HAMMOND - Southeastern will dedicate on Thursday (April 19) the section of Western Avenue that runs through Friendship Circle in recognition of one of its athletic legends, Edward L. “Ned” McGehee III.

The dedication event, which is open to the public and will include the unveiling of the Ned McGehee Drive sign, will take place at 2 p.m. in Friendship Circle. Participants in the program include Southeastern President John L. Crain, Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster, Professor Emeritus of History C. Howard Nichols, and McGehee's daughter, Gurley McGehee Maurin of Hammond. A reception will follow.
    
A native of Hammond and nephew of Dr. Lucius McGehee, one of Southeastern's founding fathers, Ned McGehee held numerous positions in Southeastern's athletic program, including his initial position as a trainer, head coach of one of the Lions most successful football teams, and serving as athletic director for 20 years.

Named head football coach in 1946, he led the undfeated 9-0 Lions to a win in the Burley Bowl. In his five years as head coach, he amassed a record of 25-20-3. From 1951 to 1971, he served as athletic director, continuing to coach teams in tennis and golf.

During his tenure at Southeastern, McGehee coached all the major sports: football, baseball, basketball, track, tennis and golf. In addition, he taught courses in various courses and first aid.
    
He was an active member of the community, forming Hammond's first teams in Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball. He formed the area's first Boy Scout troop and volunteered for the American Red Cross for more than 55 years, teaching swimming, water safety, CPR and first aid. A pilot with his own airplane, he was one of the founders of the area's Civil Air Patrol.