Kansas native George Stevens was headed to Fargo, North Dakota to build concrete elevators. It was just a few months after the big war and Stevens had a job and no intentions of going to college. 

So, after more than a half-century, why and how is Stevens being inducted into the Pearl River Community College Sports Hall of Fame? 

Before heading to Fargo, Stevens decided to use his two-week vacation for a swing south to visit his friend "Chicken" Howard. Howard, from Starkville, was an old war buddy who was preparing to play tailback for the PRC Wildcats. 

"Chicken told Coach Scott I could catch a football," said Stevens. "Before I knew it I was signing a full scholarship at PRC." 

Stevens said he never played football in high school because he was too skinny.

"I guess I grew up in the service," said Stevens. 

Stevens admitted it didn't take him long to fall in love with the trees, water and pretty women in South Mississippi. 

"I liked everything so much I just stayed," said Stevens, who made All-State playing end on the football team and guard and forward on the basketball unit.

"I played everything," said Stevens. "I was on the football, basketball and baseball teams and I even ran track. It was a good time. I was getting an education and all the biscuits, grits and milk I wanted."

Stevens helped lead the 1946 Wildcats to an 8-2-2 record and a Tung Bowl victory over McNeese State. 

He was the leading scorer on the 1947 basketball team which won the overall state championship. But his greatest accomplishment was winning the heart of classmate Betty Askew. 

Betty, who was from Poplarville, and George were married soon after winning the state championship. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before her death in August 1997. 

"This is such a great honor," said Stevens, who now spends most of his time at his farm near Brandon. "I'm really in shock. Hearing the words Pearl River conjures up many fond memories." 

Stevens, who started two years on both the University of Southern Mississippi football and basketball teams, graduated in 33 months by attending summer school. 

He was a successful coach in the Jackson Public School System and was recognized as an outstanding official in the Southeastern Conference.

One of Coach Stevens' players was none other than PRC President Ted Alexander. Steven's remembers how Dr. Alexander broke his ankle pole vaulting at a south state meet. 

In the 1960s George invested in the Safe Harbor Marina on the Ross Barnett Reservoir. He later bought out his partners, gave up coaching and officiating, and concentrated on the marina. 

George's son, Greg, and son-in-law Benny, who is married to Martha, a teacher with the Northwest Rankin Schools, now operate the business. 

The Steven's other son, Ken, died of cancer at the age of 42. 

George said the best decision of his life was leaving the dust bowl of Kansas and finding the rolling hills and trees of Mississippi. 

"I found my direction and my love for life at Pearl River," said Stevens.