Standing 6’5”, Ernie DeCourley cast a long shadow as a dominating presence on the offensive and defensive lines. After playing football at Central High in the mid-to-late 1950s, he attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College before transferring to Morehead State after the 1960 season. He was named All-OVC for 2 consecutive seasons and was the OVC Defensive Player of the Year in 1962 before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 7th round of the NFL Draft (92nd overall). DeCourley passed away in 2006 and was inducted into the Morehead State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.
CLASS OF 2023
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Ernie DeCourley
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Jim Phillips
As a member of the CHS High Class of 1964, Jim Phillips was a central figure on some of the most successful basketball teams in school history. In his junior and senior seasons he started every game as the Tigers advanced to the state tournament each year, and he led the 1963-64 squad to a 24-1 regular season record and a #6 ranking in the state. That year he was also named to the All-State Tournament Team as well as the Sportswriters All-State Team. Following his outstanding high school career, Phillips was rewarded with a basketball scholarship to the University of Tennessee-Martin where he was a member of the first entire freshman team ever recruited at the school.
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Don Price
Few names elicit memories of athletic greatness in Hardin County like that of Don Price. A talented multi-sport athlete, he became a household name in West Tennessee and beyond as the decade of the 1970’s dawned. Recognized by many as the greatest football player to ever grace the gridiron for Central High, Price drew interest from many major colleges and universities. However, his potential was only matched by the tragedy of a drowning accident at Pickwick that ended his life far too soon. His athletic prowess accompanied by his character off the field led to Hardin County High School establishing the “Don Price Award” which is the most prestigious honor given to a graduating senior athlete each year.
