John Kirke—1948-49 Wildcat Football

Kirke, who died in 1997, was a 205-pound tackle on the Pearl Rivern football team. He was named on the 1963 All-American Junior College team by the Jaycee Grid-Wire Service. He helped lead the Wildcats to a 9-0-1 record, and the last of Coach Holden’s seven state championships at Pearl River.

He was the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Paul Kirke of Poplarville. His wife, Carol Kirke, resides in Poplarville. They have two children, Josh Kirke of Wiggins and Dawn Kenderick of Metairie, La.

Cochran is in her 39th year of teaching. “I teach Adapted Physical Education to the special students and have been involved in Special Olympics for years,” said Cochran. “I enjoy good health and especially enjoy my family, most especially the grandchildren.”