The job means time away from family and friends, long bus rides, and long days on the job. It is bonding with players and providing father-figure leadership. The reward is knowing you helped student-athletes succeed.
High school coaches sacrifice so much when it comes coaching athletes.
Legendary Betsy Layne head coach Junior Newsome did it to perfection over his 35 years on the bench.
“I am a true believer that hard work and dedication pays off,” Newsome said. “I gave 35 years to Betsy Layne High School serving as a teacher, athletic director, head basketball coach and baseball coach to say the least.”
Betsy Layne now has a new gymnasium located on campus at Stanville. Newsome spent his years coaching in the historic D.W. Howard Fieldhouse at Betsy Layne.
It was not long after the gymnasium opened he was honored by having it named in his honor. Recently his name was added to the outside wall, welcoming basketball fans to campus.
“I was grateful to a lot of people for making it happen,” he said. “Seeing my name on the building and gymnasium is special. I’m proud.”
His Bobcats had success over the years. Newsome said he was blessed with great coaches and players around him.
“I wouldn’t change a single thing in my life,” he said. “I taught our players to be good people and in return taught me how to be a better human being.”