Going GreenGoing to Summerville High School to play for grandfather John McKissick a dream come true for quarterback McElveen By Philip M. Bowman (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Brad Nettles Summerville High quarterback Donny McElveen played last season in Winston-Salem, N.C. Donny McElveen's childhood dream has become reality. The high school senior is a member of the Summerville Green Wave, one of the Palmetto State's most storied football programs. What makes it even more special for McElveen is the coach of the team, John McKissick, is his grandfather. "It's been a great experience playing for my grandfather," said McElveen who moved to Summerville from Winston- Salem, N.C., after leading Mount Tabor High to a state title game in North Carolina last year. "He knows a lot about football. He's someone you can sit down with and really talk with about football. When I was young, we'd go to Summerville games on Friday night. I stood on the sidelines and always dreamed of playing for Summerville. Now it's happening." McElveen plays quarterback and had an impressive season last fall, passing for nearly 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns to lead his team to the title game. The flip side to playing for family was saying goodbye to his friends. "It's always hard to leave friends you grew up with," McElveen said. "But sometimes you have to sacrifice. I always dreamed of playing for Summerville, so it was a hard decision. My friends knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up." McKissick is entering his 57th season at Summerville and is the all-time winningest coach in football history with a record of 556-130-13. This isn't the first time McKissick has had a grandson on the team. Joe Call played for the Green Wave in the 1990s and joined his grandfather's coaching staff following his playing days at The Citadel. Call is the offensive coordinator and is in charge of quarterbacks at Summerville. McKissick said McElveen has fit in well with his new teammates. "He's learning the system, works hard and doesn't goof off," the coach said. "You coach your grandson the same way you coach the other players." The Green Wave reached the state championship last year, losing to Byrnes in the title game. The team saw two of its stars graduate — wide receiver A.J. Green, who is playing for Georgia, and quarterback Reid McCollum, who is at South Carolina. Some preseason prep polls don't even have Summerville in the top 10. But McElveen says the Wave should be a contender this fall. "We'll be good," he said. "I don't think anyone will take us lightly. Summerville has so much success and a great tradition. We'll be ready." Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592. |
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Comments
This article has 26 comment(s)
Posted by theronce on August 7, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Love 'em or hate 'em, most teams get up for Summerville.
Posted by Hockeyfan2629 on August 7, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You mention Joe Call how about Richard Call that coach other grandson that played for Summerville.
Posted by sbs920 on August 7, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gee. . . Imagine that. . .
Another McKissick relative playing QB for the Wave. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Sure would hate to be the back up QB. . . Hmmmmmmm. . .
"I'm just saying"
Posted by brucem1941 on August 7, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SBS920, Your comment alleging some type of conspiracy regarding Donny McElveen playing QB for Summerville shows a total lack of insight as to his ability and skills. Your comment fails to recognize that McElveen had 1900 yards of passing last year and led his team to a North Carolina 4A state championship game. And yes, what grandson wouldn't want to play for his grandad who just happens to be the most successful football coach of all time. So your point is....?
Posted by forget on August 7, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
His point is that every year new players "transfer" to Sville out of no where. They get to play without trying out like "some" of the non-connected players. These kids transfer in, live with "friends", some whole families move here and the parents are found "jobs" and they live in a "rental". It is one of the worst kept secrets in the area.
Posted by Nonsense on August 7, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How many state championships have these grandsons won for McKissick?
Posted by Floger76 on August 7, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Any bets that this kid moves back to North Carolina to finish high school after the season is over.
Posted by forget on August 7, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Getting around the rules is what the problem is. Teaching these athletes that winning at any cost is why our professional athletes are in the messes they get in.
Posted by OldSalt on August 7, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Having graduated from one of Summerville's many rival high schools in the area, I must confess to having wanted to play for the Greenwave and Coach "Cryin' John," (as he used to be known for always bemoaning his team's prospects). It has a great tradition and rabidly loyal alumni - who wouldn't want to play there? It's like the Notre Dame of SC High School Football, {{ducking bottles and assorted glasses}}.
Posted by notafan on August 7, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The best thing is that once he graduates from high school and college he will be able to get at job Summerville High and even be a coach on the team. I wonder which one of current coaches they will run out this time? Pinky was run out to make room for Joe.
As far as this year no AJ, no Reid. The Wave should be ripe for the picking. I am just glad Booker T Washington put them in their place last year. Mckissick could not back out of playing that team from Ohio fast enough. Sure is nice to be a big fish in a small pond.
