Life at Murray was like an escape for most of the West Augustine students because of hardships faced outside of school due to the civil rights movement. Most of the students loved the experience under the administration of Mr. Murray. The Bulldogs had the top football and basketball team, and also a top marching band in the state, even winning a basketball state championship back in 1964 after being runner-up in the year prior. During that time the civil rights movement was also brewing out throughout St. Augustine, especially when Martin Luther King Jr. paid his famous visit to St. Augustine. Many alumni were also able to experience his ideals and gained many valuable life lessons.