Former Lynch High School football players and cheerleaders gathered in Lexington on Nov. 30 to mark the 50-year anniversary of their fourth and final Class A state championship team.

The Bulldogs were honored during halftime of this year’s Class A state championship game between Pikeville and Beechwood at Kroger Field in Lexington. They were each presented with a commemorative medallion to mark the occasion.

“It was great to be a part of a great reunion/celebration with my teammates, cheerleaders and guests. I think we all replayed the 1968 football season and playoff games,” said former Lynch lineman Roger Wilhoit, who helped organize the gathering. “It was a memorable event and it seemed like we were all back at Lynch High School enjoying each other, telling stories as if it was 50 years ago. We had people who traveled in for this occasion from as far as Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.”

“As a former cheerleader for the Golden Bulldogs, I feel so blessed and grateful to be able to participate in the 50th anniversary of Lynch High School’s 1968 Class A state championship,” said Belinda Riley, a former Lynch cheerleader. “There’s a bond within the Bulldog Nation like no other. How wonderful to be among so many of my classmates once again and reminisce about the good old days.”

All attendees were present on Nov. 29 for a reunion and celebration at the Embassy Suites Lexington Green. Wilhoit said there were lots of stories and photos taken by everyone.

“It was a great night with several fans and family also in attendance,” Wilhoit said.

Players attending included Wilhoit, Ronnie Hampton, Bobby Joe Golden, Gary Standridge, Joe Washington, Darryl Washington, David Hollingsworth, Maceo Peeples, Jim Vicini, Kenny Vicini, Alan Wagers, Randy Adams, Mark Moran, Marc Merritt, Tom Sheback, Charlie Russell, Chuck Rogers, Johnny Owens and Ezell Smith.

Cheerleaders attending included Sue Douglas, Belinda Riley, Donna Vicini, Esther Whittlesey, Sharon Betsill and Kathleen Vicini.

Also attending were members of coach Ed Miracle’s family, including his wife, Donna, and his children, Glen Miracle and Michele Feld.