BENNETTSVILLE — For Mr. Elzanie Dease, being a Marlboro County High School Bulldog fan, isn’t just about football. It’s a lifelong love for his community, his hometown team, and the young people who proudly wear the Bulldog uniform.
Mr. Dease celebrated his 85th birthday on Thursday, September 3, and when asked what he wanted for his special day, his request was simple: he wanted to meet Marlboro County High School Head Football Coach Cory Johnson.
And that birthday wish came true.
The special meeting brought together two generations connected by one thing: Bulldog pride. For Mr. Dease, who has faithfully supported the Bulldogs through the years, meeting Coach Johnson was more than a birthday gift. It was an opportunity to connect with someone who now helps lead a program and tradition that Mr. Dease has supported for decades.
At 85 years young, his enthusiasm for Marlboro County High School football remains strong, reminding us that the impact of our schools extends far beyond the classroom and long after graduation. Friday nights, school traditions, victories, challenges, and generations of student athletes have a special way of bringing a community together.
Mr. Dease represents the kind of loyalty that makes the Bulldog tradition so special. Coaches and players may change through the years, but devoted fans like him help carry the spirit of the program from one generation to the next.
Marlboro County School District wishes Mr. Elzanie Dease a very happy 85th birthday and thanks Coach Cory Johnson for helping make his birthday wish a reality.
Some people cheer for a season. Mr. Dease has been a Bulldog for a lifetime.
Happy 85th Birthday, Mr. Dease! Once a Bulldog fan, always a Bulldog fan!