Photos by Kenneth Armstrong
Written by Charlotte Smith
Bladen County, NC – On October 1, 2023, a special occasion unfolded at the Knight’s Castle. The first day of the month marked the dedication of the West Bladen High School (WBHS) gymnasium in honor of the esteemed Coach Ken F. Cross.
The heartfelt tribute began in March 2022, when West Bladen High School alumni Nathan Priest and Faith Inman approached the Bladen County Board of Education with a request—to pay tribute to Coach Ken F. Cross, a Bladen County retired teacher and coach, by naming the West Bladen High School gymnasium in his honor. The culmination of their requests came to fruition and was celebrated in style on Sunday at the local high school.
Before the commencement of the speakers, attendees were treated to refreshments, setting a warm and inviting atmosphere to the event. Reverend Warren Hill gave an opening prayer with remarks about Coach Cross’ dedication to his calling. West Bladen alumni Wayne McDonald, Nathan Priest, Faith Inman, and Rodd Baxley took to the podium to attest to Coach Cross’ leadership and commitment.
Priest introduced the speakers, acknowledging, “The main goal today is to honor Coach Cross.”
McDonald said about Coach Cross, “As we name this gym, we not only commemorate his outstanding coaching career but also his impact on our lives.”
Baxley explained how Coach Cross taught many things. He learned the importance of being on time and the keys to success. “Togetherness equals success is something he would say every day,” Baxley recalled about his beloved coach.
When Inman took center stage, she told of how Coach Cross was an excellent coach and a wise teacher.
“The whiteboard in the room started empty at the beginning of class, and then it filled up real fast,” Inman said, “and boy did I take notes. He taught us when you are thinking about your priorities in life, it’s God first, family second, and the rest will follow suit.”
Lastly, Coach Cross took the mic, saying, “It’s been an odyssey.”
His record speaks to his crusade. Coach Cross came from up north to Bladen County to teach and Coach in the 1990’s. He started at Clarkton, then went to Tar Heel for eleven years before moving to West Bladen High School to coach and teach in 2001.
In 2008, Coach Cross led the Knights to their first and only 2A Men’s Basketball State Championship. During his career, Coach Cross led teams to over 650 wins and taught students discipline, courage, and how to succeed in life.
One of his first students at West Bladen, Corey Singletary, attended the ceremony and said, “He taught me never to give up.”
“There is more to life than academics and athletics; there are problems, and you have to work through them,” Coach Cross said. He gave glory to God for his achievements and his abilities.
In closing, he exclaimed, “I love Bladen County!” Then, he humbly turned the spotlight to others in attendance for their impact on his life.
Former players presented Coach Cross with a plaque and stood proudly by his side for photographs. As a final touch, they unveiled the prominently displayed “KEN F. CROSS GYMNASIUM” letters above the gym concessions area, immortalizing the legacy of this exceptional coach and mentor for generations to come.
Coach Cross, a cherished figure in Bladen County, now enjoys his retirement after a distinguished career as a coach, mentor, and educator.
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