| Thanks to World War II, Woolbright suited up for USC as a freshman in 1946. He backed up ends Red Wilson and Bobby O’Hara as a sophomore in 1947. Woolbright’s big play came that year when he recovered a Duke fumble at the Carolina 11 to preserve a 0-0 tie with the heavily favored Blue Devils. Woolbright was the team captain and starting left defensive end in 1949. He began his coaching career at Winyah High School in 1951, then went on to coach at Latta and Columbia (SC) Cardinal Newman before taking over as coach and athletic director at Chapin High School from 1968 through 1981. At Chapin he coached his sons, future Gamecocks Marty and Roger. Woolbright coached Chapin to state titles in 1973 and 1974. His 24 year coaching career ended with a record of 181 wins, 72 losses and 3 ties. The field at Chapin is named for him and he was elected to the Chapin Hall of Fame in 1997 and the state of South Carolina’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. Woolbright passed away in 2002. |