School ushers in grand opening of gymnasium with a pioneer

Brookland-Cayce High School’s new arena opened Tuesday with an emotional reunion.

The Rev. Charles Jackson, pastor of Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, was a trailblazer in the old gym. Jackson and Michael Thompson were the first African-American players to don Bearcat basketball uniforms in the building sitting in the shadow of the new arena.

The past and present came together last week, days before Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this past Monday.

Brookland-Cayce boys’ basketball coach Robert Wells, a member of Brookland Baptist, and Athletics Director Rusty Charpia set up tours of the new arena for Jackson and former coach Tom Crump without telling either.

Their reunion was emotional.

“Those were some days,” Jackson said when he saw Crump. The Jackson-led Bearcats won the 1969-70 region title.

“I remember our first practice,” Crump said. “I said I need a leader and Charlie’s hand shot up.” It was the year South Carolina schools were integrated. Jackson remembered he wasn’t happy to be leaving Lakeview High, a school he considered his. He remembers a lot of racial tension and anticipated hostility.

However, the leaders at Lakeview, including Coach Harold White, reassured him.

“I’m depending on you,” Coach White told him.

Jackson gave it his best to benefit the Bearcats. He said passing to the scorers and playing tenacious defense was his game.

Crump agreed Jackson’s strengths were what he was best at.

“He put us on his shoulders and took us to the conference championship,” said Crump.

The feelings between player and coach were mutual.

As vice-president of the student body, Jackson graduated with honors.

“He’s a great coach,” he said of Crump. “He took time with us. He cared about us and our grades. He was so impactful.”

Jackson, who has been the pastor of the large and influential Brookland Baptist Church for 40 years, said he is grateful for the opportunities Crump gave him. Jackson and Thompson went on to be named to the All Region team and basketball is a legacy Jackson has passed down in his family. His son, Charles Jr., played at S.C. State. His grandson, Trey, plays at Blythewood and has accepted a basketball scholarship to Iowa State.

Jackson said his experience at Brookland-Cayce set the course for his life.

As he toured the new arena, he said he wants the dreams to continue for the present generation.

“I’m so excited for B-C,” he said.