Jerry Goodmon

Offense/Defense (1961-62)

Jerry Goodmon was born the fifth of ten children and grew up in Alton, Illinois.  He graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1961, where he participated in football, basketball and track.  His love for football led him to Coffeyville Community College.

Jerry came to CCC in 1961 and played football for two years under the leadership of Coach Dean Pryor the first year (playing defense) and Coach Bill Mills the second year (playing offense).  The 1961 and 1962 team record was 17-4.  Six former teammates and three of Jerry’s coaches have already been inducted into the Lettermen’s Hall of Fame.

After graduating in 1963 with an Associate of Arts Degree, Jerry transferred to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and continued his football career.  In 1963, the team was 11-0, and Northeastern State played Slippery Rock College in the All Sports Bowl in Oklahoma City, winning 54-12.  Jerry ran for four touchdowns, scored 24 points, and had the longest touchdown run in the history of the All Sports Bowl at 89 yards.  He was named the Most Outstanding Back, and he established three bowl records.  During the 1964 season, Northeastern State’s record was 9-1.  Jerry averaged 5.7 yards per carry and was selected to be on the All-Conference Team.  He graduated from Northeastern State in 1965, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  He went on to earn a master’s degree from Wichita State University and his Ph.D. from Kansas State University.  Jerry was inducted into the Northeastern State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Jerry retired from the Wichita Public School System in 2002 after serving thirty-eight years in the field of education - nine years as a teacher/coach, 15 years as assistant principal and 14 years as head principal.  He started several programs that enhanced the educational opportunity and growth for at-risk/disadvantaged students and received several awards at the local and state level for his involvement in making life better for the students he served.  Throughout his career, Jerry has received numerous honors including Outstanding Professional Achievement and Superior Leadership Award for Community Service, the Wichita Rainbow Coalition, The Nation Alliance of Black School Educator, a nominee for Outstanding Educator for the State of Kansas, Outstanding Administrator by Kansas Alliance of Black School Educators, and the “Good Apple Award” by the Wichita Board of Education.

Jerry is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and serves as a Trustee.  He enjoys the game of golf, traveling and spending time with friends and family.  He and his wife Carolyn have been married 45 years.  They have two sons and one granddaughter.

“Coffeyville was a unique experience, and I am forever grateful to the Coffeyville community for its guidance, help and support in life’s journey.”