AJC Story of the Year: Coach with ALS inspired players, fans and readers
More than 4,800 readers voted for the AJC Story of the Year, and the resounding winner was Greenville High School football coach Jeremy Williams
Williams led the Patriots to an undefeated season, while battle ALS. The coach’s inspiring tale received 42 percent of the votes, besting Georgia Tech’s run to the ACC title by 555 votes.
Tiger Woods’ demise came in third with 25 percent of the votes.
You can read more about Coach Williams in the following AJC stories:
Greenville coach fights Lou Gehrig’s disease
Greenville football coach plans return to sidelines
Greenville coach a rock – so’s his wife
Greenville’s inspiring journey ends in playoffs
Congrats to all the candidates, and thank you to everyone that participated.
May 2010 be your best year yet … AJC.com’s sport staff.
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127 comments Add your comment
Socko from Atlanta
December 9th, 2009
7:03 pm
……NONE ,……….Of Thee Above.,…………….
Andy Robinson
December 9th, 2009
8:58 pm
i’ve been a Ga.Tech fan since 1966(Go Jackets!).. but in my opinion the AJC story of the year is Coach Jeremy Williams of Greenville,GA.He led his team to an undefeated 10-0 regular season while battling ALS(Lou Gehrigs Disease).The team finished 11-1. His story is Awe Inspiring! His courageous story represents so many redeeming qualities for sports fans,coaches and players alike..hard work,perserverance,love,faith,..just to name a few. As a sports enthusiast i had the opportunity to attend the final game and listen to a postgame interview provided by Coach Williams.He praised his family,he praised the opposing coaches and players,he praised his own coaches and players, and he gave praise by sharing deep faith as he reflected on his coaching and playing career.
i met Coach Williams for the first time in my life that night but i don’t believe that i will ever see another sports figure who exemplies a greater profile in courage than Coach Jeremy Williams of Greenville,Ga.His story is a story for the ages.Thank you AJC for writing this story.Thank you Coach Jeremy Williams.
Clay
December 9th, 2009
10:20 pm
The Tiger Woods story is NOT a Sports story. What he did had nothing to do with sports. Come on, folks, don’t vote for the only non-sports story of the bunch!
Too Easy
December 10th, 2009
8:00 am
When the Dawgs win the SEC, they don’t lose to the insects.
Louie
December 10th, 2009
8:19 am
If follow sports, then Coach Williams story, was the story of 2009. I ditto Andy Robinson’s comments..
Lisa
December 10th, 2009
9:07 am
The only story that truly deserves this award is the Jeremy Williams story. I have had the privilage of knowing Jeremy and his family for a long time and you will not meet a more courageous person. He deserves this award more than any other story for the 2009 Sports Story of the Year.
Tracy Sims
December 10th, 2009
10:56 am
Coach Jeremy Williams is the winner hands down! He is such an inspiration and has been a wonderful role-model for everyone he has come in contact with. I can’t even think of another sports figure with as much courage and perseverance as Coach Williams.
E Dorman
December 10th, 2009
11:05 am
There really isn’t a question as to which of the stories pictured above is the story of the year. There is no other story listed that has more inspiration and more of a challenge to each and every one of us in our daily lives as the series on Coach Jeremy Williams. I hope that you will choose to cast your ballot for him as well.
Kelley Henderson
December 10th, 2009
11:14 am
Wow! What a great story about Greenville High School Coach, Jeremy Williams. He is truly an inspiration to his football players, his family and his entire community. This story is the BEST of 2009!! Coach William’s football players have learned lessons from him that they will never forget.
Chasity Brand
December 10th, 2009
11:42 am
Coach Jeremy Williams’ story is truly inspirational and noteworthy! THIS story gets my vote!
