WOMEN
OF 2001 HONOR UINDEFEATED
1959-60
BASKETBALL TEAMS
Ronald
"Itchy" Smith - Team's All American Conference Star
The
Women 2001 Salute to the Camden High School 1959-1960 UNDEFEATED
Basketball Team was an extraordinary affair. Everyone
in attendance conveyed an aura of camaraderie. The room was
filled with well wishers, former and current Camden residents
emerged upon the scene to reflect on the city’s pride
in the young champions of the 1959-1960 UNDEFEATED team. The
attendees were family members, friends and a host of well
wishers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the entire
country. The buzz around the room was definitely positive.
Everyone spoke about the pride they felt during that infamous
season. The speakers referred to Ronald “Itchy”
Smith as a hero, in fact everyone on the podium that evening
echoed the same sentiment. Camden City Councilman “Whip”
Wilson began by telling the audience how proud he was that
“Itchy” was his cousin. The speakers recalled
how this group of young men was the example of what athletes
should be. Golden “Sonny” Sunkett, the class Oaks
award recipient, Charles Maddox the class President, and Ron
“Itchy" Smith the team All American conference
star.
A reporter from the Courier Post, Mr. Walter Burrows, who
covered the team for many years, spoke of the team with so
much adulation; you could feel how proud he was to have known
them. A coach from the Camden Catholic High School spoke how
he played against the team; he told how they beat them and
all the teams in South Jersey and North Jersey. All who spoke
reminded us how they were so underestimated in North Jersey
and how they worked to prove their worthiness. “Itchy”
gave an emotional account of how Arnold Byrd rallied the town’s
fans together to support the team during the height of the
championship season.
The City Of Camden gave the players the support they needed
to become undefeated, and win those 48 games. Donald “Duckey”
Birts spoke about the pride he felt when he attended the games.
The Camden City Council awarded the team a Commendation,
which brought the crowd to their feet. Honoree Tom Ashley
spoke about pride and integrity and how he has to represent
Camden in North Jersey. Attendee Donnell “Sty”
Hayes stated the affair was extraordinary and was glad he
was there to witness the event. Jason Sunkett, son of Golden
“Sonny” Sunkett reminisced about growing up listening
to the accolades for the team throughout the region, Jason
feels thankful for the fondness he felt from people when they
referred to the team. Jason also stated the team served as
role models for many people in the tri state area, the team
emulated what it means to work together and succeed. Brett
Sunkett cousin of “Sonny “ Sunkett says a movie
about the team should be made.
During the entire affair at Auletto’s Catering in Almonesson,
New Jersey the atmosphere was all about pride. Mrs. Evelyn
Morton President of the Women 2001 said they hold an awards
ceremony each December, The group honored today was special
, and deserved the praise. All proceeds from the event
will go to a scholarship for students in each of the city's
high schools, in addition each will receive a new computer.
The attendees enjoyed a few lyrics by honoree Frank Stephens,
former Globetrotter, there was dancing, lots of food and of
course reflections. The music was provided by DJ Butch Nelson.
The
Honorees were Ronald “Itchy”
Smith, Golden “Sonny” Sunkett Charles Maddox Ralph
“Butch” Heath, Stephen J .Schley, Jessie A. Williams,
Frank Stephens, Thomas, R. Ashley, Esq. Ronald Troutman, Wilson
“Jules” Pitts, Jr. Samuel “JoeBoy”
Fisher, Johnnie Preston Hayes and Pud Wilson. The
event held at Auletto’s Catering 1849 Cooper Street
Almonesson, New Jersey on Friday May 22, 2009. From 7pm to
12am was electrifying, and I was proud to attend.
By
Joyce D. Miller '72
Carrie Perry '66 (Contributor)
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