The man, the trophy, and a community’s competitive legacy…former Jackson Center coach Jerry Harmon hoists the 1985 OHSAA Class A championship trophy won by the Tigers. (Black and White Photos Provided)
The man that delivered Jackson Center its only state tournament title in boys basketball was fondly celebrated Sunday by former players, friends, and community members who characterized it as not just a celebration of life…but a celebration of life as a result of Jerry Harmon.
Jackson Center, OH – “How does one measure 41 years?” someone asked Sunday during a celebration of life gathering in Jackson Center for former Tiger boys basketball coach Jerry Harmon. Harmon died suddenly on June 25th, at his home in Jackson Center. He was 79.
A group of nearly one hundred former players, friends, family, and well-wishers gathered at the home of Dr. Kreg Huffer, outside Jackson Center, to remember, smile, and in the words of one, “cherish the time I had with him as a coach and mentor.”
The Allenbaugh Agency, of Jackson Center, Ohio, is a proud supporter of Shelby County League sports on Press Pros.
Publisher Sonny Fulks writes OHSAA and Ohio State sports for Press Pros Magazine.com.
Harmon coached at Jackson Center from 1977 through 1989, amassing more than 200 wins, the most notable being the 1985 63-61 win over Graysville Skyvue in Class A championship game at St. John Arena – a game marked by typical Harmon and Jackson Center tenacity. A light-scoring guard named Jeff Teeters scored the winning bucket in that game…his only points in that game!
But Sunday Harmon was remembered by his former players and friends for much more than his command of the game of basketball.
“He came along at a time in my life when I needed what he had to give,” smiled Huffer, remembering the tough early days of basketball under Harmon. “He was an influence in my life. He brought discipline and hard work to Jackson Center. I learned from him.”
And, he came to Jackson Center at a time when wins in basketball were scarce.
“I don’t think we won a game that first year,” added Huffer. “But Jerry just kept working with us. Those were some tough days, but he recognized some talent here and he had a great group of parents in the community that supported him. He turned things around.”
“He always loved his players,” said his widow, Jean, during her brief remarks. “And he made sure that they learned the correct life priorities – faith in God, family, education, and then basketball.
Harmon also spent time as a school administrator, in both Jackson Center and Sidney schools. But his heart, one put it Sunday, was always in Jackson Center.
That one shining moment…Jackson Center’s Jeff Teeters celebrates the winning bucket in the 1985 title win. “I’ve carried that photo in my wallet since April, 1985,” he says.
“He was tough, but he had a sense of humor,” said former player Jay Regula. “He always teased me for being left off an opponent’s scouting report. He never let me live that down.”
“I apologized to him for a mistake I made in a game one time,” remembered Bruce Teeters, the older brother of Jeff.
“I don’t care about apologies,” answered Harmon. “All I want to hear from you is squeaking shoes and gasping for breath Monday after practice.”
“He was respected, and people trusted him,” said retired Shelby County sheriff, and former player, John Lenhart.
“I remember when he won the game that sent them to the state tournament,” said wife Jean. “All he said was…well, I guess we might as well go over there (Columbus) and win it. And they did.”
A man of not so many words about himself, the one time I remember talking with Harmon I asked him about what he remembered most about his 1985 team, 35 years after winning that lone state title.
“Well, they were a good bunch of kids,” he said with a smile. “And they enjoyed winning. I think it sustained them in what they went on to become in life.”
Jerry Harmon’s players…gathered Sunday for a celebration of time spent with their beloved coach. “He always loved his players,” said his wife, Jean. (Press Pros Feature Photo)
A reminder to this day and those who believe that participation is enough – that winning means different things to different people.
Jerry Harmon believed differently. If you’re going over there, you might as well win.
It lasts!
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