Joey Branch
December 10th, 2009
11:59 am
I have known Coach Williams for several years. Coach Williams has become a cornerstone for Greenville High School. Not only does his football family love him but the entire school and community. He has taught the players, students and region that CHAMPIONS NEVER QUIT!!! Although he is constantly faced with adversity, he rose above the crowd because of his faith and character. My son plays high school football and our team lost to Greenville this year. My son and I have had some long talks about spiritual growth and being a good role model. He thinks that Coach Williams is awesome and felt it would be an honor to play football for him. I have lived in this area almost my entire life and never before have me had someone with such an impact on our community and our kids. The article was inspiring, but mere words cannot begin to illustrate the impact Coach Williams has had on the entire area. Because of his faith, courage and determination, he has won the admiration and respect of everyone. We all complain about how sports figures earn large salaries and forget their past. Championships come and go. But of all the stories, this one is about a man that loves his players, students, family and community. You do not see professional ballplayers with a diagnosis such as his continue to fight and struggle everyday. They are placed an injured reserve list and sit comfortably while their team mates continue. Coach Williams is the example we pray our kids can meet. Thank you AJC for recognizing such an inspiring young man. Thank you Coach Williams and our prayers will be with you and your family.
Lonnie Walls
December 10th, 2009
12:08 pm
The Jeremy Williams story is one for the ages. I know him personally and he has blessed my life just knowing him. Real courage and character is when you do the right thing even when it is hard and inconvenient. This is the story that makes men understand that what we go through is just a conduit for what we are going to.
Josephine
December 10th, 2009
12:19 pm
The stories that the AJC ran about Coach Williams were emotionally inspiring to say the least. I have know Coach Williams for a number of years and I must say that he is indeed a remarkable and unique young man. Even though he has ALS, he has never let the disease get him down. On the other hand,Coach Williams is always praising his family, coaches and football players. I have never in my life seen any one person exemplify as much courage, passion and dedication as Coach Jeremy Williams.
The AJC did an outstanding job writing about him and that’s why his story should be the story of the year.
lucile branch
December 10th, 2009
1:37 pm
Coach Williams…and his family. I do not know him personally but his wife teaches my daughter horseback riding lessons and she is one of the strongest women I have ever come in contact with. Not only spiritually but emotionally and physically! She is a walking testimony to all that come in contact with her and even when asked how she is able to be so strong with a high needs son and a husband with als, she attributes nothing to herself but gives all the honor to jesus. She is an amazing example of trusting in Him not just when things are easy but also when met with adversity. The most impressive aspect of her though is the peace that she exudes…a peace that surpasses all understanding that when you talk to her you know it is supernatural. She pours herself out to others all day long, including teaching beginner riding lessons where I know first hand that she loves and encourages the 6 and 7 year old girls to be the best that they can be, to work hard, to love and have patience and to work through challenges like stubborn ponies and work through fears like after a fall. This family is remarkable and they deserve every honor that comes their way.
Jan Daniel
December 10th, 2009
1:51 pm
The Jeremy Williams story is truely a remarkable one. He has made such an impact on me and my family. I feel that we are all blessed just having him in our lives. Jeremy is an awesome man. I love the fact that we share the same birthday………even though he reminds me every year that I am the older one and always will be!!! He deserves this honor. Thank you for this story.
Carrie Keller
December 10th, 2009
2:25 pm
Please vote for Jeremy Williams…he has truly been a blessing to our small town and community. He has brought us together and been an inspiration to us all. Coach Williams deserves to be recognized for his successes both on and off the field.
Ryan Gunnin
December 10th, 2009
3:00 pm
Coach Williams’ story is the winner hands down. Why even have a “FAN” vote? In the grand scheme of things NONE of the other stories mean squat! Good job to the insects, good for Moreno and Stafford, Smoltz will always be a Brave and Tiger is human, but non e of these is a story.
I’ve never met Coach Williams, but I attended Greenvile High back in the day and they needed a man like Jeremy Williams.
A New Greenville/Williams Fan
December 10th, 2009
3:34 pm
Our prayers are with Coach AND his family. This reminds us what’s important in life and that sports are jsut that, sports.
Tremendous job with the team this year. Young men will have received much, much more on life’s lessons and how to truly handle adversity, something many of us really know nothing about.
Pam Dickinson
December 10th, 2009
4:03 pm
This man and his wife exemplify what real heroes are.
Chris Hanright
December 10th, 2009
4:04 pm
Coach Williams gets my vote. He is an incredible person.
