Alumni Post Details

We are pleased to announce the next inductee to the Campbell Memorial High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Deland McCullough - Class 1991

Coach, teacher, mentor, confidante, athlete, role model, friend---all titles that embody the next CMHSAA inductee, 1991 CMHS graduate, Deland McCullough. Deland epitomizes every attribute of a leader—one who leads not by words, but example.

Surely, his immense athletic prowess is not in question and his entrance into the Campbell Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame was a given. There are not many Red Devil athletes who have achieved the truly remarkable accomplishments that dominant Deland McCullough’s resume. From leading the Red Devils to many victories on the John Knapick field, playing in the college and NFL arenas to coaching high school and the highest levels of college football. An author with an upcoming book, Deland also garnered a Super Bowl Championship trophy as a coach and an Emmy Award for his work on an ESPN special relating the extraordinary details of his life.
Obviously, Deland has made proven Campbell Memorial High School produces some of the best athletes in the nation.

Now, the association wishes to demonstrate his worthiness as a CMHSAA Hall of Fame inductee.

Through no fault of his own, Deland( adopted as a child) grew up learning to adapt and persevere in what could be considered very arduous circumstances. While many young men would have adopted that negativity as their way of life, Deland used the negativity as a blueprint for what he DIDN’T want for his future. He actively sought guidance from wonderful mentors- his brother, Damon (also an exemplary role model), his teachers and his coaches. Perhaps, his most influential mentor was his college coach, Sherman Smith, a man who truly embraced Deland. In the coming years, it was discovered that Sherman Smith, was, indeed, Deland’s biological father. These two men were bound by blood; but, their bond of love and respect is the most important gift they have ever been given. Long before finding his biological father, Deland had assisted countless athletes and students as they sought to lead successful lives. In addition to his vast coaching career, he served as a principal, dean of students, athletic director and mentor to students across the United States. He often would come back to Campbell to observe the players at practice. Many of them had no idea who he was; but, at the end of the day, he would speak to the team and give his phone number to the kids who solicited his advice. He also has sponsored an annual $5,000 student- athlete award to a CMHS graduating senior and generously contributed to our athletic programs

Ben Bernanke states: “If your uniform isn’t dirty, you haven’t been in the game”. Deland McCullough’s uniform is packed with dirt! He is a warrior who has attained victory on the athletic fields and in the game of life. He has represented our Campbell community well in every arena and, we are truly honored to induct Deland McCullough into the CMHSAA Hall of Fame.