SOUTHEAST HIGH HOLDS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
Southeast High School in Bradenton inducted individual athletes, a basketball team, coach and a family as contributors into their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame. The third annual Hall of Fame Honors Ceremony was held on September 23, recognizing those who made a significant contribution to the school’s sports program.
This year’s class included athletes Adrian “A.D.” McPherson, Chountelle Bullock and Faye Swilley (Manigault), the 1985 girls basketball state championship team, three-time wrestling state champ Mike Gorris, boys basketball coach Bob Carroll and contributors, the Cucci family. McPherson was named both Mr. Florida Football (2000) and Mr. Basketball (2001), and was the only athlete to have ever been awarded both honors in Florida’s history. As quarterback, he led the Seminoles in 1998, 1999 and 2000 in semi-final games with a championship game appearance in 1998.
Bullock was a member of the 1985 state championship team. In her senior year, she earned all county, all district, all state, a Parade All American Honorable Mention and was named Manatee County’s most valuable player. Swilley was also a member of the 1985 state championship team and participated on the track team all four years. She was also on the 1987 Class 3A state champion 880-medley relay team.
The 1985 FHSAA state championship team was coached by John Harder. The team consisted of Leslie Baker, Tina Brooks, Bullock, Swilley, Tonya Combs, Jeanelle Copeland, Laura Coulter, Tammy Freeman, Karen Horne, Delceda Neasman, Diane Roberts and Cathy Walls.
Coach Carroll’s ‘Noles went 371-131 from 1984-2000, were the unbeaten 1995 5A state champs with a record of 35-0 and final four qualifiers three times, 1993, 1994 and 1995. Carroll was the 1995 Florida Coach of the Year and 1998 Class 6A Coach of the Year. Gorris finished his scholastic wresting career with an overall record of 114-15-3 and had a winning percentage of 86.4. He was a four time state, qualifier, three time district champion three time regional champion and a three time state champion for three consecutive years. His overall state tournament record was 12-1.
The Cucci family contributed to the ‘Noles program for many years and were founding members of the athletic booster club. They founded the wrestling program and are parents of four Southeast graduates, Gennaro, Gina, Mikki and Alicia, who played baseball, football, wrestling, softball and soccer.
The HOF stands to elevate citizens of the community who model their Southeast athletic experience. The inaugural class was inducted in 2021.
CAPTIONS:
1. 2023 Hall of Fame inductees (left to right) Tina Brooks Hadley, Chountelle Bullock, Leslie Baker, Faye Swilley Manigault and Adrian McPherson.
2. 1985 state championship teammates Tina Brooks Hadley and Leslie Baker.
