Tim Dunsford, YMCA director

and co-chairman of the Achiever Committee, announced recently that Jeremiah Castille will be the speaker at this year's Achiever Award Banquet.

Castille is a 1984 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor of science degree in communication. As a football player for Coach Paul Bear Bryant from 1979-1982, he was an all SEC defensive back in 1981 and 1982 and a Kodak All-American in 1982.

He played in the last game Bear Bryant ever coached, winning the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., over the University of Illinois.

Castille

began his professional football career with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization in 1983.

In 1987, he was picked up by the Denver Broncos on waivers. Throughout Castille's career he says God played a major part in not only his life but his sports endeavors as well.

He says that he prayed to get the opportunity to play with Denver, and prior to the 1987 AFC championship game against the Cleveland Browns he prayed that God would let him contribute to the game in a significant way. In the fourth quarter when the starter came out of the game due to cramps, Castille tackled Earnest Byner on the one-yard line. He not only stopped the drive but he also recovered the fumble which prevented Cleveland from winning the game. The Denver Broncos went on to play in the Super Bowl.

In 1995, Castille joined Briarwood High School as a Physical Education and Bible teacher and an assistant football coach. He helped

lead the team to consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association Class

3A football championships in 1998 and 1999.

He and his wife Jean have six children. His son Tim was 3A Alabama All-State football player last year as an 8th grade wide receiver. He was also a 3A Alabama All-State running back this year as a 9th grader. His son Simeon, a defensive back, also played a part in the 1999 championship team as an 8th grader. The other four children are Leah, Rachel, Caleb and Danielle.

"Jeremiah Castille has a strong religious passion. He is a very gifted speaker. I strongly encourage everyone to support this great community endeavor because I know each will be truly blessed by the message Castille will bring," says Jim Dunklin, local store owner and achiever committee member.

Carol Lee, chamber director

and achiever

coordinator, said

tickets are currently on sale for $10 each at the chamber office. "Tickets are going fast, so please get your tickets early to ensure seating," said Lee.

Lee also expressed appreciation on behalf of the Achiever Committee for the great support provided by the community. "We have received donations from Majors Laundry, McDonald's, Watson's Furniture, State Farm Insurance, Super Foods, L. V. Stabler Memorial Hospital, Cellular One, Terrell Enterprises, Dr. William Hamilton

Jr., The Housing Authority of Greenville, Greenville Cash & Carry, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Autrey Supply Inc., Jackson, Thornton & Co., Charles W. Jones, Mr. Joe Bush, Butler County Manufacturers Association, Liberty Construction, Stabler Clinic, Larson & McGowin, Professional Men's Club, SISTAS Social & Savings, Eric Bishop, The Greenville Advocate, Peoples Bank & Trust, Al's Barber and Style Shop, Greenville Hardware, Nightingale Uniform Company, Colonial Bank, GTE, The Teachers' Pet, Hampton Inn, Greenville Motor Company, and

Bancorp South. The support of these fine businesses will help to provide for a spectacular

event. "Anyone can be a sponsor of this event by contacting us here at the Chamber 382-3251." Lee explained.

The Achiever Award Banquet will be held Thursday, May 4, 2000, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.