NATCHEZ — Those who know former South Natchez Adams High School football coach Ed Reed best are quick to recall him as more than a coach with a whistle.

And for that, friends of his are on the cusp of recognizing his strong contributions to the school and community with a special day.

Daye Dearing is organizing a reunion with Reed’s former players, coaches and managers May 21 with a tribute to the longtime coach later in the day. The tribute will be at the Hotel Vue and is open to the public.

“I think it’s important to honor and pay respect and tribute to people who have made a positive impact in our lives, and often times we don’t do that,” Dearing said.

Reed spent seven years as head coach for the Colonels, serving two different stints from 1971-1974 and 1979-1982. In between his two coaching terms at the school, Reed served in an administrative capacity as the school’s principal. Reed also was the head man of the Natchez-Adams football program from 1969-1970.

“He not only impacted young student-athletes for those eight years and four years,” Dearing said. “He impacted all of us, regardless if they were athletes or not. We were all recipients for his talents and dedication efforts.”

While Reed’s contributions off the field can’t be measured, his accomplishments on it can.

Reed guided South Natchez to the last Big 8 conference championship in 1980 and the first MHSAA state championship in class AA  in 1981.

The 1981 squad went 14-0 and went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the state in the sports writers poll of Mississippi.

Yet building a power didn’t come easy for Reed as the Colonels tallied just a 2-7-1 record in 1970. However, Reed managed to mold the different personalities on his squad into a winning culture and produced a 9-1 record in 1971, setting the stage for the decade of dominance to come.

“They all respected him,” Dearing said. “I’ve had several players tell me, who did go on and play at higher levels, ‘Ed Reed is the best coach I’ve ever had.’”

Dearing said the responses of players, coaches and managers has proven overwhelming in organizing the reunion.

“As a person becomes older, you realize … you appreciate and value the experiences you’ve had in your life,” Dearing said. “You understand the ways you’ve been fortunate. You kind of look back and think, ‘Oh, that was really a great time.’ We were very fortunate and lucky (for Reed).”

For more information, contact Glynn Long at 601-720-2893 or by email at llong3@wm.com.

Tickets are $10 for the reunion and $30 for the tribute. People may also pay $15 at the door for the reunion and $40 for the tribute. Pre-registration closes May 6.