Curtis Ford of Eupora was inducted into the Robertson’s Sportswear Northeast Mississipp i Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on June 1. The ceremony took place during the 19 th annual NEMBCA AllStar Weekend at Booneville High School. Willia m Curtis Ford graduated from Webster County Training School in 1961. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from historically black Mississippi Valley State University. He furthered his education by obtaining a masters degree from Mississippi State University. Throughout his collegiate years, Ford excelled in baseball, representing his alma mater on the field for all four years. In recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements, he was honored with induction into the MVSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. Ford commenced his coaching career in 1965 at Choctaw County High School in Ackerman. There, he imparted his knowledge as a teacher of history and physical education while simultaneously coaching ninthgrade boys basketball. In 1967, Ford transitioned to Anderson Grove Middle School in Lowndes County, where he continued to teach while taking on coaching responsibilities for both boys and girls basketball teams. Returning to his high school alma mater, Webster County Training School in Eupora, Ford assumed the role of head boys basketball coach and history teacher. Under hisguidance, the boys basketball team experienced remarkable success, boasting a twoyear combined record of 87 wins and seven losses, culminating in a state runner-up title in 1968 and a state championship victory in 1969. In 1970, Ford joined Eupora High School, where he taught physical education and coached both boys and girls basketball teams. He led the boys team to two Mid-Mississippi titles and two district championships. Additionally, Ford mentored the girls team for five years, guiding them to two district championships and a notable fourthplace finish in the state tournament. Transitioning to coaching high school baseball in 1978, Fords teams secured one Choctaw Conference championship and two district championships during his tenure. From 1996 to 2002, Ford assumed the roles of assistant principal, science teacher and assistant football coach, collaborating with Coach Ricky Woods at Ackerman High School. Together, they achieved remarkable success, highlighted by Ackerman Highschool 1997 football season, boasting a 15-1 record and clinching the state football championship. William Curtis Ford concluded his illustrious coaching career in 2012, culminating in a remarkable 46-year tenure marked by dedication and fulfillment. Throughout this extensive journey, he found immense joy and satisfaction in his profession.
