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Letter from UF Gator Walk Assoc. 2013
Ron Book
Wed, July 11, 2012 5:54:22 PM
Dear Mr. Dooley:
Your column of Sunday, July 8th, naming the 25 best Gator coaches, a Who’s Who list, has circulated amongst many former University of Florida, Track and Field athletes. I read an e-mail that Frank Saier sent to you on Monday and I wanted to join with my own commentary. In case you missed Frank’s email, I have attached it.
I ran track in the University of Florida in the early 1970’s. I wasn’t great, set no records, set no standards, but I was a good student athlete and an OK runner who became a Carnes disciple. My relationship with Jimmy Carnes grew, even greater and stronger after I left the University of Florida. I went on to work for Governor Bob Graham as Chief Legislative and Cabinet Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff, and, at Governor’s Graham’s request, I drafted Jimmy Carnes to be the Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Jimmy Carnes served in that capacity for eight years under Bob Graham, served in that capacity under Governor Martinez, similarly under former Governor Lawton Chiles and had a role under Governor Bush. I learned as much from Jimmy Carnes as I learned from my own father and I loved my father dearly. Jimmy Carnes led the University of Florida into greatness. While he may not have won a National Championship, without Jimmy Carnes, the University of Florida Track and Field Program, would not be what it is today. He had many All-Americans. Jimmy Carnes was recognized by the United States Olympic Committee when they selected him as the Head Coach for the US Track and Field Team that was to go to Russia for the summer games in 1980. It was his career at the University of Florida that allowed such selection. That was the time that President Carter vetoed our participation in the Olympic games for political reasons. Unfortunately, Jimmy Carnes did not receive another chance to serve as the US Olympic Coach but he went on to lead America’s Track and Field movement like no other in this country. His records at the University of Florida for dual meet wins and his record in helping create the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee, as well as his creation of the Florida Sunshine State Games and other things, that I helped him with over his career, are legendary.
Ask some of the great track and field athletes of America, people like Frank Shorter, Marty Liquori, Dwight Stones and others, who the greatest track and field coach has ever been out of the University of Florida, and they would all say Jimmy Carnes. I bet if you ask current coach Mouse Holloway, he would say the same thing. I will be in Gainesville for the dedication of Jimmy Carnes Boulevard where hundreds will be there when we unveil the signs for the new road, which will be the street running in front of the track stadium. The legislation so designating the road is one of my proudest legislative lobbying achievements and one many will see, for decades to come, recognizing Coach Jimmy Carnes’ greatness. Simply an omission on your part, but one that should not go without notice or comment.
Sincerely,
Ronald L. Book
Ronald L. Book, P.A.
18851 N.E. 29th Avenue
Suite 1010
Aventura, FL 33180
Phone: 305.935.1866
Fax: 305.935.9737
email: Ron@rlbookpa.com
Allan Hoffman
Allan L. Hoffman, P.A.
Doug Hill
Fri, July 13, 2012 2:14:59 PM
Mr. Dooley
As a Gator Track and Field Athlete from, 71-73’. Gator Assistant Track Coach / Florida Relays Director 76-79
And a Florida Student Athlete, taught Fundamentals’ of Coaching by (Coaches), Beard, Bishop, Potter, Fuller, Hester, Tennant and Carnes,
to name a few.
I’M surprised when someone “states he is in his 50th year” of watching University of Florida sporting events!
Would omit one of the Greatest Gator Coaches in Florida history, (James Jerome, “Jimmy” Carnes), From your list.
“The Coach that Signed the first African- American to an Athletic Scholarship at the University of Florida”
Opening the door for so many more Gator Greats!
His Florida Dual meet winning percentage is .936, Florida was undefeated during my years, in Gainesville
Never lost a Track & Field meet to, Georgia, FSU, Ala, Auburn, GA Tech, LSU, USC, Miss State, Ole Miss,
(We went to Ohio State back then, Coach crammed 30 of us into the Blue Goose we flew up to Columbus &
whipped the Buckeyes butts in their brand new indoor field house)
Coach Carnes Coached several World Record Holders’ and Olympians’
Frank Shorter
Jack Bachelor
Ron Jourdon
Steve Williams, 100 Meters (Set on Percy Track)
Dave Roberts, Pole Vault (Set on Percy Beard Track)
University of Florida’s 2 Mile Relay World Record Team
Florida’s Shuttle Hurdle World Record Team,
Head Coach, USA 1980 Olympic Team
USA Olympic Assistant Coach, 1976’
A Member of 5 Different Sports Hall of Fames,
Never finished lower than Third in the SEC, Won a couple of Indoor titles.
No we didn’t win an NCAA Championship Back then. (But Coach Carnes did provide a lot of Guidance and mentoring
To a lot of us Gators, He was our Coach, Teacher, Father to his Children and Track Athletes, and a Humanitarian!
And He was always the first to ask you, “to tell me about how your family and yourself are doing and what can I do as a Gator Coach to help!
Including, Michael “Speedy Gonzales” Mouse” Holloway. That happens to also be an Olympic Assistant Coach.
“Thanks for including a Track Coach on the list”, but I feel several on your list even though they are all Great for our Gator Nation”
Still have a lot to do to rise to the level of Coach Jimmy Carnes.
Thank You for allowing gator track lettermen to voice our opinions on a good topic of discussion.
We hope to see a Gainesville Sun Columnist, At the unveiling of Coach Jimmy Carnes Boulevard shortly,
At this years Jimmy Carnes Invitational Track Meet and the Florida Relays.
Sincerely
Coach Doug Hill
Sports Consultant
678.612.7478 PH
866.695.0511 FX