Posted by jwabell on August 7, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
... run, run, run, punt. Blown championship game... the grandson only needs to know how to hand the ball off...
Posted by bigwhip on August 7, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
John McKissick, crack recruiter.
Posted by gococks1985 on August 7, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you forget. Summerville high does have a way to get some better performing players into the school right after try-outs and just before the season starts.
Posted by turbo1 on August 7, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He must be pretty good, I hear he's already got some Div. 1 offers. Anyway, maybe his old school was split and his old coach wasn't smart enough to help him anymore.
Posted by sbs920 on August 7, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
brucem1941,
look at the posts above,
looks like I'm not the only one huh?
I have no beef with S'ville, I would just hate it for a kid who has put in "his" time and effort, to get his chance and then, have coach grampa bring in little grandson, reguardless of how good he is. And its not like this hasn't happen before with a McKissick relative.
Posted by bigwhip on August 7, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with you sbs. Those understudies for past few years looking at their chances being shoved aside; it would be a surprise to see one of the back ups from last year beat him out. Is Donny 19 or close to it? It is only a game isn't it?
Posted by prosperous_hb on August 7, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McKissick should be fired for the crap he does in bringing in players from other states. Why can't he win with who he has. Dirty old man. I hope Berkeley whip their butts this year.
Posted by forget on August 7, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It has been said that McKissick retired years ago, then was rehired. That meaning, he pulls his pension and gets a salary.
To bring in other players that don't even have to try out or play for years like most of the other players and give them starting positions is a slap in the face to those other students. His grandson took another players starting place. That player probably practiced and played (or sat on the bench) for years waiting for his turn to shine only to be kicked back.
So wrong.
Posted by turbo1 on August 7, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, the kid that was going to be the quarter back knew Donnie from a quarter back camp. He knew he wasn't as good so he chose to move to receiver. I've seen the kid play in NC, he's pretty dang good. Give the kid a chance, half of you on here don't know what the hell you're talking about.
Posted by reallysad on August 7, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That man needs to move on.. He is not a fair coach
Posted by Realconvo on August 7, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you guys ,But aslong as Granpa John is at SHS the good ole boy system will be there.Its a shame to see the back up kids from last year dont get their chance to show and prove.Seems thats its not about the kids anymore,more so getting his family to be the future coaches.
Posted by turbo1 on August 7, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, his grand kids played and one is going to play. But you have to admit that they must have been good athletes. Richard played at PC and Joe played at the Citadel. The man can't help it that his grandsons are good athletes.
Posted by forget on August 7, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
turbo - kid "chose" to be moved to receiver or he probably would not play. You know, some of our kids right from this town might be good athletes also. If only they are given the chance. An unfair practice that has been going on as long as I have been living here.
I don't have any kids that go to any of the high schools around here so I'm not biased in any way toward any one school. I just notice what is plain as day.
Posted by turbo1 on August 7, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes forget, he chose to move because that's what you do in sports if you want to play and you're not as good as the guy in front of you.
Posted by willboredinsc on August 7, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First off as a former Sville football player I need to say my piece in all this. If any of you think Sville is the only team in this area that has players who "transfered" then you are kidding yourselves. It's a practice many schools around here, in this state, and in the entire nation practice. I'm not saying it's right but you people need to gets your facts straight before you lay it all on the big, bad, evil Sville.
Second I have to say you shouldn't insult this kid until you see him play. If he deserves to play no one will question him starting over other kids but if he fails all of you will assume you're right based on your "facts".
Third I have to say I spent 3 lackluster years playing with Joe Call and I am more than man enough to say we had at least 3 QB's better than him who should have played instead of him. I mean he was 3rd string at best at The Citadel if that tells you anything. He only started because he was a grandson but please at least hold on judging this kid until he actually plays.
Posted by nobody27 on August 8, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone knows the truth but won't say it! He didn't want a black quarterback, he didn't want the backup to be the quarterback, so he waited until Reid graduated to pull the rabbit out of the hat! He tried to re-recruit a player by having his grandson to call the kid! They are nuts over there. I feel sorry for his grandson, cause it's not his fault his grandfather is CHEAT! It's okay, cause I hear Pinewood looks pretty darn good!!!! It's a shame that the most storied schools in the south can't get kids access to scholarships!! By the way, I hear Reid is not even playing football!!!