COACHING LEGEND HONORED

The Blacksburg Town Council and Mayor David Hogue (right) honored former Wildcats football coach Bob Blanton on Tuesday for his contributions to the community. A Midway native, Blanton played football for Gaffney High and became assistant coach at Blacksburg High in 1963. He was named head coach the following year. Blanton, who was the youngest head coach in the state when he started at age 24, coached for 20 years in Blacksburg and helped the team earn a state championship in 1976. Blacksburg High named the football field in honor of Blanton this year. "There are a lot of names that should go on this plaque," Blanton said. "One thing I've always been so proud of was the fans of Blacksburg."