith introduced him to the game.