For former South Habersham quarterback Keith York, being inducted into the Habersham Central Ring of Honor brought back memories more than five decades in the making.
York, now 73, was among the members of the 2026 Ring of Honor class recognized during ceremonies earlier this month honoring some of Habersham County’s most accomplished football figures.
“When Ricky Kimsey called me and informed me, I was delighted,” York said. “I mean, I’m 73 years old. I was pretty old to go into the ring, but yeah, I was happy as hell.”
York played quarterback at South Habersham High School wearing jersey No. 11 under legendary coaches Gene Alexander and Sammy Cunningham.
Front row left to right: Eve Waldrop, Cathy McCleskey, Patricia Dalton, Janice Tilson and Betty Short. Back row left to right: Keith York, John Rudeseal, Andy Dowdy, and Kent Hinson. (Photo by Habersham History Archives)
Alexander coached York during his junior season before tragically dying in a boating accident prior to York’s senior year.
When asked what moment stood out most from his football career, York immediately returned to the beginning of his time as starting quarterback.
“I guess the first time I walked on the field as the starting quarterback,” York said. “That was a great moment for me.”
York said he entered his junior season as the backup quarterback behind Ricky Kimsey before Coach Alexander made a pivotal decision early in the season.
“About two series into the first game, the coach said, ‘Get in there,’” York recalled.
According to both York and Kimsey, Alexander approached Kimsey about moving from quarterback to left halfback to allow York to take over the offense. Kimsey agreed without hesitation.
“My understanding is Coach Alexander had asked Ricky if that was okay, and Ricky said, ‘Sure, whatever makes the team better,’” York said. “That was pretty — I guess that’s the moment you dream of when you want to be the starting quarterback.”
Kimsey, now chairman of the Ring of Honor committee and one of the founders of the organization, later reflected on that season during his own interview with Habersham News.
“He did a fabulous season,” Kimsey said of York. “He was a great quarterback. He passed the ball beautifully. He was very accurate, and he hit the ground running. He did a fantastic job. We went 11-2 that year.”
York’s impact at South Habersham extended beyond the football field. A member of the Class of 1970, he served as senior class president and was voted the team’s most valuable player during his senior year.
Kimsey said York’s induction also brought together many former South Habersham teammates for a reunion-like atmosphere during the ceremony.
“Keith York invited as many of the South Habersham Rebel teammates that he could get in touch with, and a good number of them showed up,” Kimsey said.
For York, the evening itself proved emotional.
“No, it was terribly emotional,” York said. “I couldn’t hardly hold it together a couple of times.”
York became emotional remembering former teammates and close friends, including his late center David Porter.
“He was a great friend of mine,” York said. “I know his grandson. His grandson is best friends with my grandson.”
York was introduced during the ceremony by Andy Dowdy, while Habersham Central Athletic Director David Foster presented him with his Ring of Honor award.
The Habersham Central Ring of Honor was founded in 1999 by Ricky Kimsey and Mike Barden as a way to recognize football players and contributors from both North and South Habersham traditions prior to school consolidation.
Now in its 27th year, the Ring of Honor continues celebrating the athletes, coaches and community members who helped shape football history in Habersham County.
