Floyd Starghill is the fourth of seven children born to David and Lena Starghill. He is a 1971 student-athlete graduate of Kashmere High. Floyd’s athletic vision began to focus at an early age, playing sandlot games in his neighborhood. Starghill attended McDade Elementary School which sits adjacent to Kashmere Gardens Jr Sr High School football field; there he got a full version of his football forecast as he watched the high school team practice. He attributes much of his athletic foundation to Mr. Manning his 5th grade teacher at McDade who helped with his development in team sports. It was furthermore enhanced under the tutorship of Coach Webster Williams during his junior high days. Entering Kashmere in the 7th grade surprisingly he chose to play only basketball and the following year decided to go out for the football team. Starghill gives a lot of credit for his basketball success to his backcourt mate Carey Booker. He stated that Carey’s basketball knowledge and his scoring ability opened things up for him as most teams’ game plans were to stop Booker.
In 1969 he entered Kashmere High as a two-sport blue-chipper with the expectation to play either sport on the next level. After playing on the junior varsity team as a sophomore, the following year he earned a starting position on the varsity football team. The Rams completed their regular season undefeated, untied, as well as winning the city championship. The 12-1 Kashmere record still stands today as the most wins in Kashmere history. Unfortunately, three games into the season he sustained a football career-ending knee injury as he was tackled after intercepting a pass against Phillis Wheatley. Floyd’s knee cap was shattered therefore having to make the frustrating decision to retire from football. He was able to make the varsity basketball team that year, even with the lingering knee injury. Prepping under the legendary Basketball Coach Weldon Drew who instilled confidence in Floyd while mentoring him through the injury. The 1970 team was crowned 17-4A district champs.
In his senior season, the team would finish second place in the district. Starghill went through an up-and-down senior season as the injury had taken its toll and the once sure bet collegiate student-athlete was now negated to junior college offers only. Floyd decided to turn down JUCO offers and attend Houston Community College where he obtained a certification degree in machinery. He entered the workforce and worked as a machinery tech retiring after 42 years of service. His statement for today’s youth is always having a second option. “What Will You Do When There Is No More Air In The Ball”
