South Campus Gym to be Dedicated, Named Reginald Ennis, Q.K. Wall to be Honored Sunday SMITHFIELD-- Reginald "Hawk" Ennis was not just another handsome face in his time. His legendary mark has been left in the annals of academic and athletic history, from his teaching and administrative leadership to his connections to the origination of the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) as a member and captain of his alma mater North Carolina Central's (formerly North Carolina College) first championship basketball team in 1946. Mr. Ennis' memory and contributions to youth and education in Johnston County, North Carolina, and beyond will be recognized at the dedication and naming of the new gym at Johnston County Schools' South Campus Community School on Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 p.m. Ennis' name will shared the spotlight with his long-time colleague, Q. K. Wall, who served as principal of South Campus (5-8) school, principal at Richard B. Harrison High School in Selma, Exceptional Children's director, and interim Superintendent for the Johnston County Schools. Wall currently resides in Smithfield with his wife Thelma, also a retired educator. Ennis was the only North Carolinian on the NCCU first Championship CIAA team. He was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame in 1993. His coach, John McLendon, was one of the CIAA's founders and known for inventing the "four-corners" maneuver in basketball. It was he who gave Ennis the nickname "The Hawk" for this quickness and agility. Ennis' Johnston county Training School (Johnston Central) high school teams were expected to make 100 points at every game. Ennis went on to coach Norvell Lee, whose team at St. Augustine's College won the CIAA championship in 1997, the same team that included standout athlete Marlon Lee (no relation), now a teacher and Student Advocate at Clayton High School. Ennis also coached Harvey Heartley, who preceded Norvell Lee at St. Augustine. Harvey was known for his many high school championships at Cooper High in Clayton and at Ligon High School in Raleigh. Alfred Heartley, another one of his players, was the first African-American to play on the varsity basketball team at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. Many of his players went on to college but he was most proud of those who became outstanding, upright, and productive citizens in their churches and communities such as Marlon's father, Alonza Lee. He called his players "Gentlemen" when he addressed them because he wanted them to live up to that title more than becoming great athletes. Ennis is listed as an All-American, and his jersey, number 7, was retired when he graduated from North Carolina College. Thus, the South Campus connection. Now an alternative school, South Campus was opened in 1957 as an additional building to alleviate overcrowding at Johnston Central High School (formerly Johnston Central Training School). Ennis graduated from Johnston Central, was drafted in the Army, volunteered to enter the Air Force Reserves from which he retired, returned home to teach at Johnston Central*for 20 years*where the mascot was named after him. He continued his teaching career at Smithfield High School. When Smithfield High became Smithfield-Selma High School ("Triple S"), Ennis taught, coached and served as an assistant principal there. His tenure as an educator spanned 40 years. Ennis and his wife of 39 years, Carolyn G. Ennis*who has worked for the Johnston County Schools for more than 50 years*served together as teachers, administrators, and mentors. "Johnston County Schools was privileged to have outstanding educators like Q. K. Wall and Reginald Ennis. It is our pleasure to honor two men who paved the way that current leaders walk. I hope this gymnasium, named in their honor, will serve as a reminder of how grateful we remain today for the example they set," said Dr. Anthony Parker, Superintendent.
