Hoover J. Wright facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 23, 1928 Hebron, Maryland |
| Died | March 7, 2003 (aged 74) Cypress, Texas |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1955–? | Paul Quinn |
| 1961–1965 | Prairie View A&M (assistant) |
| 1966–1968 | Prairie View A&M |
| 1973–1979 | Prairie View A&M |
Hoover John Wright Sr. (born July 23, 1928 – died March 7, 2003) was a famous American coach. He was known for coaching both American football and track and field teams. He helped many young athletes succeed during his long career.
Contents
Football Coaching Career
Starting His Coaching Journey
Hoover Wright began his coaching career at Shorter College in Arkansas. There, he was the head coach for football, men's and women's basketball, and track. After that, he became the athletic director and head football coach at Paul Quinn College. An athletic director is in charge of all the sports programs at a school.
Coaching at Prairie View A&M
Coach Wright worked as the head football coach at Prairie View A&M University in Texas two different times. His first time was from 1966 to 1968, and his second time was from 1973 to 1979. During his time at Prairie View A&M, his football teams had a record of 31 wins, 68 losses, and 2 ties.
Track and Field Success
Winning Championships
Hoover Wright was also very successful as a track and field coach at Prairie View A&M. He led the track programs for over 40 years! His teams won two indoor national titles and one outdoor national title from the NAIA.
In 2005, Coach Wright was honored by being added to the USTFCCCA Hall of Fame. This is a special place for the best track and field coaches. To remember his amazing work, the school now holds an annual track meet named after him.
He also served as the main referee for the NCAA National Championship track meet in 1987. A referee makes sure the rules are followed during a game or competition. In 1986, he was also put into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame because of his excellent coaching.
Overcoming Challenges
When he was 71 years old, Coach Wright faced a very difficult time. He was seriously hurt in a bus crash while traveling to a track meet. Even after this tough event, Coach Wright showed incredible strength. Later that same season, he helped his team overcome the challenges. He led them to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference indoor track championship again. This showed his amazing leadership and the team's spirit.
Education and Later Life
Hoover Wright was a dedicated student too. He earned his first college degree from Maryland State College in 1948. This school is now called the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He then went on to get a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University. He also continued his studies at the University of Iowa and the University of North Texas.
Hoover Wright passed away on March 7, 2003, at his home in Cypress, Texas. He left behind a legacy of inspiring athletes and achieving great success in coaching.