Pat Easom
December 10th, 2009
4:11 pm
Fantastic family. They have my vote. May God Bless
Brenda Williams
December 10th, 2009
4:51 pm
God Bless them all- family, community and team! Go Jeremy Williams!!
Ann Tomlinson
December 10th, 2009
5:00 pm
What an inspiration he and his family are to the players and the community. May God bless them.
Jennifer Simmons
December 10th, 2009
5:27 pm
What a great way to be reminded of closeness and admiration. May God continue to bless this family.
Carol Lane
December 10th, 2009
5:41 pm
Coach Jeremy Williams, Head Football Coach for the Greenville High School Patriots, is the bravest person I have ever known. Jeremy has taught his players, the students at GHS and many others how to deal with adversity with a positive attitude. I know that I am a better person for knowing Jeremy. He has been a true blessing in my life as well as many, many other lives. May God continue to bless him and his family.
Tommy Arnold
December 10th, 2009
8:20 pm
Jeremy may noy have the publicity of these other stories, but his spirit, Strength, and Bravery dwarf them all…. God bless Jeremy Williams
Jimmy Bonner
December 10th, 2009
8:31 pm
Jeremy continues to be a role model for the everyone in the surrounding area. He leads by example in all that he does. His faith and love for his Savior shines through as strong as ever in this time of adversity. May he and his family’s witness encourage us all in our daily walk.
kush
December 10th, 2009
8:46 pm
This should be a no brainer. Jeremy Williams should be the story of the year. Who cares about a bunch of spoiled, rich, cheating athletes who could careless about the general public.
Bravissimo
December 10th, 2009
9:21 pm
Coach Williams and Greenville high school…hands down!
HS
December 10th, 2009
9:55 pm
Nothing could overshadow what Coach Williams accomplished.
Jackette
December 10th, 2009
10:46 pm
we know the UGA fans are voting against the ACC Champs, but that is the story of the year, GT winning the ACC and heading to the BCS
Taylor
December 10th, 2009
11:01 pm
who are the classless tech fans voting for their championship over a man’s amazing accomplishment?
Marcus
December 10th, 2009
11:08 pm
30-24 hahahaha
LawsonDawg
December 10th, 2009
11:33 pm
We’re not voting against GT Jackettes, we’re voting for Jeremy Williams for his courage and determination while taking his high school team to the playoffs.
Steve
December 11th, 2009
3:07 am
Georgia Tech winning a mid-major conference title is not nearly as impressive as battling ALS all the while showing the kids you are coaching how to be a MAN! That is the best way to lead young people, not by mouthing off to them about how they SHOULD do it.
As for the Jackets, congrats on winning the ACC. The unfortunate part is the entire conference got spanked when the 6th and 7th best SEC teams beat your division champions soundly just a week before your conference championship game. The reality is, Georgia could have won the ACC this year had they been switched with the Jackets, and that is a telling blow considering how mediocre the Dawgs were in the SEC this year. All those Jacket fans spouting off about how UGA would finish no better than in the middle of the pathetic ACC the week before they spanked you will probably still deny it, but the ACC is pitiful. They are by far the worst BCS conference this year, and the WAC and MWC are also arguably better. Deny it all you want, the rest of the country knows it.
shannon
December 11th, 2009
7:26 am
If people had a heart the real story of the year is Greenvilles head coach Jeremy took his team to a undefeated season while battleing ALS.
Jessica Martin
December 11th, 2009
7:30 am
As one co-worker of Jeremys said, “The more the ALS progresses, the more positive he (Jeremy)gets.” The world is a better place for having this man as a role model for our youth. He practices his faith openly in a quiet unassuming manner that humbles those around him who are healthy and strong. Jeremy Williams deserves all the accolades he can get for the courage and determination he has instilled in the students under his care. In him they see what a hero looks like. I have the privilege of observing his integrity and perseverance as a teacher at the Middle School down the road from the High School where he works. He has spoken to our athletes before and everything he said was encouraging them to be better people. We definitely need more citizens like him to inspire our young people.
Stan
December 11th, 2009
9:29 am
I am 58 years old and have seen a few couragious things in my life….Jeremy Williams, Greenville High School, is the most amazing.
