by Eric Brown
July 19, 2010 - McKinley Senior High School is located in Baton Rouge, housing East Baton Rouge Parish’s only gifted and talented program. The School began in 1907 in a small house several blocks east of the present site named “The Hickory Street School”. In 1913 the school was relocated and renamed “The Baton Rouge Colored High School”. McKinley’s first graduating class was 1916, consisting of four students, becoming the first graduating class of African American high school graduates in the state of Louisiana. The current Building opened on September 19, 1927, and the State renamed the school in honor of President William McKinley.
I was able to meet Head Coach Robert Signater, his staff, and the team. We had the chance to chat about some of the fame alumni, such as former LSU Tiger and now the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcat Power Forward Tyrus Thomas. Coach Signater told me that Thomas appears on campus often to talk to the guys and hang out. Former Arizona Cardinal Jason Banks is set to join the coaching staff at McKinley this fall. As a former Panther, he’s ready to get back home and work with the guys. Keith Smart, a former Indiana Hoosier, College Basketball National Champion, and former NBA player, and now assistant coach is also a McKinley graduate. Eddie Robinson, former Grambling State and hall of famer, Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields, former NBA great Don Chaney and many more also call McKinley Senior High School their Alma Mater.
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| Brandon Fields |
I talked to Sophomore Brandon Fields, a transfer from University High School. He will be competing with Jourdan Robinson for the starting Quarterback position. Robinson is a senior who also plays pitcher, catcher, and third base in baseball. Fields is a great athlete as well. He played multiple positions at University High, a year ago, but is ready to settle as the Quarterback, which is the main reason for the transfer. Fields is very excited about an opportunity to play his desired position, and I see a great attitude and a guy who is ready to be a leader and the face of his team.
The Panthers were very young a year ago, Coach Signater explained. They took their lumps going 1-9, but Coach talked about the experiences of getting that year behind them. They have only six seniors, and not a lot of experience, but they do have a lot of depth. I saw a lot of good hard working guys in the weight room, and some great athletes. I see a very strong future to build on. The guys are doing two a days, so I only saw a little more than half and I was impressed by what I saw.
I really enjoyed my visit to McKinley High School. Coach Signater and his staff made me feel right at home. I also learned that he coached at my alma mater, Broadmoor High school, in the 90’s, when the Bucs went to the state Championship game. I look forward to tracking the Panthers this year and watching them compete for a district title. With a great coaching staff and a hard working positive attitude, everybody watch out for McKinley this season.
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