Young Harris College Athletics

It is undeniable—Phil Meadows, who stands at 6-foot-5, had “natural” abilities when it came to playing basketball. It was Phil’s willingness to learn and work hard at the game, though, that made him an outstanding team player and successful coach.

Phil, who graduated from Cairo High School in Illinois, came to YHC in what can be considered a stroke of luck. He had been recruited to play for the University of Georgia out of high school during a time when freshmen could not play Division I basketball. So, Phil was sent to play for Young Harris College—a move that proved to be mutually beneficial. According to Phil, YHC “saved his life—basically.”

He played during an era of Mountain Lion basketball pride. He was a contributing member to the 1961 State Champion Team during his freshman year and garnered both All-State and All-Region team awards. Going into his sophomore year, the Mountain Lions were ranked No. 1 in the country, something larger schools seemed to find very amusing. Phil recalls the surprise of other teams when they learned such talent could come from a group of “country boys.”

Following his time at YHC, Phil was recruited by his former high school coach to play basketball for Middle Tennessee State University where he graduated with a master’s degree in secondary education. He went on to play several exhibition games for the NBA’s then-St. Louis Hawks, but ultimately chose to devote his time to other passions: teaching and coaching.

He worked hard to instill the skills and values he had developed as a player to both his golf and basketball players. Phil spent 25 successful years doing this until he made the move in to the insurance business—a position that lasted more than a decade until he began a much deserved retirement.  

Today, he resides in Adairsville with YHC alumna, Jane Erwin, ’62, his wife of 53 years. They have two children, Lorie and Greg, and two grandchildren. The couple frequently visits the Enchanted Valley and enjoys participating in Homecoming and Alumni Weekend activities each year.