John coached for 27 years at Shelby High School from 1965 to 1992. Over those years, his teams qualified for the state playoffs 8 times and his 1981 team won the Class D1 State Championship. His sons Patrick, Michael, and son-in-law Mike Davis all played for him during that span and his career record totaled 188 wins, 62 losses, and 2 ties. In 1978, he was selected as the East Head Coach for the very first Eight Man All-Star Game (an honor reserved for coaches of the highest regard at the time). As of 2017, his East team still held the All-Star record for most points scored in a game (58). He was known by both players and peers as a great teacher on and off the field and the word “Hustle” was the foundation for success on which all of his teams were built. The NEMFCA is honored to welcome him into the Eight Man Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017.