THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411180139
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: Bill Leffler
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
Essie Harper would have been very proud of the autobiography by hubby Chandler.
The book was recently finished, chronicling his lifetime as a professional golfer.
But Essie was too ill to be aware it was completed. And last week, surrounded by many of the friends whose names are sprinkled through the pages, she finally gained relief from the pain that had ravaged her body for so long.
Ethel Mae Harper died at the age of 78.
The book is filled with pictures, and every one was chosen by Essie. There's one of Essie, the bathing beauty at the beach. There's one of the Harpers in the early days when they traveled together while he started on the pro golf tour. There's one at Jack Dempsey's restaurant with old friends from Portsmouth. There's one of Essie when she managed Glensheallah while Chandler was in the Navy in World War II.
There's one of them at the head table when Chandler was honored by the Chamber of Commerce in 1950 after winning the PGA Championship. There's one when she celebrated his State Open title in 1959 - with a Coca-Cola. And there's one when they were on camelback in Egypt.
This book long had been a dream of Chandler's.
And the dedication in the front can serve well as a lasting memorial tribute to Essie:
He wrote: ``To my wife Essie whose indefatigable courage and desire to help others have meant so much to me as I tried to make my life worthwhile.''
Churchland's highly regarded boys basketball team has lined up pre-season scrimmages with Green Run and Phoebus.
The Truckers began practice last week, but they've been active in the classrooms throughout the football season. Coach Mac Carroll set up his own personal study hall each Tuesday and Thursday after school.
To get an early look at the Mills Godwin volleyball team Western Branch faced in the opening round of the state tournament, Bruins coach Jim Stanko traveled to Richmond.
He witnessed the only game Mills Godwin lost in 20 outings.
In Virginia Wesleyan's 20-2-1 soccer season, former Churchland standouts Che Clark and Dwain Ayres played in every game. Ayres had the only goal by the two sophomores and won All-ODAC honors. Ayres had one assist. Clark had three assists.
The Cradock Admirals of the Pop Warner Football League have accepted an invitation to play in a bowl at Winston-Salem, N. C., Nov. 26.
The Admirals, coached by Pat Kelley, Asa Kelley and Rodney Wesson Sr., had a 7-1 season.
Cradock will play the Winston-Salem Greyhounds.
The local team is seeking assistance for travel expenses. Those desiring to help can call Pat Kelley at 485-3580.
Cradock also is sending cheerleaders from the Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee and Midget Division to the Twin City Classic Cheerleading Competition at Parkland High School in Winston-Salem the same day. These girls also are looking for donations for expenses. Call Lori Murray at 393-7604 to help.
More than 250 golf courses in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina are participating with the American Lung Association of Virginia in its 1995 Golf Privilege Card.
The card costs $40 and provides free or discounted golf at all of these courses. Several Myrtle Beach courses are participating. Proceeds go to the ALAV programs such as children's asthma camps.
Cards can be purchased at any Nevada Bob's Golf Shop.
Darin Bracy, a longtime head coach at Cradock, is now head wrestling coach at Churchland. His brother, Eric, Bob Arnold and Steve Gwaltney are assisting him.
The indoor track season will start Dec. 7.
The indoor district meet will be a two-day competition, with field events Feb. 20 and running events Feb. 22. by CNB