Oliver Purnell was the first African-American head coach of a men’s sport in Clemson history. He served as the leader of the men’s basketball program for seven years and took Clemson a record tying 25 wins in 2006-07 and the championship game of the NIT. He then guided Clemson to the NCAA Tournament each of his last three years, just the second Clemson coach to do that. In 2008, he coached Clemson to the championship game of the ACC Tournament, just the second appearance in the final game in school history. That season the Tigers finished 22nd in the final AP poll, then finished 24th according to AP the following season. Purnell is the only coach to lead Clemson to consecutive final top 25 national rankings. One of the most respected coaches in the nation during his career, he is still the only Clemson head coach to serve as president of a National Coaches Association.
mgreier@salemnews.net
SALEM TOWNSHIP Township trustees confirmed they didn’t request money through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Township resident Johnna Timmons asked during the board meeting Tuesday night if CARES Act money was turned down, saying how much she appreciated the fire department saving their barn and just wondered about the CARES Act money.
“Neither fire department approached us about any needs related to COVID-19,” Trustee Bill Heston said. “We didn’t want to get 500 boxes of hand sanitizer and have it sit here.”
The township is covered by two fire departments, Leetonia and Winona.
mgreier@salemnews.net
Once again the topic raised by visitors during the Board of Trustees meeting dealt with Constable Dan Valentine, some bringing up his past as an officer in another township and others supporting him.
The two sides at one point were interrupting each other with slightly raised voices going back and forth Tuesday night, forcing Chairman John Wilms to quiet them down so each could have their chance to speak.
“We’re not having a trial here,” he said.
At the end, he thanked them all for coming and for their cooperation.
Valentine was present for all of it, but said he had no comment when approached after the meeting. Trustees also had little to say, with Trustee Ray Heddleson saying after the meeting that it’s all over and done. He said the people can keep coming back, but nothing’s going to change, they’re not getting rid of Valentine.
Photo illustration by Nick Roy / theScore / Getty Images
One or two shoutouts wouldn t suffice, so by the time Amir Johnson finished reciting his NBA mentors, he d named much of the Detroit Pistons 2004 championship core - plus a bench s worth of sages who arrived a bit later. Ben Wallace. Rasheed Wallace. Chauncey Billups. Rip Hamilton. Tayshaun Prince. Lindsey Hunter. Dale Davis patrolled the Detroit frontcourt in 2005-06 when Johnson was a rookie; ditto Chris Webber the next season. Even Allen Iverson showed him the ropes in the Motor City for a spell. Kelvin Cato, Johnson said. Tony Delk. Jarvis Hayes. I could go down the line of how many vets, good guys, I had helping me out.
FRANKLIN SQUARE Three residents spoke out in support of Constable Dan Valentine at the Salem Township trustee meeting Tuesday, saying he’s needed in the