Late A.L. Johnson standout honored by camp
Published 12:00 am Monday, May 26, 2008
THOMASTON &8212;Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006 was a surreal day. Family, friends, coaches and teammates from A.L. Johnson and Alabama State gathered to honor the memory of Roderic Cade as he was laid to rest in his hometown of Thomaston.
Cade, who soared in the secondary at A.L. Johnson, the same school his father represented on the gridiron, before going on to become a four-year starter and standout at Alabama State from 1999 to 2002, was fatally shot in Uniontown while in town to attend his aunt&8217;s funeral.
Roderic&8217;s football career included three seasons in which he lead the Hornets in tackles and a 2001 campaign that saw him earn the team&8217;s Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Bernard also believes the depth of Roderic&8217;s heart was among his greatest attributes, leading him to a stellar career at ASU and endearing him to countless individuals whose lives he sought to better.
Following the loss of their son&8217;s life, Bernard and Dorothy sought a way to honor their son&8217;s legacy.
Last year&8217;s camp was pulled off with the help of the Montgomery based U.S. Foods, Roderic&8217;s former employer. The company donated hamburgers, hot dogs and wings to feed participants. The Cades provided refreshments and tee shirts to the players.
The second installment of the camp, open to all students regardless of school affiliation, will be this Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. The cost is $10 per participant with all proceeds going to A.L. Johnson athletics.