Mandarin High School coach J. D. Hall mourned
Mandarin High football coach J. D. Hall died suddenly Saturday night of an apparent heart attack. He was only 35 years old. Hall had joined the Mustang program in 2004. Within a short time, he proved he would lead the team to a new level of competition, taking the Mustangs to a pair of playoff appearances and a District Championship.
The Mandarin High Football Web site says Hall has seen 11 (7 in 2006)of his Mustangs earn Scholarships. The Web site also says, “Hall implemented a character building program when arriving…The program now includes a scout program as well as the Mandarin ‘Total Package’ policy manual. Hall’s program prepares his players for the next level at any college Division.”
The Florida Times Union says Hall spoke at a state football coaching clinic in Daytona Beach early Saturday. The coach collapsed after he had visited the home of a Mustangs player in Jacksonville. Paramedics couldn’t revive him.
Coach Hall has been praised by parents and educators for instilling qualities like respect, honesty, integrity and character in his players. He will be missed by his team and his colleagues as well as those of us in the greater community.
On the Mandarin Football site, Coach Hall has a letter to parents. A brief statement sums up the reason he was respected by so many:
“The educational purpose of high school athletics programs must be about more than teaching a young person to throw a perfect spiral or scoring touchdowns or winning football games. Our No. 1 goal should be developing good people for our country–good citizens who will contribute to the quality of life in America and the world. Through character training, we will be better able to accomplish this mission.”
The Times Union talked to one of Hall’s players, tight end Sean Stackhouse. The paper says Stackhouse is considered one of America’s top tight end prospects. Stackhouse said, “Us seniors and coach Hall came into the program together,” said Stackhouse. “This was going to be our best year. I love that man. He went way too soon. What he’s done for me and our family is more than some coaches will do in five lifetimes.”
(text by Kay B. Day; photo from Mandarin High School faculty page)
Word Press, Technorati, Tags, High School Football, Jacksonville FL, Mandarin Mustangs, Coach dies suddenly
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