Hundreds of Delta State faithful celebrated the official Margaret Wade statue dedication Friday outside Walter Sillers Coliseum.Generations of Delta State supporters gathered Friday to salute one of the institution’s most respected contributors, former Lady Statesmen basketball coach Margaret Wade.
Revered as the “Mother of Modern Women’s Collegiate Basketball,” hundreds of Delta State faithful, including many of Wade’s former players, braved the cold for Wade’s official statue dedication in front of Walter Sillers Coliseum — the very building where she pioneered the Statesmen to three consecutive AIAW National Championships from 1974-75 through 1976-77.
A number of key figures who helped make the statue a reality provided reflections to the crowd, including: Ronnie Mayers, director of athletics; Dr. Kent Wyatt, president emeritus; Dr. Aubrey Lucas, former Delta State president; Langston Rogers, former sports information director; Van Chancellor, former Ole Miss and WNBA head coach; Lucy Janoush, Wade Statue Committee; Wanda Hairston Boone, former Lady Statesman; and Bill Beckwith, statue artist.
Wade was also awarded recognition in Delta State’s newest program, the “Legends of Delta State University.” With the honor, Wade joins the inaugural class as one of Delta State’s most distinguished leaders of lifetime achievement, service, excellence and success in serving the university.
“This is the first step in insuring that Delta State and the Cleveland community pay rightful tribute to a true legend — and one of ours,” said Delta State President William N. LaForge. “She was the mother of basketball.”
Plans to memorialize Wade with a statue began in 2006, and fundraising for the recognition kicked off in 2008. In just a short period of time, 210 contributors made the effort possible through a statue fund. Donations have come nationwide, with 22 states represented.
Spearheading the development were community members Caroline Gaines, Lucy Janoush and Ed Kossman Jr., along with Keith Fulcher, director of Alumni-Foundation. Wade’s former students and players at Cleveland High School and Delta State were very supportive in the fundraising efforts.
“Coach Wade was everything a lady could be throughout her life and always had a smile,” said Kossman, in a previous Delta State press release. “She was just loved by everyone that knew her. The statue may be a tremendous tourist attraction to basketball fans all across the nation and is a big asset to the Delta State campus. It portrays her life so well and represents what she stood for.”
Her spirit and legacy continue to live on through the Wade Trophy, which was established in 1978. Presented each year by the NCAA, the award is given to the nation’s most outstanding women’s collegiate player.
Following the unveiling of the statue, the large crowd moved inside for a reception inside Kent Wyatt Hall to reflect and share stories about one of Delta State’s most cherished contributors.
The legacy of Coach Margaret Wade remains forever strong thanks to the support of the lives she touched. To read more about her life, career and legacy, visit www.facebook.com/coachmargaretwade.
