Modie Risher

Modie Risher

• Bats unknown, Throws unknown
• Height , Weight lb.
• School Allen University

Biographical Information

Modie Risher is recognized as a diverse educator and coach who wore many hats during his career at Burke High, a career that began in 1950. Risher coached boy's football, baseball and basketball, as well as girl's sports, and sponsored the cheerleading squad. He taught physical education, creative dance and gymnastics for 33 years, and served as the school's athletic director. A winning coach, Risher's most memorable victory was the state football championship in 1955, defeating Sterling High School. Sterling's quarterback was Jesse Jackson, now nationally known rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson. A three-sports athlete himself, Risher played for Burke High while he was a student and continued to play at Allen University in Columbia. He played professional baseball for the Jacksonville Eagles in the Old Negro Baseball League, competing against legendary players such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Jackie Robinson in the late 1940s and early 1950s exhibition games. Risher has a list of other accomplishments, including serving as the first black sports coordinator of Charleston's recreation department. Risher lost his sight but continued teaching and coaching at the high school whose 1,500-seat gymnasium bears his name.