As a Lindsay Leopard, I often write about those Leopards who are good friends from my childhood. Unfortunately, I usually post a column or write an article about them when they pass on. They never see or read my tribute... or do they?
The following tribute is based on my friendship with Curtis Hayes, as he passed away on May 11, 2020.
My first memory of Curtis was as my 5th grade (or sixth) basketball coach in Lindsay, Oklahoma. At the time, I did not know that Curtis was a former Leopard basketball all-stater, and that he graduated with my mother, Mary Beckham, also a Leopardette all-stater in 1954. Curtis was not only a great basketball athlete in high school, but he was a great little league coach - as I averaged maybe one point per game while playing for him. As a matter of fact, I remember a game that my team won 17-16... the difference being my one made free throw.
Curtis Hayes continued attending many Lindsay games in all sports, as I saw him several times at games that I was able to attend. He attended most of those sporting events with his friend, Wayne Yandell, and I can still see them seated together near the top of the bleachers in the Charles K. Heatly gym.
I, and most former Leopards, will miss seeing Curtis Hayes, but I know we'll all soon be reunited.
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