A sequence of events steered 3A conference athletic directors to nominate and then elect Waters.
Wayne Roach, formerly the principal at Berea High School, was the president but resigned when he became the new principal and executive director at Greer Middle College. Joe Walker, of Union High, as vice president was a candidate to move into the president’s role. However, Walker was reassigned to supervising secondary principals in Cherokee County. Thus Walker relinquished his position.
Blue Ridge Athletic Director Ray Riley nominated Waters and there was a quick second followed by the approval of the athletic directors. Only principals can hold the office of president of a classification, under SCHSL bylaws.
Waters acknowledged the ADs when asked about his election. “We’ve got a good group of athletic directors who work hard,” he said.
Greer Athletic Director Travis Perry was all smiles at football practice while sharing the news. “I’m so proud of him. I couldn’t vote since he was my principal so I just sat back and enjoyed all the great things they said about him,” Perry said.
While Waters takes on added responsibility, Perry couldn’t be happier for what it means to the education community. “He is to Greer what Dale Earnhardt Sr. is to NASCAR. He’s our Dale Earnhardt. In education, Marion Waters is the man.”
Perry, former football coach at Greer, left to become athletics director at Christ Church. “Mr. Waters is the reason I returned,” Perry said. “With Mr. Waters, you know where he stands. He will do what is best for the school,” Perry said.
“In Columbia, watching him, he totally made me proud. After he was nominated he ran the meeting and was in charge directing athletic directors doing all kinds of things. He’s amazing,” Perry said.