Courtesy Ole Miss Media Relations
Monday, February 25, 2013
In 1976, Roy Coleman became the first black high-school quarterback to receive a scholarship at the University of Mississippi. When he signed with Ole Miss, Coleman mentally and physically prepared himself for the challenges he knew he would face by signing with a school that rallied under the rebel flag. Coleman became a true pioneer and broke down many barriers for black youth in collegiate sports in Mississippi.
Before college, Coleman led the Jackson Callaway High School Chargers to an undefeated season and a state championship win during the 1975-76 school year. No other metro Jackson high-school football team that has gone undefeated and won a state championship in the state since. During his senior year, Coleman became the Mississippi Player of the Year and shared co-honors as the state's Most Valuable Player.
In his freshman year at Ole Miss, Coleman played on the junior varsity team as a quarterback, said Jack Carlisle, who coached Coleman. Moved to the varsity team as a sophomore, Carlisle asked Coleman to play as a wide receiver for one season, which he did. Coleman moved back into the quarterback spot during his junior and senior years.
Carlisle recalled Coleman as "one of my favorite kids," adding that he was a good sport as well as a "tremendous athlete." He played the position of wide receiver to the best of his ability with a great attitude. "Anything to help the team," Coleman responded when Carlisle asked him to take the wide receiver spot. For that, Coleman gained perpetual respect.
Coleman went on to receive his college degree from Ole Miss. After his college career ended, Coleman became a firefighter.
Coleman died of natural causes Tuesday, Feb. 5. Born in Jackson, Coleman was living in Memphis, Tenn. at the time of his death. Coleman was divorced and is survived by three daughters, Kristen, 23; Keeley, 15; and Katie, 14; and a son, Joshua, 21. He is also survived by his mother, Marva Coleman, a brother, Glen Coleman, and a sister, Shelia Wilkerson. Memorial services are still being planned.
Jerome Gentry is the author of "Mississippi's Uncovered Glory: True Football & Life in Mississippi During the Mid 1970s."
UPDATED: Feb. 25 to correct the author's statements that Coleman did not play as a quarterback for Ole Miss.
Comments
tnet 11 years, 2 months ago
Very sad to read about Mr. Coleman's passing. I was a sophomore at Central when we ran into that excellent Callaway football team. The baseball team wasn't too bad either with Hill Denson as coach. I never realized that he was the first black quarterback to sign at Ole Miss. Thanks for the article Mr. Gentry.... I remember you and your brothers.... I was one of the 2 or 3 white guys on Central's team...
debraamos 11 years, 2 months ago
I remember Roy Coleman, he was a friend of my aunt Dorothy (Ervin). I am sorry to hear about his passing, I attended school with his sister Shelia, you all are definitely in our prayers. He was the best quarterback, during that time. There is comfort in Psalms 121:1-2("I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth"). May God continue to bless and comfort you all, during this time. Debra (Gray) Amos, and Dorothy (Ervin) Smith
oldcoachfrank 11 years, 2 months ago
MY SYMPATHY TO THE COLEMAN FAMILY..ONE OF THE GREAT HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES IN OUR STATE DURING THE 70'S. I SHALL REMEMBER SEVERAL OF HIS TRIUMPHANTS, INCLUDING THE VICTORY OVER NOTRE DAME WHILE AT OLE MISS..
COACH FREDDIE LEE MURRAH HIGH SCHOOL 1969-1982
darlenemallett 11 years, 2 months ago
My condolensences to the Coleman family. Thanks to you Mr. Genrty for uncovering another one of "Mississippi's uncovered Glory". Our history will live on through the eyes of those who are inspired by our glory.
rpabe 11 years, 2 months ago
Contrary to Mr Gentry's article, Coleman actually played both receiver and QB at Ole Miss. He started several games at quarterback his junior year.
bubbat 11 years, 2 months ago
He played QB some in every game his junior and senior seasons. Mr Gentry need to check his stats again.
SECDB1977 11 years, 2 months ago
Jerome Gentry you have written an article that is strictly to sensationalize your book. Your facts regarding Roy's playing days at Ole Miss are completely wrong. As a teammate of Roy's I find your remarks disgraceful to him, his family and his teammates and coaches that saw him as a brother not a symbol as you portray. You should recant your story and apologize to us all.
William Day Ole Miss 1975-79 football
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