By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson & Joseph Redmond
In the first edition, Coach Joe Redmond and I strolled down Memory Lane as we chronicled the career of the great “Big John Merritt of Jackson State and Tennessee State. This edition focuses on one of the most iconic coaches in HBCU and American history, Alonzo “Jake” Gaither , legendary coach of the Florida A&M University Rattlers. The Segway from Coach Merritt to Coach Gaither was seamless because of the two consecutive Orange Blossom Classic contests between Jackson State, coached by John Merritt, and Florida A&M, coached by Jake Gaither. An invitation to play FAMU in the OBC was a big deal, a gratifying accomplishment which meant that the opponent had enjoyed a successful, championship season, meriting consideration to compete against the Rattlers. In 1961 the Rattlers, undefeated in the regular season with a 10-0 record, faced a talented 9-2 JSU team determined to hand the Rattlers their first loss of the season. FAMU prevailed in that titanic battle 14-8. The HBCU titans faced off again in a rematch of the ‘61 game in 1962 with JSU winning that game 22-8. The great Willie Richardson of the Super Bowl champions Baltimore Colts was an All American receiver for the Tigers. Additionally, collaborator Joe Redmond was the head coach at Knoxville College, Coach Gaither’s alma mater. Coach Redmond also served as offensive coordinator at FAMU under Ken Riley.
While at FAMU Coach Redmond recalls the final OBC game featuring Alcorn and Florida A&M In the early 90s, dedicated in honor of Coach Gaither’s distinguished career, a propitious victory for the Rattlers. He also recalls a television documentary produced about Coach Gaither’s life and career, and an assistant coach, Allen Bogan, completing his dissertation on Coach Gaither and his career. He fondly remembers Coach Gaither’s home designed in such a way that a tree actually grew from inside, an obvious focal point of conversation. Not only was he a great motivator, he revolutionized offensive football by inventing the Split-T though in some circles Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd is given credit for doing so. An offensive genius and master salesman, football clinics at FAMU attracted many of the great coaches: Paul “Bear” Bryant, Woodie Hayes, Daryl Royal, Lou Holtz and Paul Brown. He wielded widespread influence nationally. According to Coach Redmond, the Rattlers had two practice fields, one sitting somewhat higher (offense) than the other. Coach Gaither spotted this lithe, elusive player on defense and immediately demanded that he report to the higher field. The player was Willie Gallimore, who preceded Gayle Sayers as running back with the Chicago Bears before his tragic death in a car accident. Coach had a snack for talent. More importantly, Coach Gaither and wife Sadie believed in education and wanted to ensure that his players received the tools needed to succeed on and off the field as she was often seen tutoring a player under the shade of a tree. They – his boys – may have entered FAMU a little rough around the edges, but they left as gentleman and scholars. Coach Gaither received a master’s degree from Ohio State, making him a perfect role model for young Black men. He was also a Christian and student of the Bible.
The stories about Blood, Sweat and Tears, alluding to team depth, were no myth, and players took great pride in being associated with the concept, from which serious competition evolved. He once described one of his great running backs as being able to stop on a dime and give the erstwhile tackler nine cents in change. Coach Redmond finally remembers this palpable, heartfelt story about the adulation and respect the FAMU followers had for Coach Gaither. After a tough road loss to South Florida, Rattler fans were there to greet them as they returned to campus. They gave Coach Gaither and the team a standing ovation, then said to Coach Gaither – we love you. His visceral reaction caused him to say to team: Somebody’s going to pay. Needless to say, the team dominated opponents the rest of the way.
Coach Alonzo “Jake“ Gaither was born in Dayton, Tennessee on April 11, 1903 and died on February 18, 1994 at the age of 90. From 1945 to 1969 he served Florida A&M University as its head football coach, compiling a won- loss record of 204-36-4. He finished his career with one of the highest winning percentages in history- .844. His bowl record hovered around .500, overtly deceiving because the Orange Blossom Classic pitted the very best opponents against the staunch Rattlers year end out. He won the AP National Championship in 1962, 8 National Black College Championships, 20 SIAC Championship and 3 SIAC Division A championships.
He was also named the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1969, honored with the Walter Camp Man of the Year Award in 1974 and the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award in 1975. He was an outstanding recruiter and motivator, having coached 36 All Americans and 42 NFL. As many of his players graduated becoming teachers and coaches themselves, the recruiting pipeline only expanded as they willingly expressed their gratitude for all he meant to them. He famously said that he wanted his players to agile, mobile and hostile. One memorable highlight was defeating the University of Tampa 38-34 in the first contest between a PWI and HBCU. He left a legacy of excellence that live on in the annals of American sports and education.
Next week we will chronicle the great Eddie Robinson of Grambling fame.
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