Eddie McGirt facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 31, 1920 Camden, South Carolina |
| Died | December 21, 1999 (aged 79) |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| c. 1940 | Johnson C. Smith |
| Position(s) | Fullback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1958–1977 | Johnson C. Smith |
| Basketball | |
| 1959–1962 | Johnson C. Smith |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 118–73–3 (football) 63–32 (basketball) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football 1 CIAA (1969) 2 CIAA Southern Division (1970, 1972) |
|
Eddie C. McGirt was a famous American football and basketball coach. He was also in charge of sports at a university. He was born on January 31, 1920, and passed away on December 21, 1999.
Coach McGirt led the football team at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina for many years. He coached them from 1958 to 1977. His football teams won 118 games, lost 73, and tied 3. He also coached the basketball team at the same university from 1959 to 1962. His basketball teams won 63 games and lost 32.
Early Life and Sports
Eddie McGirt grew up in Camden, South Carolina. When he was in school at Mather Academy, he was a great athlete. He played football, basketball, and ran track.
In 1940, he went to Johnson C. Smith University. He played football there as a fullback. He was so good that he earned special honors in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). In 1943, he joined the United States Army and served his country. He even received a Purple Heart medal.
Becoming a Coach
After his time in the Army, McGirt became a football coach. He coached at Mather Academy for several years. In 1958, he returned to his old university, Johnson C. Smith. There, he became the head football coach.
Coach McGirt helped turn the Johnson C. Smith football team around. They went from struggling to being one of the best teams in the CIAA. For 20 years, his teams were always at the top of the league. He retired after two decades as the head football coach.
During his time, his teams won one CIAA championship in 1969. They also won two division titles and were runners-up twice. His total football coaching record was 118 wins and 73 losses.
Besides coaching football, he also taught many classes. He coached the university's basketball team from 1959 to 1962. His basketball teams had a great record of 63 wins and 32 losses.
Later Years and Legacy
Eddie McGirt continued to work at Johnson C. Smith University. He was the athletic director, which means he was in charge of all the sports programs. He also led the Department of Health and Physical Education. He stayed in these roles until June 30, 1985.
He continued to support Johnson C. Smith sports until he passed away on December 21, 1999.
In 1977, Coach McGirt was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame. The football field at the university is named after him, called Eddie McGirt Field. There is also a special scholarship in his name. The Eddie C. McGirt Endowed Scholarship helps student athletes who have good grades.
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