Edward Clemons facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Died | March 1966 Jacksonville, Florida |
| Alma mater | Morris Brown College (1929) |
| Playing career | |
| 1922–1924 | Paul Quinn |
| c. 1928 | Morris Brown |
| Position(s) | Tackle |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1929–1932 | Edward Waters |
| 1934–1948 | Lane |
| 1950–1962 | Morris Brown |
| 1963 | Jackson State |
| 1965 | Edward Waters |
| Head coaching record | |
| Bowls | 1–2 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 1 black college national (1951) 1 SIAC (1951) |
|
Edward James "Ox" Clemons (born around 1903 – died March 1966) was a very important American football coach. He led several college teams to success, helping many young athletes. Clemons is especially remembered for his time coaching the Morris Brown Wolverines, where he won a major national championship in 1951. He also coached at Edward Waters College, Lane College, and Jackson State University.
Contents
Early Life and Playing Days
Edward Clemons started his football journey as a player. He played as a tackle, which is a strong position on the offensive or defensive line in football. He first played for Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, from 1922 to 1924. His coaches there were brothers Fred T. Long and Harry Long.
In 1926, a coach named Chief Aiken from Atlanta University convinced Clemons to move to Atlanta, Georgia. Clemons eventually joined Morris Brown College. There, he played alongside another future football legend, Billy Nicks.
A Long Coaching Career
Clemons had a long and successful career as a head football coach. He coached for many years at different colleges, making a big impact on the teams and players he led.
Edward Waters Tigers
His first coaching job was at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. He coached the Edward Waters Tigers from 1929 to 1932. He returned to coach them again for a single season in 1965.
Lane Dragons
After his first time at Edward Waters, Clemons became the head coach for the Lane Dragons in Jackson, Tennessee. He coached at Lane College for a long period, from 1934 to 1948. During these years, he helped build strong teams. Some seasons were tough, especially when college sports were affected by World War II, and the team didn't play for a few years. However, he led them to impressive records, including an 8–2 season in 1946.
Morris Brown Wolverines
Clemons' most famous coaching period was with the Morris Brown Wolverines in Atlanta, Georgia. He coached them from 1950 to 1962. This was a very successful time for him and the team. In 1951, he led the Morris Brown team to an amazing 10–1 record. They won both the SIAC championship and the black college national championship that year! This was a huge achievement for the team and for Clemons. Over his time at Morris Brown, his teams had a strong overall record of 72 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties.
Jackson State Tigers
In 1963, Clemons took on a new challenge, coaching the Jackson State Tigers in Jackson, Mississippi. He coached them for one season before returning to Edward Waters.
Later Life
Edward Clemons passed away in March 1966 in Jacksonville, Florida. He is remembered as a dedicated coach who helped shape many young football players' lives and achieved great success, especially with his national championship win.
