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Jay High Gym Dedicated As ‘John Clarence Smith Gymnasium’ In Honor Of Legendary Coach
January 28, 2022
The Jay High School gym was renamed the “John Clarence Smith Gymnasium” during a Thursday night ceremony.
Smith, now 96-years old, is a legendary coach and an iconic figure in the community.
He coached the Jay Royals for 36 seasons, from 1951 to 1989, with 613 career wins.
Smith graduated from Jay High School as salutatorian in 1944. The World War II veteran was an educator in Santa Rosa County for 38 years.
In 1991, he was inducted as a charter member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
Players from four decades were on hand for the celebration.
Photos: The John Clarence Smith Gymnasium dedication ceremony Thursday night. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
6 Responses to “Jay High Gym Dedicated As ‘John Clarence Smith Gymnasium’ In Honor Of Legendary Coach”
Along with so many other former players, I was thrilled to be on the court last week for this long-overdue honor to be bestowed on Coach Smith. Likewise, the few moments to speak with this man that meant so much in the formulation of not just basketball players, but men. As we spoke, I told him, “Coach Smith, I will likely never be a hall of famer, but I certainly was coached by one, in every respect.” Coach, you are loved, appreciated, admired, and revered, and always will be.
Congratulatio Coach. A fine man This honor is long overdue.
When I was a senior at Flomaton, ‘66-’67, we played Jay and Coach Smith in basketball three times. The first time at Jay, they blew us out by 21 points, 79-58. The second time we met in the ERC tournament held at Century and a desperation shot from John Cody at the baseline corner as time expired sailed thru the net and they beat us by one, 63-62. The final time we met was at our gym. John Cody, again, launched a half-court desperation shot as the clock hit zero and the horn blew while it was in the air. Naturally, it was nothing but net and we lost by one point again with the same final score, 63-62. My senior year, they beat us in all sports, football, basketball and baseball. We couldn’t beat Jay if our life depended on it. Coach Smith was and still is the premier basketball coach of our area and of our era.
Congratulation Mr. Smith. My friend and neighbor for more years that I can remember. Well deserved honor.
Congratulations, I was honored to be there to see this well deserved tribute!
Well Deserved Coach Smith