Bobby Purvis is nothing short of a veteran coach after spending the last 47 years building up the next generation of leaders. Coach Purvis is a graduate of Corinth High School and Mississippi State University.
Alcorn Central Girls Basketball Coach Alan Wood ran track for Coach Purvis back in the 70’s. Wood said, “He brought instant success in track, his knowledge of track, his ability to teach the different events, and the time he would take with each athlete I think is what separates him from other coaches.” Wood mentioned that there is one theme in every conversation revolving around Coach Purvis and that is respect. “The fact that his teams were competitive year after year for so long, says it all. You can’t discuss Mississippi track and field and not mention Coach Purvis. Hall of Fame Coach and Hall of Fame Person!”
Coach Purvis began his career at Alcorn Central, but he made a few stops at other places before coming back to AC. He spent time at Biggersville, Kossuth, Corinth, and a short stint at New Site. Although his most notable recognition comes from the cross country course and from around the track, he made his mark on the football field and on the basketball court.
You can find some old footage from his football coaching days at Alcorn Central. Joey Bain played for Coach Purvis in the early 1980’s. He said, “Coach Purvis got him and his family a new camcorder and decided to bring it to practice and to the games to film.” Coach Purvis captured several hours of film. He not only carried it to football games, but he took it to cross country and track meets as well. However, Sam Holley and John Mask said some of the best moments with Coach Purvis happened off camera.
“Coach Purvis is a legend in Alcorn County and it has been an honor and privilege to have been coached and mentored by him. I am a better person for the opportunity to know him,” said Samuel Holley: a 2015 Cross Country & Track alumni of Alcorn Central High School. This past season he served as an assistant coach. Sam is the owner of a State Championship medal in track from 2014, and he owes much of it to Coach Purvis. “I could never have accomplished that goal without his leadership and mentorship. Being a one mile state champion will be something we will always have in common.” He also said that Purvis’ leadership taught him a lot about what being a coach really means. “I learned from Coach Purvis to touch base with my athletes and keep them motivated to do the best they can.”
John Mask had quite the unique relationship with Coach Purvis. Unlike most students that rode the bus to track and cross country meets, Mask wasn’t going to compete. He told us, “Coach Purvis approached me in the fall of my sophomore year. He wanted me to join him as his student assistant coach and director of track operations. I was flattered by the opportunity, so I immediately said yes!” Coach Purvis treated Mask just like he had treated any assistant coach in the past. He taught him all there was to know about managing a team and thinking ahead. “Coach Purvis’ main objective was to teach his athletes the importance of focus and determination. He included me in every aspect of the program; I was running off events, creating timesheets, and helping host practice. I have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for his leadership and guidance. He is one of a kind!.”
It will be hard to see such a legend leave the halls of Alcorn Central, but the Golden Bear family wishes him the best in his well deserved retirement. He and his wife Cheryl hope to spend more time with their sweet little grandbabies. Happy Retirement Coach Purvis! We’ll keep running with our heads up and full of “Bear Pride!”
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