Stokes-Alston Stadium Name Unveiled

The Memphis University School community gathered September 6 to celebrate as Stokes stadium was renamed Stokes-Alston Stadium in honor of Bobby Alston, longtime football and track head coach and athletic director.
The Stokes family was in attendance to mark the occasion. It was always their intention for the stadium to bear the name of the coach who had meant so much to them. The renaming comes a season after Alston retired from MUS. He spent 26 years as the leader on the football sidelines, and his teams won four state championships. His track teams captured five state titles during his more than four decades as head coach.

“Today, after 47 years of dedication to the MUS Owls in a variety of roles, we honor Bobby Alston and say thank you to the Stokes for having the vision to recognize such a special person in the MUS community,” Headmaster Pete Sanders said.

Arriving in 1977, Alston became integral to MUS athletics and school culture, first teaching and coaching in the Lower School, and then moving to Upper School teams. Alongside his duties as football and track coach, Alston was named athletic director in 1997.

He promoted the development of outstanding athletics beginning in Lower School and oversaw major additions and improvements to the football stadium, indoor tennis building, fencing center, cross country course, and soccer, lacrosse, and baseball fields.

“This unveiling marks the celebration of a legend; Coach Bobby Alston’s near half-century of dedication and leadership to our school,” Athletic Director Thad McCracken said. “We recognize him for all he has done for athletics at MUS, but more specifically, for what he meant to the Stokes family.”

Anne and John Stokes and Carol and Jack Stokes ’79 led the stadium fundraising project as honorary co-chairs and lead patrons. (John Stokes passed away in March.) The family allowed the stadium to bear their name beginning in 2009 with the stipulation it would one day honor the stalwart of Owl athletics.

Jack Stokes addressed the gathering, saying that he and his father believed iron sharpens iron, “and there’s a lot of metal shavings on Hull-Dobbs Field.” They spent hours in the stadium stands at 6191 Park Avenue as they watched two generations of Stokes boys, including John Stokes ’07 and Will Stokes ’09, and countless other athletes on the field.

It was the investment of Alston into those players that led them to honor the coach. “Forty-seven years pressing down on the wax that was our boys – that’s a long-term investment. … Coach, the Stokes are proud to have our name alongside yours. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to MUS."

Alston thanked the Stokes for the gift that helped fund construction projects at the stadium. “Today, your generosity of spirit, to put my name beside yours, I am so honored ... I appreciate their family so much."

Alston went on to recite the MUS Fight Song, finishing, “Whether we lose or win, a greater team you’ll never see. We’ll show our might again for Memphis University, ready to fight again for MUS and victory.”

Met Crump ’60, the architect for the stadium, presented Alston with his artwork depicting the front of the building bearing his name, saying, “I hope this original art will bring you many happy memories of this celebration held today in your honor.”

Sanders led the cheerleaders in the 15 Snappy Rahs to conclude the ceremony. The crowd then went on to a tailgate and the start of the Owls matchup with MBA.
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