Jefferson’s is pleased to announce that Rico Jackson and James Ball have been named, respectively, Oxford and Jacksonville Coaches of the Year. Jackson coaches football at Anniston High School, and has been coaching for 21 years. Ball coaches football, basketball, and baseball for the Pleasant Valley High School Raiders, and has been coaching for 10 years.
Coach Jackson and Coach Ball were chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by athletes and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Coach’s Day on Oct. 6, serves to recognize a few of the many deserving coaches in the Oxford area. Jackson and Ball were chosen for serving not just as coaches to their players, but role models, father figures, and mentors.
“Coach Jackson’s nominators spoke of his passion for the sport and his readiness to help his players with anything they require on or off the field,” said Jefferson’s President Brandon Graham. “Coach Ball’s nominators spoke of his patient, compassionate, and affirming coaching that lets every child know they are cared for. Both are coaches that will fight for their kids’ future, and fill the gaps in any way their athletes need. We’re honored to recognize them for their dedication.”
Jackson and Ball will each receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and their achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Coach of the Year” plaque that will be displayed in their respective Jefferson’s.
Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program, with Wendy McKibbin (Oxford High) and Tommy Miller (Jacksonville Christian Academy) selected as the first-ever Oxford and Jacksonville Coaches of the Year.Â
The Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award was open to coaches of any sport working with athletes of any age. Coaches could be nominated by athletes, parents and guardians of athletes, school officials, or other community members.Â