Kids emerge as victors in ‘bout’ between mayor, superintendent

By Jesse F. McClure | Published 07/24/2008

Memphis Mayor Dr.W. W. Herenton and new Memphis City School Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash met last Friday at Ridgeway High School in what was billed as an event “settling their differences on the court.”

They met before more than four hundred youngsters attending the Shelby Metro Sports and Awareness Basketball Clinic and more than one hundred spectators. The face off on the basketball court between Dr. Herenton and Dr. Cash was happening at the same time lawyers for the city and lawyers for the school system were in Chancery Court fighting over a proposed cut in the city’s funding for schools.

While the lawyers were arguing in court, Dr. Cash and Dr. Herenton engaged in a good-natured competition – first with boxing gloves and then with basketballs. Both men said the purpose was to show students and the community that they will work well together.

Ninth District U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen was an interested spectator as was City Council member Janice Fullilove.

Besides the mayor and the superintendent, the person who drew the most attention was former University of Memphis basketball star and head coach Larry Finch. Finch, who was disabled by a stroke several years ago, was greeted warmly by many of those in attendance.

Leonard Draper, one of Finch’s closest friends, said, “Sometimes Larry does not like to go out in public, but he was really excited about seeing the youngsters play ball here.”

The “competition” between Dr. Herenton and Dr. Cash was limited to each shooting a few free throws and demonstrating shooting skills.

Dr. Cash first showed some pretty good ball handling and to the delight of the boys and girls, hit several three-point shots. Not to be outdone, Dr. Herenton wowed the crowd with several strong drives to the basket and then hit several long jump shots.

The on-court session ended with the two men showing team work by demonstrating give-and-go plays for each other. Northside High School, athletic director and coach, Donald Homes, declared the competition a tie.

Both men then gave short “pep talks” to the boys and girls attending the basketball clinic.

Dr. Herenton shared familiar words of his grandmother who told him “get something in your head. Get a good education.” He reminded the youngsters that “no one can ever take your education away from you.”

Stay in school and stay away from gangs and drugs, said Dr. Herenton, who also expressed his support for Dr. Cash as the new head of the Memphis City Schools.

Dr. Cash said he is excited to be in Memphis and that he looks forward to working with Mayor Herenton. In his talk to the boys and girls, Dr. Cash stressed behavior. He urged the students to take their schoolwork seriously, but to also take their behavior seriously.

“What you do is what you are,” he said.