Stan
Wes Padgett
December 11th, 2009
9:34 am
Jeremy has always led by example. I played baseball with him in high school, and if we ever needed to know how to do something correctly, we only had to observe Jeremy. It does not suprise me at all that he teaches his students by example. I am very lucky to know Jeremy and I hope his story wins this poll. He deserves it.
Jose Navarro
December 11th, 2009
9:44 am
Coach Jeremy Williams, the man, the myth, the legend. I want to see a movie made!
Darryl
December 11th, 2009
10:09 am
Coach Williams has to be the story of the year. He is the strongest Man I have ever known. Just to watch him as he leads by example not words. Afew weeks ago in the halls of GHS two students(football players) were arguing another player came by and told them that they were not going to disrespect Coach like that. If that does not tell you the character of the man. I don’t know what does.
Drew Shytle
December 11th, 2009
10:11 am
I do not know this man personally, but i have read many stories on this mans amazing courage and was brought to tears when his following young men spoke of their hero. May the lord be with him and his family. This story was absolutely amazing. someone give me a tissue!!!!!
Nichole Stevens
December 11th, 2009
11:48 am
I was a student of coach Williams while he taught at Manchester High School. He pushed me further then I thought possible and I am thankful he did. He is a real inspiration and I hope everyone knows that. He is an amazing person. I am very happy to have had the chance to know him. This story is truly the story of the year! PS Coach Williams I still love leg presses and squats.
Tripp Busby
December 11th, 2009
12:45 pm
If you think this year was unbelievable, just wait until you see next year.
Shawn Parks
December 11th, 2009
12:48 pm
Story of the year is Jeremy Williams. I am lucky to have known Jeremy since around 12 or 13. Jeremy was great then and he is great now. Jennifer and Jeremy please know that the two of you are an insperation to us all.
Shawn Parks
December 11th, 2009
12:50 pm
I hear ya Tripp. Go get em. I hate that I wasnt able to speak with you at the Wilcox game. I did speak to your father and asked him to tell you hello.
Wayne & Ruby
December 11th, 2009
12:59 pm
The 2009 Sports Story of the Year should hands down go to Greenville High School’s Coach Jeremy Williams. If there is anyone deserving of this award it is Coach Williams. Coach Williams is a person every man both “young” and “old” should come to know. He is truly DEDICATED to his “boys”, not to mention his family. We are very honored to have our son call him Coach. He has done so much for our son as well as every player he has ever came into contact with. He is the absolute best role model any parent would want for their child. He has changed our “BOYS” into “MEN” and for that I think we speak for every football parent when we say THANK YOU!!! All of this while battling ALS. We have watched “Coach” from the sidelines, in all kind of temperatures, feeling good and not so good, but he has never once gave in and decided enough was enough. He expects his players to be there so, of course he is to, long after the practices and games are over and everyone has gone home. He is truly an inspiration and no one is more appreciated and loved by more young men then he. Thank You Coach for everything you have brought to GHS and to every individual you have touched. You are in our book the 2009 Sports Story of the Year and hopefully the National High School Football Coach of the year. An honor well deserved by no one other than yourself.
Jamie
December 11th, 2009
1:02 pm
A man who lives what he believes and inspires others to do the same IS the story of the year!
woody
December 11th, 2009
2:21 pm
The City of Champions Pittsburgh,PA winning Stanley Cup and Super Bowl that’s a good SPORTS story.
You have a a bunch of Georgia Sports stories which is cool, but what the hell is Tiger Woods BS doing there. He is a sport figure his personal life has nothing to with SPORTS.
Tim Parks
December 11th, 2009
3:31 pm
Coach Williams is quite simply put as… One of the best men i’ve ever known. while i was under him at greenville high school, 02-06, he was one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me alot about being on the gridiron and making tough decisions. I’ve even remembered him as bein such a great coach that he took me to a camp about 3 hours away from my house and 4 hours from his just to get me publicized about and to pursue my college dreams. And the year after i left is when he got ALS, and when i came back to visit a teacher told me and coach williams never ever spoke of and still never ever does. Thats probably one of the strongest acts of courage that ive ever been around. Not only a great story but this man is an idol in my life. For all those who cant say it… THANKS COACH WILLIAMS!