Phil Jones is a true hero
Phil Jones is a name associated with excellence. His success as the Shorter football coach is not to be measured by wins and losses, but by lives changed.
His influence reached far beyond the lovely Shorter campus.
He was a prime mover in football across the state and nation. Numerous schools emulated his example in starting the program at Shorter and did the same.
I had the pleasure of observing and working closely with him. I found him to be a man of unquestionable character and boundless energy. He was more than a coach. He wore well the hats of a motivator, mentor, counselor, disciplinarian, exemplar, father figure, spiritual template and adviser.
I saw him turn rocks into diamonds as he guided young lives in correcting their self-destructive conduct to become productive citizens. He enabled numerous students that otherwise might well have become vagrants to become educated men of character. Many of his athletes so admired him they, too, have become coaches. We have been on our knees together a number of times praying for given needs. He ministered to athletes’ spiritual, psychological and physical needs.
In observing him in starting the Shorter football program, I saw an example of divine creation. In creating the universe God made something from nothing. Coach Jones did the same at Shorter. When we first sat and talked about beginning the program, I marveled at his commitment to the vision. Harold Newman was president of Shorter then, and the two of them bonded and shared a mutual ambition.
Bill Peterson, a highly successful businessman and man of unimpeachable character, joined him by volunteering to be an assistant coach, and together they locked wills and achieved remarkable success.
The trio of Newman, Jones, and Peterson built the program into a nationally renowned and highly respected one. They brought two NAIA National Championships to Rome, helping build the image of the city and grow the economy. Coach Jones’ teams played in the Georgia Dome and the enormous Texas Stadium.
The football program served as a catalyst for all athletic teams to improve. Their records during the era mark a zenith in athletics at Shorter. Many other excellent coaches guided the different sports. Conference and National Championships were not uncommon.
They were vital contributors in helping Shorter enjoy the most impressive growth in the school’s history. Their theme was “Get Shorter off the Hill,” meaning let’s get more involved in the total community, and they did. He was a Roman.
At the same time the triad was influential in enabling the development of a vital spiritual awakening on campus. An ambience of faith prevailed. Optimism abounded. Chapel attendance swelled into overflow areas.
Coach Jones’ indefatigable gracious wife Janie was an indispensable part of all he did. As a selfless companion, her deep faith and inspiring personality influenced him beyond measure. Her shared wisdom is not to be denied. They two are one.
Appropriately there is a reception honoring Coach Jones Saturday at the Civic Center on Jackson Hill starting at noon. Come by and visit with this icon.
We are capable of enjoying our leisure in direct proportion to the extent we have earned it. In that light, Coach Jones, you and Janie have reason to enjoy your retirement. As you have blessed many, may you be blessed. You played it to an audience of One and you played it well.