Coach Robert Therrell was an outstanding multi-sport coach at Hazlehurst and Brookhaven. A native of Brookhaven, Coach Therrell served in World War I as a 2nd lieutenant in the U. S. Army. Robert started his 18-year coaching career in 1926 as head football coach at Hazlehurst High. He led Hazlehurst for 11 seasons compiling a record of 41 wins, 24 losses, and 4 ties. In an era when games were infrequently scheduled, he paced 3 of his teams to 7-win seasons plus one undefeated record. He then arrived at Brookhaven where he coached football and track. Coach Therrell guided the Panthers of Ole Brook for 7 years with a record of 33 wins, 34 losses, and 6 ties. His best football season was in 1944 when the squad finished 10-2 and set a record for points scored in a season. Overall, Coach Therrell’s football teams had 74 wins, 58 losses, and 10 ties. The track at Brookhaven is named in Coach Therrell’s honor. A true civic leader, Robert served as an alderman and Mayor of the City of Brookhaven from 1963 to 1965.