Nomination year: 2020

Nominated by: Thomas Watson

Nomination category: Athletes & Coaches

Sport: Basketball and Football

Years participating: 1973-1977

Career Summary:

Gary Plumlee was one of the most talented basketball players of the entire Thomas Watson era.  He was a three-year starter that averaged a double-double night in and night out during his junior and senior seasons.  Plumlee was instrumental in Celina High capturing the district title in 1975 and ‘77.

As a sophomore, Plumlee was a yearlong starter alongside Greg Craig and CCSHOF members Bill Napier, Gary J. Strong, and James Trobaugh.  Even amongst that legendary cast, Plumlee was typically good for double figures in any given contest on a team that was consistently ranked among the top 5 squads statewide throughout the season.  After winning the district title, the team would be eliminated in the Sub-state round.

A rebuilding process took place during Plumlee’s junior season and Coach Watson constructed his team around the talented junior.  The highlight of Plumlee’s year came in Christmas tournament action against Crossville when he scored what is thought to be a career-high of 31 points.

The ‘76-’77 season signalled a return to form for the team as they captured district gold behind the fine play of Plumlee, who averaged right at 20 points in each contest.  Joined in the lineup by CCSHOF members James Bartlett and Roger Short, the team was set for a deep postseason run, but fell to Webb in the region semifinal.  

Plumlee also was a two-year starter on the gridiron.  His time there was highlighted by an 8-3 senior season in the fall of ‘76, where Plumlee earned All Tri-Lakes Conference and All-Midstate Honorable Mention honors.  As a talented receiver, Plumlee hauled in several touchdowns, but his most impressive performance came on the defense.  In his final game, the Lions Bowl against David Lipscomb, Plumlee recorded a career-high 15 tackles, including three quarterback sacks.

Nominator comment:

“Gary was the glue that held our team together.  There were other players that were flashier, but Gary was the hub of our team.  When Gary began starting as a sophomore, I knew that he would serve as the cornerstone to build around for the two teams that would follow.  If we had his career totals, he would most likely be in the 1,000 point club.”