08/28/2026
Tonight, we honor an important part of the history of Logan County, Aracoma High School, its students, its athletes, and the extraordinary legacy of one of this community's most respected educators and coaches, LaSalle "Lacy" Smith.
Aracoma High School opened in Logan in 1929 and, during the era of segregation, served generations of African-American students from throughout our community. Wearing the green and white and proudly known as the Bulldogs, Aracoma's students built a tradition of achievement, in the classroom, in their community, and on the athletic field.
And few accomplishments shine brighter than those of the Aracoma Bulldogs football teams of 1948 and 1949.
Under the leadership of Coach Lacy Smith, the Bulldogs captured back-to-back West Virginia state football championships, an achievement that remains unmatched in Logan County football history.
Those championships were more than victories on a scoreboard.
They represented discipline, determination, teamwork, pride, and excellence. At a time when segregation placed barriers before these young men, the Aracoma Bulldogs demonstrated what talent, preparation, character, and opportunity could accomplish.
At the center of that remarkable era was Coach Lacy Smith.
A graduate of Aracoma High School himself, Coach Smith returned to his alma mater as a biology teacher and coach. During his career at Aracoma, he coached three undefeated football teams, four All-American players, two state championship football teams, and two state championship basketball teams.
He was also an innovator of the game. In 1951, Scholastic Coach Magazine published his own football strategy known as the "Kite Formation."
Following integration, Coach Smith continued his career at Logan High School as a teacher and coach. In 1980, he became Logan High School's head football coach and the first Black head football coach of a AAA high school in West Virginia.
Aracoma High School Pre-Game Ceremony
For 43 years, Coach Smith educated, coached, challenged, and inspired young people in Logan County. His influence extended far beyond athletics, and his life remains a powerful part of the story of both Aracoma High School and Logan High School.
Tonight, that history takes its permanent place here in our stadium.
The banners being dedicated this evening honor the championship achievements of the 1948 and
1949 Aracoma Bulldogs and the remarkable legacy of Coach Lacy Smith-ensuring that generations of students, athletes, and visitors who enter this stadium will know their names and remember what they accomplished.
We are especially honored tonight to welcome former Aracoma High School students Cora Hairston, Judy Murphy, and Karen Garner Pierson, a former Aracoma Bulldog cheerleader; and Michael Williams, grandson of Robert Johnson Jr., an Aracoma football player who played for Coach Smith, and cousin to Tank and Claude Williams.
Together, they represent the students, athletes, cheerleaders, families, and generations whose lives are forever connected to Aracoma High School.
We would also like to extend a very special recognition to Logan resident Lorena Hodge, the only living Aracoma High School graduate residing in Logan. Although Mrs. Hodge is unable to be with us this evening, we proudly recognize her tonight and honor the special place she holds in the living history of Aracoma High School.
To our honored guests, to Mrs. Hodge, to the families of those who walked the halls of Aracoma High School, and to everyone who helped build this remarkable legacy: Logan High School honors you, welcomes you home, and proudly preserves your story for generations to come.
May these banners remind us that although buildings may disappear and generations may pass, history lives wherever people choose to remember it.
Tonight, Logan remembers.
Tonight, Logan honors.
And tonight, the Aracoma Bulldogs are home.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join us in recognizing the proud and enduring legacy of Aracoma High School, the 1948 and 1949 State Champion Bulldogs, and the legendary Coach Lacy Smith.
