In his 39 years on this Earth, Cornelius Ingram’s life has taken more twists and turns than some people double his age.
And that’s not even taking into account what’s transpired in the last few weeks.
It began when he experienced chest pain and dehydration three weeks ago in Hawthorne’s game vs. Newberry — a health scared he calls a “wake-up call.”
The craziness concluded Tuesday when the City of Hawthorne renamed Southeast 211 th Street (the street where Hawthorne’s football stadium sits) to Cornelius Ingram Drive.
For most people, an honor such as a street renaming doesn’t occur until after the person has died.
“A close friend of mine, Gene Herring whose father is a Pastor, he gave me a hug and mentioned how great it was for me to receive my flowers while I’m still living,” Ingram said. “To do it in my 30s with family and friends there, it was a very proud moment.”
Hawthorne Mayor Jacquelyn Randall approached Ingram after his Hornets girls’ basketball team won their second straight state championship.