NCHSAA HALL OF FAME MEMBER

GUS PURCELL DIES AT AGE OF 87

LAURINBURG— North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame member Gus Purcell died here on Friday at the age of 87.

       Purcell, who grew up in Laurinburg, graduated from Laurinburg High and then played football at the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1950. He went on to make his coaching mark at Myers Park in Charlotte. He coached at Myers Park from 1952 to 1971 and during his career compiled a coaching mark of 209-75-15.

Known for his offensive innovation, he coached four prep all-American quarterbacks during that stretch and was founder of one of the first successful “quarterback schools.”

 Purcell coached in the 1960 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and in the North Carolina Coaches Association East-West all-star game in 1959.