Special to the WJH
If you were involved as an athlete, fan, or parent in the Ware County recreation program during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the name Bill Cobb was one you knew well.
A fantastic all-around athlete in football, basketball and baseball, Cobb represented the Ware County Recreation Department in numerous all-star games during his early playing years. His recreation teams enjoyed repeated success, including district championships, state tournament appearances, and recognition for Cobb as an all-state selection.
As he moved into middle school and high school athletics, Cobb chose to focus on the two sports that would become his true passions — basketball and baseball.
During the 1976-77 season, Cobb helped lead his junior high basketball team to the Georgia Junior High School Association state championship while serving as team captain and leading scorer. The following season he was named Most Valuable Player of the Waycross High Bulldogs junior varsity basketball team.
Known as a skilled ball handler, shooter and an outstanding defensive player, Cobb became a key contributor to the Waycross High Bulldogs’ basketball program. A three-year letterman, he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 1980 subregion championship and earned selection to the All-Okefenokee Area Big 15 team.
Cobb also excelled on the baseball diamond. A two-year letterman with the Bulldogs’ baseball team, he helped lead the program to the 1980 sub-region championship and delivered the winning RBI that secured the title.
He finished his high school career the same way he had so many times during his childhood — as a winner.
Cobb continued his athletic career at Savannah State College, where he competed in both basketball and baseball in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. During his time there, his team captured a conference championship, and Cobb earned the Defensive Award for his outstanding play. His talent also led to a free agent opportunity with the Evansville Thunder of the Continental Basketball Association. Even after his college career ended, Cobb remained deeply involved in athletics. He continued playing in men’s leagues throughout Ware County, helping lead teams to multiple recreation league championships. Cobb also devoted himself to developing young athletes. While working at Waycross Middle School, he served as an assistant coach for eighth-grade football and track.
Former Waycross Middle School principal Dr. Robert Bussey once wrote, “Bill was helping other young athletes learn and enjoy the sports he loved, as well as stressing academic excellence.”
He later served on the coaching staff for Ware County High School basketball during the 1994-95 region championship season and helped guide teams in the Ware County Drug Awareness Council’s Mid-Nite Basketball League to both junior and senior league championships.
Since joining the Georgia High School Officials Association in 1981, Cobb has also provided decades of respected officiating in basketball, football, softball and baseball.
He credits Coach Russell Ellington of Savannah State College as a major influence in his life. Ellington’s motto, “Academics over Athletics,” inspired Cobb to pursue and complete his college degree.
Later in his career, Cobb continued mentoring young athletes while serving as Athletic Director for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Throughout the decades, Cobb’s connection to athletics has taken many forms. From recreation league standout to high school champion, from college athlete to coach, official and mentor,
