Hermitage Springs basketball star, another member of the first Wildcat team to advance to region play in 27 years. Named to all-district and all-conference teams (and honorable mention all-Midstate and all-state), and averaged over 24 points per game in the 1977-78 season. Named district tourney MVP as a senior, scoring 32 points against Upperman to help team to region berth.

“This is a wonderful surprise for me,” Birdwell said.  “I never thought anything like this would happen.  Thank you.”